Thank
godwit for Burton Mere Wetlands
Help
celebrate the success of RSPB’s Dee Estuary nature reserve at Burton Mere
Wetlands, near Neston, on May 19 and 20 as they launch a limited edition
black-tailed godwit pin badge.
Since
1979 the RSPB have been working hard on the Dee Estuary to create and protect
one of the most important wetland sites in the world.
And
since opening Burton Mere Wetlands, thousands of visitors have been getting
amazing views of the area’s star birds, including the black-tailed
godwits.
These
amazing birds travel hundreds of miles from Iceland to spend the winter here and
the visitor building at Burton Mere Wetlands is arguably the best place to see
them in the UK. Our large, spectacular flock of non-breeding godwits stay
throughout the summer.
Paul
Brady, RSPB Visitor Development Officer said “It’s hard to imagine that less
than a year ago, these stunning birds just weren’t here and it gives us great
satisfaction that all the hard work we have put in is paying off. Getting a
one-off pin badge in return for a donation is a great way to show your pride for
a wonderful species found in your local area – I certainly know I’ll be getting
one!”
Get
down to Burton Mere Wetlands between 10am and 4pm on 19 and 20 May to for your
chance to own a special pin badge, walk the scenic trails and see the
birds that make the area so special, including elegant avocets and pristine
little egrets.
RSPB
Burton Mere Wetlands is off the A540 (Chester High Road) and just 10 minutes
from the M56. Follow the brown signposts from the A540. The reserve entrance is
on Puddington Lane, just outside Burton village near to Bishop Wilson Primary
School. The reserve has a car park with cycle racks and there are toilets
available on site.
For
more information about RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve visit:
www.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands. The reception building and nature reserve is
open daily from 9.30am until 5pm. For more details see the website or phone
0151 353 8478.
Black-tailed
Godwits (Limosa limosa) are a red-listed rare breeding bird in the UK with up to
43,000 of the Icelandic race over-wintering in the UK. Black-tailed godwits are
large wading birds. In summer, they have bright orangey-brown chests and
bellies, but in winter, they are more greyish-brown. Their most distinctive
features are their long beaks and legs, and the black and white stripes on their
wings.
The
Dee Estuary has been designated a site of international importance as up to
6,000 can be present in the autumn and winter months. Their increasing numbers
in the UK have undoubtedly benefitted from correct conservation management of
lowland wet grassland and coastal marshland. The main threats to them are
overgrazing, disturbance and drainage of suitable lowland
sites.
The
RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our
environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. Click here to join
today www.rspb.org.uk/join
'The
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity:
England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654
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