Next Wednesday (2 February) is World Wetlands Day, it is 40 years since the seminal international conference held in Ramsar, Iran, established the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
The early years of the 1970s saw a blossoming of environmental awareness of which the Ramsar conference was a significant part. In many ways it marked the dawn of the modern era of nature conservation – it is a significant anniversary.
I hope to come back to the Ramsar story next week – but in the meantime, here’s an event I can thoroughly recommend taking place in Shropshire organised by the Lapwing Meadows Project to celebrate World Wetlands Day.
And here's a couple of lapwings showing off
On Wednesday, 2nd February 2011 the RSPB, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency are holding a public consultation event and celebration of World Wetlands Day at Wall Farm near Kynnersley.
RSPB, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency are working together with farmers and landowners to revitalise the wetlands of the Weald Moors and Baggy Moor in Shropshire to enable breeding wading birds and a host of other wildlife to flourish in the area. The project has been dubbed ‘Lapwing Meadows’; to reflect the type of landscape and wildlife we hope to see more of in the future.
Wetlands are a vital part of our countryside, they are essential wildlife habitats and interesting places for people to visit. They also play an important part in our everyday lives supplying us with fresh water, helping to control flooding and mitigating the effects of climate change.
To celebrate Ramsar’s World Wetlands Day the project will be hosting a special event between 3pm and 8pm at Wall Farm, near Kynnersley. Throughout the afternoon there will be opportunities to learn more about wetlands with activities for all ages. There will be a guided walk at 3pm giving you the opportunity to visit a successfully managed wetland area and see the positive difference it makes to wildlife. There will also be a talk from our own RSPB Wetlands Advisor Mike Shurmer at 5.30pm.
As well as providing opportunities to find out more about wetlands and the animals who live in them, the event will be used to share the vision for the project with the people who live and work in and around Weald Moor and to help us understand the views of the local community. Members of the project group will be in attendance and provide further information about the project and answer questions. There will also be activities and opportunities to share ideas and raise any issues or concerns.
The event is free with tea, coffee and light refreshments provided and all are welcome. If you would like further information, please contact Sarah Wheale on 01952 433211 or email sarah@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk.It’s a good few years since I visited Wall Farm, it’s a special place and fantastic example of the best mix of farming and conservation.
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