The recent wet weather has caused problems on some nature reserves. In particular, can you note that the Tophill Low site is closed until at least April.

At the time of writing there is considerable development work going off at Old Moor thanks to a National Lottery funding grant. I went yesterday and there is restricted parking available due to work improving the car park area. Don’t let it put you off going and just park safely where you can.

New car parking meters have been installed at RSPB Fairburn and RSPB St Aidans. They only take cards for payment. If you don’t have a card then go to reception. You need to display both your receipt and your RSPB membership card near your windscreen. RSPB members can park for free but you still need to get a receipt from the machine.

Following stories of the fraudulent use of used postage stamps the Charity Commission has issued a press statement asking organisations to cease collecting used stamps.

The RSPB has therefore immediately ceased collecting used stamps as part of the Albatross Stamp Appeal. However, supporters of the appeal are asked to donate stamp collections, first day covers and stamp albums instead. These items will then be auctioned at specialist stamp auctions and the funds raised, minus auction costs, will be used to support our Albatross Task Force.

Items should be sent to RSPB Stamps, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL or drop them off at the nearest RSPB reserve or office.

We are pleased to report that everybody seemed to enjoy the coach trip to Frampton Marsh even though some of us got caught in the open on the top of the high banking for 10mins in the rain. It was great to be there in a group and we all could pass on bird information to each other and help identify birds. Members were also able to share their scopes with those that did not have one. In particular, we got good views of a merlin and a peregrine. Other birds seen included american wigeon, barnacle goose, pintail, hen harrier, marsh harrier, golden plover, black-tailed godwit and long-billed dowitcher.

We would also like to thank the staff at RSPB Frampton Marsh who were very helpful.

Four volunteers worked on our local group stand at the Auckley Show today (18th August). The photo shows 3 of the volunteers chatting with one of the successful entrants to our Feed the Birds game who received a ‘make your own bird feeder’ kit. For once the weather was kind to us and, unlike the last 2 years, we didn’t need to hold the gazebo down due to strong winds. Thanks to all the members, friends of the group and the general public who visited the stand.

We are sorry to report that the annual RSPB weekend events will no longer be continued. This year’s event, whilst enjoyable, continued the decline in attendance, so the event is no longer economically viable.

The Members’ Day and AGM  will continue with the next one being in London in October.

We are pleased to report that the development of a research and training facility at Hatfield Moor is progressing well. We are also sad to report that they are now charging you to leave your car in the main car park. Hope this trend does not catch on.