Well, what a good day I've had. As well as enjoying a visit to the lovely Rainham Marshes reserve it was also hosting the annual Hen Harrier day event - and boy, didn't we get the weather? The official event greeter was at the door:
I really felt for her in what had to be a hot and uncomfortable costume. Looks adorable, though!
This is Peregrine EnChantica. They were singing a most appropriate song for the occasion.
There were lots of these and other banners and placards about.
Mark Avery obligingly pulls on an official T-shirt over his shirt in between signing copies of his book, Inglorious.
Whatever did Mike Clarke say to Chris Packham?
Mark Avery gets the event started. Up first is Charlie Moores of BAWC:
He doesn't like microphones.
All smiles as he gets it sorted! He was a nervous but sincere speaker who earned several spontaneous rounds of applause with the points he made.
The next speaker was Mike Clarke, who revealed he'd grown up in Kent and regularly seen hen harriers in the area in his youth. That's what I call lucky.
They saved the best for last. What a great speaker Chris Packham is - it was a world away from his Springwatch style as he spoke seriously about the plight of the hen harriers as well as the tactics of those individuals who clearly prefer the status quo. He even pointed out that it was pointless to try to upset him as, being autistic, he officially doesn't care what they think! I think that point got him the most applause.
This placard was regularly updated.
He shows off the increase with his 'I'm going to get this to 100,000 if it kills me' expression.
'Henry' gears up for action again. It was really hot by this point.
He actually stayed for quite some time - chatting to people and signing copies of his autobiography for anyone who asked. What a nice bloke.
The lovely Howard Vaughan of Rainham. Gotcha, Howard!
A good day was had by all and the numbers were well in excess of expectations. I'm looking forward to next year....let's all hope we've got more than 3 pairs of hen harriers breeding in England in a year's time.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
I don't know but it looks a certainty for tomorrow.
Great photos Clare and a great event we had at Saltholme, Teesside too I even won a sweatshirt and some Bowland Hen Harrier Beer in the raffle LOL Great to see the petition nearing it's target
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
I am very proud to say that my teenager has just signed this petition.
Excellent, Clare! And thanks to the next generation!
Kind regards, Ann
JudiM said: I even won a sweatshirt and some Bowland Hen Harrier Beer in the raffle
95,695 now. I think it's time we started looking at how many MP's and Lords shoot grouse or are otherwise sympathetic to the 'industry'. I'm fairly sure the new PM doesn't have that kind of background.
Dave Cameron was given a tour around Rainham Marshes only a short time before the big Brexit vote. Rainham should invite the new PM asap since it seems some education would be desirable, considering the person who has been appointed as the new version of environment minister.
Unknown said:the person who has been appointed as the new version of environment minister.
Clare, I hope you are right!
I'm probably off my trolley.