Somerset Wildlife Trust
Homes for Herons
Rare herons like Bittern, Great White Egret and Night Heron need help. Now found in only a few places in Britain, their wetland habitats are still threatened. Somerset is currently a stronghold for these birds so it is vital we are able to continue our work or populations will be put at risk.
It ran from 12:00 PM, 27 November 2018 to 12:00 PM, 4 December 2018
Registered Charity in England and Wales (238372)
Match funded Campaign target
£15,000
Amount raised
£21,862
Donations
268
Location
Campaign overview
Aims
Where's the money going?
Impact & reporting
Situation
Members of the heron family are some of our most visually majestic wetland birds. Due to the efforts of Somerset Wildlife Trust and other organisations, an incredible 7 species of heron now live in the Avalon Marshes, when 40 years ago there were just 2 across the UK. However, the future of this diverse family of birds is far from secure. Without continuing to provide their ideal habitat, by maintaining and improving our Avalon Marshes nature reserves, these special birds will not thrive.
Solution
Managing reedbeds effectively on our flagship reserves, Westhay Moor and Catcott, is vital for herons. Funding will help us undertake structured reed cutting, improving habitat and increasing the chance of breeding success. New equipment will help with maintenance and provide access to more remote areas. Monitoring is crucial, as is being able to share what we find with those who are unable to visit, and the use of new technology will allow this with low levels of disturbance.
Back in the 70s, there were 2 species of heron breeding in the UK. Now, we have 7 species breeding in Somerset alone, including egrets, bittern and the nocturnal night heron. This shows wetland restoration has been a huge success and with help from our supporters we can create more amazing habitats
— Stephen Moss ‚Äì Naturalist, Author, TV Producer
Your first sighting of a great white or cattle egret is amazing and while I often get to see them, they still impress me. Our herons are always popular with bird watchers at Westhay and the technology we hope to introduce will help us share these lovely birds with people unable to visit the reserve
— Mark Blake, Senior Reserves manager, Brue Valley
Back in the 70s, there were 2 species of heron breeding in the UK. Now, we have 7 species breeding in Somerset alone, including egrets, bittern and the nocturnal night heron. This shows wetland restoration has been a huge success and with help from our supporters we can create more amazing habitats
— Stephen Moss – Naturalist, Author, TV Producer
Your first sighting of a great white or cattle egret is amazing and while I often get to see them, they still impress me. Our herons are always popular with bird watchers at Westhay and the technology we hope to introduce will help us share these lovely birds with people unable to visit the reserve
— Mark Blake, Senior Reserves manager, Brue Valley