So as Thomo has already posted , I thought I would try and highlight it more for all to see as EASILY missed on front page especially if you have your tablet on portrait so can't read all!!!!!!
It's
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
PLEASE BE AWARE:
THIS COMMUNITY IS CLOSING DOWN ON 1ST OF JULY 2025
Would like to also state that is my membership now cancelled after a phone call to headoffice , bit harsh some may think but a dont use it enough anyways as my local RSPB site is free and I do plenty in my own garden to help wildlife.
It is what has been concerning all of us for some years - with each rejig and 'new upgrade'. the trolls have won
Cin J
Och ano we have had our moans and grown through it all and some of yous for sooooo much longer...really a sad day as its the community that got me into joining the RSPB and birdwatching
20 years ish probably - took a break after my husband died.
I wonder where people will go for sensible advice on how to feed birds, when and where to go to for help with injured creatures and to celebrate our fabulous countryside and love of all things with wings
This is a real shame as I enjoy reading and contributing to the goings on at certain nests
I dread to think
Such sad news the end of an era having been on here since 2012 when I shared news of my garden birds and nesting Kestrels in my quarry plus a lot of involvement in Peregrine/Owls/Ospreys webcams and got to know so many lovely people ... a great loss for many folk all over UK & abroad, our daily lives will never be the same and social media is no substitute, just been on St Albans Peregrine page on Facebook, so many hateful posts, who wants that?
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
I know I'm a minority (in terms of those still contributing to the forum), but I agree with the decision and it was inevitable IMO.
Now the long response.
1) It is unsustainable to have a forum that is unmoderated, or anything less than fully moderated in 2025 UK. Simply too much lawlessness.
2) It is unsustainable to have a charity using ever limited funds to provide facilities which aren't 'core' to the purpose the charity was set up for.
3) It is unsustainable to have a charity use funds generously donated by supporters and members so people who aren't interested in paying anything towards the costs, get something for nothing.
4) RSPB has to demonstrate as well as achieve cost reductions in non core areas. Otherwise, members will choose to leave rather than subsidise such activities.
5) As much of the UK and World becomes more and more lawless, more and more moderating is required, not less. That costs money. More and more of it.
6) Misinformation is posted everywhere, incl on here. As the community is seen as 'RSPB', that isn't good for the brand.
7) ......neither is arguing over post content, screens of webcam chat on (largely) single species, advice which is correct but which members of the public then don't like etc.
8)......neither is signing up to post something and never receiving a reply due to lack of contributors, and/or loss of post amongst webcam chat.
9) The architecture was never right. Needs money spent.....which I wouldn't support.
10) As nice as photographs are, the technology (both hardware and software) these days means all sorts of shenanigans are both possible and widespread. The days of enjoying looking at photos, for me at least, has gone....other than old scanned in stuff! I know people take photos and uploading them....no editing, no changing backgrounds, etc etc....but it's like watching the Olympics now....
11) There are other alternatives. Although people get used to the community, using an alternative won't take long to get used to.
The list isn't complete, but possibly covers the most important reasons why I agree with the decision. Number 2 and 11 are probably the most important ones.
I accept a small number of people joined RSPB and/or got more interested in wildlife & birds due to the community. I would argue more left the RSPB because of their experience of the community over the years though, and I also suspect some have been using the community and at no stage considered joining.
EDIT: Be aware that clicking on 'last post' will take you to 'page not found' ... you will need to click on the original post in the index page!
I know we probably all knew the day would come and I totally understand their needs for termination but still comes as a blow . No more morning coffee biscuits and a catch up on the community. Like you say WendyBartter so much hateful posts on social media so that is defo NOT an option for me....I came on this morning excited to share my latest outing to the Japanese Garden with you all now a don't see much point even taking photos anymore !