The Conservation and Surveys Committee:
1. co-ordinates survey work on birds within Kent
2. contributes KOS responses for data re planning and other decisions that affect the County's birds
3. draws up KOS responses: e.g. Kent RDB list for birds, criteria for SNCI status, when requested
Membership of the Committee is open to anyone prepared to contribute and includes RSPB and other conservation professionals and experienced amateur field-workers.
Much of the work of the Committee involves co-ordinating survey work for national organisations such as the RSPB and BTO including BBS, WeBS and counts. of single species such as Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Nightjar and Nightingale including those that are carried out, often at five or ten year intervals, as part of a rolling national monitoring programme.
In addition, the Committee organises County level surveys of selected species, especially those whose local rarity or uncertainty of status has meant that further effort is required. Much thought has gone into deciding which species are to chosen as priorities for this survey-work. In general, species that are in decline, or species that are rare in the county, and not covered by any national census, are chosen. So far, these countywide surveys, relying entirely on volunteer effort, have been highly successful in establishing the status of the target species, providing a fund of knowledge for future use in possible habitat management.
The Hobby Survey in 1999 confirmed the spread of this exciting falcon, resulting in a much increased estimate of the Kent population. The results of this survey, allied to similar results from other survey-work in other parts of England allowed the author to publish an increased national population estimate. Full results were published in the 1999 Kent Bird Report.
The Firecrest Survey in 2001, despite access problems due to the foot and mouth outbreak, found at least 26 breeding pairs within Kentish woodland. Much valuable information on their distribution and habitat was gained, that will be passed on to Forest Enterprise for use in deciding future forestry management within the county. Malcolm Ogilvie , of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel has congratulated the survey organiser, Andrew Henderson on providing a model account for use in other counties. A full account will be published in the 2001 Kent Bird Report.
In 2002, local survey-work concentrated on two species that, although still rare, are showing signs of expansion within the county. Woodlark were found in a variety of habitats at five locations within the county. As a result of increased numbers within their main range, Woodlark are likely to turn up wherever suitable habitat appears within Kentish woodland. Areas of set aside or rough ground, within or close to woodland, especially on the Greensand Ridge, were found to be most suitable.
The Dartford Warbler has expanded its range northwards and westwards over the past twenty years, probably helped by the mild winters during that period. During the 2001 Firecrest Survey, a small colony of Dartfords was found in a conifer restock with a heather under-storey. Similar habitat is to be found in much of the conifer woodland in Kent. Further survey-work in 2002 found evidence of small colonies in two other areas of woodland, as well as identifying much seemingly-suitable habitat that appears as yet unoccupied. Undoubtedly, finding isolated pairs of Dartford Warblers in extensive conifer restocks presents a major birding challenge. Hopefully, the present small population will continue to increase and eventually spread throughout the county.
Undaunted by the difficulties of the 2002 Surveys, this year we chose two species identified as in steep, and possibly terminal, decline within Kent. The county Willow Tit population was estimated at 500-900 pairs in the 1996 Kent Breeding Birds Atlas. Since then, in a calamitous crash, the species appears to have disappeared from almost all of its former range. In 2002, despite its new-found status as a rarity, only three records were submitted to the County Recorder. Current thought on the decline suggests that the Willow Tit is losing out in competition for nest sites with an expanding Blue and Great Tit population. Possibly for this reason, most records in recent years have come from coniferous or mixed woodland with low Blue Tit populations.
A recent survey in Hertfordshire of over 100 former breeding territories had resulted in just two records of single birds. The Committee realised that a random survey of woodland would probably result in a 99% negative return and a disappointing experience for the volunteers carrying out the surveys. Nevertheless, we thought it important to record any remaining colonies of this species, with a view to identifying any factors that had allowed or encouraged their survival. In light of this, we suggest that volunteers either visit sites where they have found Willow Tit in recent years, or areas of mixed conifer/birch woodland, preferably within the big downland conifer blocks where the species might be present. If Willow Tits are found, we will try to organise follow-up work to establish if successful breeding is taking place. Remember, Willow/Marsh Tits provide an identification challenge, and ideally confirmatory call-notes should be heard.
In the case of the Hawfinch, we have the advantage of knowing many of the breeding/roost sites of this elusive woodland species. For reasons unknown, but possibly related to nest predation by squirrels and corvids , the Hawfinch appears to be in steady decline throughout much of South-eastern England. Their population was estimated at 125-175 pairs in the 1996 Kent Breeding Birds Survey. The Committee hopes to encourage volunteers to visit all known sites during the breeding season so that the Hawfinchs ' current status can be recorded. Intriguingly, while the general picture is of decline, there is also some evidence of recolonisation of former breeding areas.
In quite different habitat, this year the KOS is attempting to survey Water Rail. A creature of reed-fringed ditches and pools, the Water Rail is heard much more frequently than seen. Surveyors will be provided with tapes of Water Rail calls, hopefully to elicit a response from their local breeding birds. Any volunteers should contact Michael Ellison at RSPB Northward Hill Rerserve
While some survey-work is carried out by members of the Conservation Committee, we rely on a network of volunteers who are prepared to spend some of their valuable spare time in search of our target species. We are always seeking further volunteers so that our coverage of the county can be improved. No advanced ornithological skills are required: just a good general knowledge of basic countryside birds and their calls. If you can tell a Woodlark from a Skylark, or recognise a Lesser spotted Woodpecker by sight or call, and enjoy spending time in your local countryside, we want to hear from you. We can put you in touch with experienced local observers who will provide advice and encouragement. Finally, whilst we are eager for more experienced local observers to join us we are also eager to enlist newer members to help shape our priorities and policies for the future.
For volunteers for KOS Survey-work, initially please contact Norman McCanch at:
