Minutes of the Committee Meeting  19th February 2008

Held at the National Trust Offices Llandeilo.

1) Present  John Lloyd, George Causley, Rob Hunt, Derek Moore, Diana Jones, Owen Harris, Wendell Thomas, Beth Harris.

Apologies  Jenny Davies, Colin Jones.

2) The minutes of the meeting held on the 20th November 2007 were accepted as a true record.

3) These were approved for publication on the website with the exception of one item considered sensitive because of ongoing negotiations,

4) Matters Arising

As the secretary could not remember asking the web master about uploading the records for2001 and 2002 on the website he undertook to do this.

5) Conservation Matters

Witchet Pool

Concern and frustration were expressed that despite being asked by the MOD Conservation Officer for records from the site co-operation in terms of better access has not been forthcoming.  In the meantime what was once an excellent habitat is now continuing to degrade.  It was decided to continue a watching brief on this site.

Dipper Nest Boxes

The new bridge at Cynghordy has been completed and despite positive assurances from the CCC Conservation Officer Isabel Mach no nest boxes have been installed.  John Lloyd will continue to pursue this with the Council.

Kidwelly Quay

It was reported that there is a planning application under way for the development of the old pig farm at the Quay into a garden centre.  It was felt that our attitude ought to be determined by the details of the application with particular regard to the preservation of a hedge along the lane to the Quay opposite the Sewage Farm.  The Chairman undertook to seek clarification on this point.

6) Publications

The Birds of Carmarthenshire

Though the main body of the work is completed there are sections where contributions have not been forthcoming.  John Lloyd will have to write these himself if there are no offers of help.

Site Guide

This is in the hands of Gary Harper and Rob Hunt for proof reading and amendment. 

Bird Report 2006

This is at the printers and Derek Moore felt that it must be ready for proof reading.  Having only just returned from abroad he will follow this up in the next day or so.  Wendell Thomas offered to handle the posting of the Report to the usual recipients as before.. Efforts will need to be made to find someone to handle the remainder of the distribution following Angela Lovegrove's departure.

7) Bird Recorder's Report

There was discussion of certain glitches on the website that it was felt might discourage people from submitting records on line.  Derek Moore undertook to speak to Mark Newton about how an otherwise excellent site might be further improved.  The point was made that about 90% of records are now submitted on line which makes putting together the annual report very much easier.  That said the Recorder pointed out that he still needs help in extracting the individual sightings from the site.. He will speak to Colin Jones about help in this respect.  Derek informed the meeting that the 2006 Report carries a trenchant criticism of the failure of the WWT Wales to provide breeding records for Penclacwydd.  Wendell Thomas reported that co-operation over 2007 records was much improved.  Also on the plus side was the fact that Derek had received records from the RSPB site at Dinas.  Derek also expressed the desire to give up the job of authoring the report in view of his other commitments and the time spent abroad.

8) BTO Representative's Report

In the absence of Colin Jones John Lloyd reported that the Atlas work is progressing satisfactorily with good coverage in the South of the County but sparse coverage in the North.  The hope was expressed that recorders would undertake to fill in some of the blank areas of the County in the last three years of the project

John has received an agreement form from the BTO for those clubs willing to undertake a local atlas in conjunction with the national scheme.  This agreement is for the mutual sharing of records.  The Agreement was also scrutinised by then secretary.  It was agreed that John would complete and return the form.  He stressed the need for contributing roving records of even common birds in order that the atlas would be complete for as many tetrads as possible.

9) Programme of Meetings

Wendell Thomas reported good attendances of between 19 and 15 at outdoor meetings and between 28 and 45 at indoor meetings.  This compares very favourably with attendances at the Gwent club who have far larger membership.  Both the recent talks by our own members namely Barry Stewart and Rob Hunt have been well received.  The recent meeting at Whitford attracted 15 Carmarthenshire members and 8 members from Gwent.  A total of 54 species were seen.  Future meetings are a s follows:-

Wednesday March 12th.

An illustrated talk by Mr Nigel;; McCall of the Towy works entitled “ The wonders of the Ross Sea”.

Saturday April 26th.

RSPB Dinas.  Meet in the Reserve car park at 9.30am.

Saturday May 10th.

Meet at Lliw Reservoir Car Park at 10am.

Saturday June 7th.

Meet Tregib Wood SN635219.  Visit to young woodland.

Saturday July 12th.

Pembrey Country Park.  Meet at football field prior to entrance at 9.30am.

Wednesday August 20th.

Evening walk at Burry Port Harbour.  Details to follow.

10) Secretary's Report

An e-mail has been received from Colin Jones resigning from the Committee.  It was noted that he ends his period as BTO Representative at the end of the year.  The search  for a new rep begins!

The Bioiversity Newsletter is being received by e-mail and is forwarded to the Committee with Wendell receiving a hard copy.

The Secretary reported that he and Wendell are sending a monthly sightings report to  Bird Watching Magazine.

Wendell Thomas had received a letter from a farmer in Pontarsais wishing to open his  land as a nature reserve.  He is currently seeking grants to develop his plans.  Wendell isto write to say that we are not interested in paying for birding but offering to gather records to strengthen his grant application.  Wendell would contact Reg Bevan to carry  this out if necessary.

11) Newsletter

The Spring edition is complete and ready for distribution.  This will be held back for a

short while to see if it can be distributed with the forthcoming 2006 Bird Report.

12)Treasurer's Report

A current financial statement is attached to the records and is available for inspection. We currently have sufficient funds to meet the upcoming financial costs of printing the  2006 Report, and could meet the cots of printing the 2007 Report should they fall in the current financial year, though this would mean dipping into reserves.  It would be more convenient if this could be deferred until after the AGM.

Current A/C Balance 31.1.08  £2340.07

Deposit A/C Balance 31.1.08 £1015.29

13)Club Website

There were no comments other than those noted under 7 above.

14  Any Other Business

None

Next Meeting Wednesday 14th May 2.00pm at the same venue.

Please note the change of day.