Red Kite feeding station trial at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is launching a trial project to enable visitors and locals alike to enjoy the spectacular sight of a famous bird of prey, the Red Kite, in Shropshire.
The centre is planning on establishing a specified Red Kite feeding station to educate and inform people about these magnificent birds, and is inviting people along on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 April 2013 to hear their plans, provide feedback and register any volunteers to take part in the project, which will begin in autumn 2013.
The feeding station project has been made possible by a grant of £3370 from Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.
The Red Kite came perilously close to extinction in the 1930s, but their numbers have been on a steady rise in recent years thanks to a combination of preservation initiatives. Installation of various feeding stations across Wales has been partly behind the increase in Red Kite numbers since then.
The centre hopes that, by establishing a feeding station, they can help young birds survive the winter by supplementing the food obtained in the wild, and provide greater opportunities for people to see the Red Kites.
Ten Red Kite nests were found in the Shropshire Hills in 2009, with this number rising to 23 by 2012.
Krissi Rochelle, Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre manager, hopeful that these plans can see even more nests appearing in the years to come, said:
“This is such an exciting venture for us here at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
“It is really encouraging to see Red Kite numbers steadily on the rise again. By offering the public the opportunity to view these majestic birds and find out more about their recovery and habits, we hope to play our part in not only their conservation but also to educate our visitors and inspire them to become passionate about local wildlife and conservation.”
The 23 April event runs 3pm until 7pm, and everyone is welcome to drop by at any time between then. If you would like to get involved or attend, contact Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre on 01588 676060.
