Trip reports
RSPB volunteers flock to Bingham's Pond
Saturday, 1 December 2007
Volunteers from RSPB Glasgow have made sure that Bingham's Pond in Glasgow's Kelvinside remains a beautiful spot for birds and birdwatching.
On Saturday 1 December 2007, more than 20 volunteers from RSPB Glasgow, the local community and staff from the City Council rolled up their sleeves to give the Pond an early 'spring clean'. Equipped with litter pickers and black bags provided by the City Council's Clean Glasgow Team, the volunteers teamed-up to clean the pond and its immediate surrounds.
The pond, which is popular with local residents, visitors to Gartnavel hospital and guests at the Best Western Glasgow Pond Hotel was naturalised by Glasgow City Council in 2003, to help improve water quality and to attract a wider range of birds. This has proved very successful with over 50 species of bird having now be seen at the pond and more importantly five different species of waterbird, including the tufted duck, settling down to breed. During the summer, they and their offspring have proven to be a great attraction, especially for younger visitors.
The volunteers set about clearing up the litter that had accumulated in and around the pond, posing a threat to the birds and other pond-life. The group chose to carry out this work to avoid disturbing birds during the breeding season which for some birds starts in March.
Agnes Gunn, leader of the Glasgow Group of the RSPB said: "I am delighted that local residents and staff from the Best Western Glasgow Pond Hotel have joined forces with the RSPB volunteers to help clean up litter from the pond. The tea, coffee and biscuits supplied by Hotel staff was also much appreciated.
"It is important that people start to realise that their actions can have a damaging impact on the environment. The Clean Glasgow campaign has successfully raised people's awareness that litter leaves not only a negative impression, but can also endanger wildlife.
"I hope that the campaign will continue to go from strength to strength and the birds are able to continue to breed into the future. It is a beautiful spot and home to some wonderful birds. I hope that our efforts will help to keep it this way."