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Dr Hoo
 
RSPB’s Weekly Connect 5 May 2021
Dear David

I hope you had a good May Day Bank Holiday weekend, the first of our bank holidays for quite a while where we have had slightly fewer Covid restrictions and could do a little more. I enjoyed getting out and about walking in some new areas and that all important (and well earned) drink in a nice beer garden after a long walk.

In my email this week, you’ll find:
 
 
 
  • 2020: an amazing year for wildlife on RSPB reserves
  • The wee swift returning
  • Become a seabird scientist from your sofa
  • Pony poo for conservation at RSPB headquarters
  • Volunteer Expo – May 7 & 8
 
 
 
 
 
2020: an amazing year for wildlife on RSPB reserves
2020 proved to be an amazing year for wildlife on RSPB reserves, with many threatened species having a record breeding season and many other species doing well. More than 18,500 species now call an RSPB reserve home.

The new Wildlife on RSPB Nature Reserves 2020 report brings together information about the wildlife on the RSPB’s nature reserves and reveals the ups and downs of the bird breeding season, together with other wildlife highlights.

The RSPB currently manages 224 nature reserves across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, covering a total of 160,358 hectares – an area four times the size of the Isle of Wight.
One amazing year for wildlife
 
 
 
 
 
The wee swift returning
With the start of summer approaching we are gearing up to welcome swifts back to Edinburgh, where we have been working over the winter to create a sanctuary for these amazing birds.

Edinburgh Swift City Project Officer Katie O'Neill tells us what we can all do to welcome them back.
Help swifts near you
 
 
 
 
 
Become a seabird scientist from your sofa
If lockdown restrictions have had you missing bustling colonies of seabirds, here is a chance to visit them – albeit remotely – while contributing to an exciting citizen science project called Seabird Watch.

Seabird populations are in decline globally, owing to threats from fisheries, pollution, invasive predators, habitat destruction and human disturbance.

On the Seabird Watch website, you can become a seabird scientist and help us learn more about how our seabird populations are doing around the globe.
Become a sofa seabird scientist
 
 
 
 
 
Pony poo for conservation at RSPB headquarters
The RSPB headquarters has welcomed six new team members – Dartmoor ponies! Kevin, Podkin, Pook, Barramoor Tom, Black Magic and Roger will be at The Lodge over the spring and summer, helping to make the habitat even better for wildlife – in part thanks to their poo!

Find out more about the many ways this endangered native breed can help transform landscapes for everything from bugs to birds, and how these new Dartmoor ponies will help conservation at the heart of the RSPB.
Pony poo for conservation
 
 
 
 
 
Volunteer Expo – May 7 & 8
Volunteer Expo Online is the new, national event to harness the power of volunteering and we’ll be there. Why not join us?

Volunteer Expo Online will connect, educate and inspire volunteers, organisations and charities to change lives and take action in their communities. As you’re already a volunteer, you’ll be able to network with peers, develop your personal skills and see and hear what other charities and organisations are up to.

If you know someone who is interested in volunteering but doesn’t quite know what to put their time and talents towards, invite them along. Tickets for the event are free.
Volunteer Expo 7-8 May
 
 
 
 
 
Some useful links
• RSPB Volunteering Facebook group
• Martin Harper, Executive Director of Global Conservation's regular blog

Country blogs

• RSPB Scotland
• RSPB England
• RSPB Cymru
• RSPB NI

• Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK
• RSPB Assistance Programme
• BBC – What are the rules in my area?
 
 
 
 
 
Last week free, fast and regular testing for people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) became available to everyone in Scotland, as it is currently for those of us in England. In Wales if you volunteer you can also get these tests free.

Take care, stay safe and stay healthy.

Alan Murray
Head of Volunteering / Pennaeth Gwirfoddoli
volunteers@rspb.org.uk
 
 
 
We spend 90% of our net income on conservation, public education and advocacy