Heronwatch 2011 to be launched in Ellesmere

The Heronwatch volunteers are preparing for the launch of the new season on Saturday 12 February 2011, and will be on hand in the Boathouse Visitor Centre by The Mere at Ellesmere, to help people use the cameras as well as telescopes
and binoculars.

Herons are now starting to return to the heronry on Moscow Island to breed and rear their chicks, and throughout the spring people will have the chance to see these amazing events via CCTV cameras that will allow views right inside the nests without disturbing the birds.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“This is the second year for ‘Heronwatch’ in the refurbished Visitor Centre run by the council, and promises to be even better than last year when some rather intriguing discoveries were made. So who knows what 2011 might reveal?”

Local Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere Urban, Councillor Ann Hartley said,

“Heronwatch is a unique project that has been running at Ellesmere for many years. It is exactly what it says it is: a brilliant way to watch and wonder at these fascinating birds and, like all good things, it gets better every year. So, there’s a real treat in store for anyone interested in Ellesmere’s wonderful wildlife at the Heronwatch launch on Saturday 12 February, between 11am and 3pm.”

Smaller birds are not forgotten either. It is now possible to view life inside two nest boxes. There are already signs of occupation, so it won’t be long before you can observe these families too. And, of course, there’s still the fun of being able to scan all round The Mere with the mobile cameras.

Carolyn Healy, Shropshire Council’s parks and countryside manager, added

“We’re on the lookout for new volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming involved with this exciting project would be most welcome to join us. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner: we’ll give you any training you need.”

Heronwatch will continue every day – except Mondays – from 10am to 3.30pm until the end of March and then during April and May, every day from 10am to 5pm.

For more information contact Elaine Reynolds, Shropshire Council’s community development officer on 01691 624301 or elaine.reynolds@shropshire.gov.uk