KOS Conservation and Surveys Committee meeting

Thursday 12th January 2006, 7.30 pm at Bromhey Farm, RSPB Northward Hil

Present: Michael Ellison, Tim Hodge, Rob Clements, Owen Sweeney, Martin Coath, Phil Chantler, Robin Mace

Apologies: Richard Moyes

1. Matters arising from previous meeting

Sand Martins: CLEAR

 

Water Rails (2003 supplement): Completed

 

Tawny owl survey; MC reports an encouraging initial response & take up of this survey.  CLEAR

 

Herons: OS reported that there are 323 nest sites in Kent.  Northward Hill provides a smaller percentage of these than in the past.

2. 2006 Surveys

Winter gull survey; MC will be sending out survey forms for the 3rd and final year of this, there are few areas to cover.  Awaiting final results.

 

Kestrels/Marsh harriers; RC has found 40p of kestrels in his 25km2 Sutton Valence study, area, again at a much higher density than previously discovered. He has been contacted by SOS to survey in Sussex plus plans to re-survey a plot in Bucks in 06.

Reports in the KOS newsletter KBR & BB are planned.

RC will collate all Marsh Harrier breeding records from 05 to produce a small report for KOS news et al.

Marsh Harriers:  49 next sites on Sheppey.  24 in rest of Kent.
Kestrels:  RC to write report soon.
Hobbies:  RC estimates 200+ next sites in Kent.

 

South Blean Woodlands/KWT: Still awaiting required survey area.

BBS/Atlas: MC reported that Sally Hunter has taken over as BTO rep.  Raise at next meeting.

Possible Woodland Bird Survey.

To fit in with the BTO survey, targeted on specific woodlands. TH and RC to agree the list.

RC to discuss with BTO how to link in with their Scarce Woodland Bird survey.

List of species likely to be covered: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker,  Green Woodpecker, Hawfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Spotted Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, Tree Pipit, Turtle Dove,  Firecrest, Willow Tit, Nuthatch, Wood Warbler, Redstart , Siskin.

Target Mid-March for launch to members.

BTO BirdTrack TH mentioned that was now appropriate to encourage members to use BTO BirdTrack to enter records and it would be appropriate for Sally Hunter to do this.  RM would look in to publicising this on the website.

Dartford Warbler and Woodlark Survey.

This is being coordinated by Norman McCanch. It was suggested Sally Hunter liaise with him on this.

3. New committee members

Richard Moyse has agreed to join Committee.

Sally Hunter would be on the Committee as BTO rep and MC has agreed to remain on the Committee.

4. AOB

Windfarm at Grain

ME felt the impact of this would be minimal.  OS suggested it would be worth looking at the ringing information for the area.

Graveney Substation application: KWT were involved with this so KOS need not be.

Motney Hill Heat & Power Plant.  No KOS involvement necessary as Environment Agency were involved.

Biodiversity Appendix.  ME to attend KWT meeting on this.

BTO Nightjar survey.  TH to consider an article for 2004 KBR looking at Nightjar population is Kent with particular reference to rest of UK.

5. Next meeting

6th April 2006, 7.30 pm at Tyland Barn, Maidstone.