KOS Conservation and Surveys Committee meeting

Thursday 3rd May 2007, 7.30 pm at Tyland Barn

Present: Gordon Allison, Rob Clements, Tim Hodge, Brian Watmough, Sally Hunter, Robin Mace (RNM),  Richard Moyes, Owen Sweeney, Martin Coath.

Apologies: None

Matters arising from previous meeting

     

South Blean. Still waiting for KWTto provide the info. Too late for 2007

RM gave a presentation on Local Wildlife Sites and Bird Conservation.  This covered definition of sites and realtionship to Bird Conservation.  There was a discussion of how the KOS could be involved in review of Information in current sites and going forward.

BTO Surveys

Little Ringed and Ringed Plover: all bar 6 sites covered.

     

BBS: Next year need extra squares will require to be covered. At present over 110 covered.

Lapwing survey: This would be organised by the BTO directly.

     

2007 Surveys

     

Cetti’s Warbler: TH is organising a survey.  Most of county covered although there are a few gaps still.

Herons: Cards sent out for this year.

Sparrowhawk: RC surveying a 35 sq k area previously surveyed for Kestrel.  32 Sparrowhawk territories found.  RC intends to produce a population estimate for Kent at the year end.

Buzzard: 31 pairs found in a 35 sq k area.  Kent population now possibly 3-400 pairs.

Atlas

     

SH now has more information including the agreement setting out working with local societies and BTO

Nov field work: SH will give a BTO presentation to some groups e.g Kent RSPB and SBBO

There was further discussion of stewards.  It was agreed that the likely major use was help in finding people to cover tetrads. The BTO require coverage of at least 8 tetrads per 10k sq.  KOS would like 100% coverage. 

SH would put something in the KOS newsletter asking for help.

SH said that help would be required with validation of data. The C&S Committee would help with this process although the BTO will flag some records for “out of range”.

Where squares were not covered it was suggested that field trips could be organised to do the survey.

Rare species: Concern was expressed about the publication of map references for rarer species. SH to check with BTO that these will be held confidentially.

     

AOB

None

 

Next meeting

To be confirmed: Thursday 6th September 7:30 at Tyland Barn.