Blogger: Malcolm Key, RSPB Woodbridge Local Group
If you are the habit of voting on things then why not vote for one of our local groups new innovative projects “Six RSPB Suffolk Coastal Reserves Book”.
The project will update and extend a previous, unique publication produced by the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group, which is now out of date and out of print. The booklet will provide the reader with historical and environmental information, with a seasonal structure, for six Suffolk RSPB coastal reserves (Boyton Marshes, Dingle Marshes, Havergate Island, Minsmere, North Warren, and Snape Reserve). This approach will help the reader to plan a visit to see specific seasonal activity. A completely new chapter will be written to describe the Snape Reserve (Snape Warren/Abbey Farm/Botany Farm) for which no visitor information is currently available.
The six reserves described in the new book are all within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The publication will illustrate clearly and comprehensively the character and special qualities of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths region and the importance and scale of these RSPB reserves which lie within this designated area. The reserves contain examples of all the habitats which make this AONB special, including Salt Marsh and Intertidal Mudflats, Coastal Levels, Valley Meadowland and Estate Sandlands. Each reserve will have its own chapter where a detailed habitat and facilities map and reserve description, will enhance the visitor understanding of the site and its wildlife. These special habitats are fragile; the environmentally sustainable management techniques required for them to maintain and protect them are explained within the book to provide the reader with a better understanding of the local area. The two pictures show management in action by two very different methods: people and ponies. There will be a new section on climate change and coastal erosion and how this is likely to impact on these reserves and their wildlife in this AONB.
The book will have contact details to establish the current programme of special events and how to participate in them.
The plan is to print 3000 copies of the booklet and distribute a free copy to all schools and libraries in the AONB and all the money raised by the sale of this book will be used to further improve these wonderful reserves for wildlife and people.
Vote here: http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/3096