Recent Activity by the Welsh Ornithological Society

I thought it might be useful to let our Associate Members know what WOS Council have been doing on your behalf to benefit birds in Wales:

First of all we have been asked to sit on a number of Welsh Assembly backed Committees/Forums to represent ornithological matters alongside RSPB and BTO.

Biodiversity Action Plan Species Group:  This body concentrates on producing action plans for individual species and advising on additions and removals on the BAP species lists.

Bird Conservation Targeting Project:  Occasional meeting with BTO, RSPB and CCW to discuss methods and actions for species needing specific conservation effort.

Wales Access Forum: We have a representative on this body which discusses access issues within Wales.  Our participation addresses both issues of better access for those accessing the countryside to watch and survey bird populations, as well as flagging up areas which need controlled access to protect species.

Wales Environment Information Forum: This is an annual meeting which mainly discusses ways of improving recording and information available to decision makers.  All bird clubs are urged to lodge their records with their regional records’ centres which are the first port of call to planners.

We have also responded to requests from conservation NGO’s to add our voice by formally responding to Severn Barrage Schemes. This response can be viewed on the WOS website.

Discussions about the Welsh Birds Indicator took place in Birmingham with staff from the RSPB and the BTO with a representative from WOS.

The State of Birds in Wales: We have once again been a partner in producing the latest edition which was launched at the Assembly earlier in the year.

The BTO in Wales: As part of its new Strategy document the BTO is committed to setting up a professional presence in Wales.  WOS welcomes this development and intends to work with the Welsh BTO staff to establish a real partnership similar to that enjoyed in Scotland and Ireland.

WOS business

Website:  Although the WOS website was rebuilt recently we are aware that it has been pretty static since. WOS Council member Julian Hughes has kindly agreed to take on the website and ensure it is more active.  Early ideas include regular updates on the status of both BBRC and Welsh Rarities Panel records as they pass through the system.  We would be glad of any ideas coming from the clubs.

Trustees:  There are 4 vacancies for trustees to attend Council meetings and take part in the governance of WOS.  We would be glad to hear from anyone who might like to join us.  We require about 50 words on each candidate with a proposer and seconder who are WOS members.  As we have to notify members 21 days before the AGM we would like nominations as soon as possible.

President of WOS:  David Saunders MBE has decided to stand down as President of WOS at the next AGM but we are delighted that Iolo Williams has agreed to stand for election as a replacement. 

Conference:  The 2009 WOS Conference which includes the Annual General Meeting is to be held on November 7th at the Glasdir Conference Centre, Llanrwst, Conwy.  The Conference has a Woodland Birds theme and a programme and booking details can be accessed on the WOS Website. The 2010 conference will take place on 6 November at a venue to be decided.

Please let me or any other Council member know if there is anything else you think we could be doing and we will take these matters up at our Council Meeting.

In the meantime Good Birding!

 


pp  Derek Moore

If you would like an electronic copy to send to your members please email your request to Ian Spence.

Council members:
Alan Williams (Treasurer)    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ian Spence (Secretary)        This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Anne Brenchley        This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mick Green            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Julian Hughes            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Pete Jennings            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
John Lloyd            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Steph Tyler            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it