Friday, May 04, 2007

Willow Scub at Elland Gravel Pits

I received this email message this morning from Tim Edge of the Calderdale Countryside Unit

"Hi Paul,This is a quick note to let you know that we will be harvesting some Willow from the hollow between the two Bailey bridges this weekend for our annual May Day, Green Man Festivall at Shibden Hall.CheersTim." My response as chairman of FoCB was

"Tim, I'm afraid that's impossible as we now have large numbers of migrant warblers breeding all around the area in the scrub. As I am sure you are well aware its illegal to disturb nesting birds....Paul Talbot"

I personally find it strange that the very people who we pay to look after our wildlife seems to think its acceptable to start cutting willow in mid breeding season for migrant warblers. I do note though that the willow is to be used at the green wellie brigade haven of Shibden

2 comments:

Goldon Gordon said...

I am pleased to announce that after representations to Calderdale Countryside Unit, that the Willow removal will now no longer take place.

darrell j prest said...

mmm, the people who are in 'charge' of conservation always ruin it.the btcv ruined the quietest part of elland gravel pits a so called nature reserve(no signs,nothing) by putting a path right by the best area for dragonflies,so now its as usual full of dogs,which is all the gravel pits is a place for dogwalkers as for ogden another so called nature reserve well that beggars belief