Yes, birdwatching is the next big thing. Don’t know if you read the Review section in last Sunday’s Observer, but it’s now the cool activity the ‘in crowd’ are up to – when they’re not producing their hit singles, films and TV shows. Cameron Diaz, Mick Jagger and Van the Man are already ‘celebrity birdwatchers’. Who next? Jedward? Katie would have been better off birdwatching instead of bugmunching in the jungle. Will we see her in HELLO next, sporting designer wellies and pink binoculars? Whatever! The nerdy twitcher perception is so over!
So if you’re a regular follower of this blog and ‘observer’ along the Lagan, congratulations on being a trend leader!! (Best of all, it’s free!)
Could this be the reason why the Lagan Valley volunteer programme has been going from strength to strength? Hardy individuals who clearly care passionately about their local area have been getting training, getting dirty and developing skills and knowledge in a wide range of conservation tasks. The people you see treeplanting, counting wildflowers, removing invasive species, creating bird hides and pitching in with many aspects of woodland management could well be volunteers.
Volunteering is great for toning those arms!
The bird conservation programme, a major element of the award-winning Laganscape project, could not be implemented without volunteer assistance. The RSPB helped get things off the ground, identifying vulnerable species suffering population decline due to habitat loss, and providing guidance and training. To date, volunteers have constructed and erected over 100 nest boxes for birds such as sparrows, blue tits and spotted flycatchers.
Woodwork trainees at Hydebank Young Offenders Centres also built over 50 bird boxes which have now been placed throughout the Park. Over the next few months, Volunteers and Park staff are monitoring the use of these boxes. Come spring they should know which are being used for nesting. This information helps assess the best locations and possible alternatives.
Start 'em young! Our littlest volunteer installs a bat box
If you would like to be a Lagan volunteer, contact: 9049 1922
To read the Observer article: www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/review
Join the beautiful people birdwatching along the Lagan, and who knows what celebrities you may spot....along with the birds?
ALSO…if your treks take you near the Lock Keepers Cottage or Belvoir Park, pop into the RSPB Headquarters at Belvoir Park and check out the fab Christmas Shop. A winter wonderland of brilliant sustainable gifts – not just bird care, but garden items, books, cds, cards, toys - all sorts of very trendy bird-related goodies! Open Monday to Friday 10-4 and Sunday 1-4pm.