This morning 25 of us met at the spendidly timbered meeting room at The Riverside Country Park in Lower Rainham. This had been organised by Murray Orchard and other counters to, not only bring us all togetther but to discuss the future of the BTO/RSPB/JNCC joint survey and how to better improve the efficiency and coverage of this vastly important gathering of wildfowl-wader data.
I think it's fair to say the three estuaries of the Rivers Thames, Medway and Swale are right up there on the top table of National/International importance for the afore-mentioned estuary orientated bird species.
With the Medway and North Kent areas facing unprecidented pressures for housing and other developments it is vitally important that we have sound verifiable statistics to counteract plans that impinge on the delicate status of this unique part of the British Isles.
Not only was I there as a WeBS counter and RSPB Medway Local Group Committee member, but also Marie and Rob Tilley who are hoping to become more involved in WeBS.
It was also pleasing to see three Birdwise staff led by Hayley giving a very valuable input explaining their role in attempting to minimise the disruption from various quarters, be it irresponcible dog walkers to jet skiers entering and speeding inshore.
Importantly Julian Nash was there as RSPB Snr Site Manager for the North Kent Marshes that stretch from east of Gravesend ie Shorne Marsh to Seasalter.
So in a nutshell what was the outcome apart from a nice chat and a cup of tea? Instead of there being one co-ordinator, for which Geoff Orton is to be heartily congratulated for his work, there will be three, one for each of the estuaries as afore-described.
We will co-ordinate more, meet more, recruit more and be a more efficient body.
More able to preserve and protect these iconic species.
The North Kent Marshes are a very special area and worth preserving at all cost.