Pevensey Farmers
Our speaker Charlie Peverett, who splits his time between running a communications agency and Birdsong Academy, a clutch of online and in person services designed to help identify and enjoy the sounds of birds. I should also add he is a valued member of our own steering group committee too.
The title of Charlie’s presentation was Birds and bird surveying on the Pevensey Levels. His comprehensive talk was split into two parts – in the first half he spoke about bird populations and what we know in terms of arrivals, returns and losses. In the second half he spoke about bird surveys – what’s currently happening and what more could help. Interestingly he also revealed the results of a survey asking bird recording volunteers about their appetite to carry out surveys on the Levels and what farmers could do to help them.
His interactive presentation included several slides asking the audience to name birds on the Levels such as the ones below one – showing a Little Egret, a Great Egret and a Cattle Egret (if you didn’t know already) – now all regular visitors to the Pevensey Levels. Charlie also highlighted some of the losses such as the Chaffinch population. Another previously common bird to the Pevensey Levels, the Lapwing has also seen steep declines.
Charlie concluded his talk by revealing the results of his survey asking bird recorders a series of question to better understand their appetite to recording on the Pevensey Levels.
He received over 49 responses, with a mainly positive feedback and some helpful tips on how farmers can make bird recording easier and more attractive to volunteer bird recorders.
For those that would like to watch the presentation please click here.
