KOS Conservation and Surveys Committee meeting
Wednesday 31st May 2006, 7.30 pm at Tyland Barn
Present: Michael Ellison, Tim Hodge, Richard Moyse, Rob Clements, Owen Sweeney, Martin Coath, Robin Mace.
Apologies: Sally Hunter
1. Matters arising from previous meeting
See below
2. 2006 Surveys
Winter gull survey
Disappointing returns except Bewl Water. FINISHED.
Raptors
A report on Marsh Harrier will appear in the next newletter. In the recent RSPS report the number of nest sites was reported as 58 RSPB, although the actual figure for 2005 was 73
Mark Bolton with RC has been looking at lapwing predation by Marsh Harriers using cameras. Little evidence to support this at present
White-tailed Eagle. RC pointed to a paper that suggested 80-120 may be introduced in East Anglia in 2007. This will be monitored for any effect in Kent.
South Blean Woodlands/KWT
Still awaiting required survey area. No survey before summer 2007.
BBS/Atlas
This will be discussed in detail at the next meeting. Items that will need to be considered are:
- Steward system
- New technology for recording of results
Possible Woodland Bird Survey.
A form was sent with last newsletter, although this may be a little late for LS Woodpecker. Awaiting feedback. This will probably run for just 2006 .
Dartford Warbler and Woodlark Survey.
ME to liaise with Norman McCanch.
Herons
Results coming in. Initial Northward Hill shows only 102 nests including Little Egret.
BTO Surveys
Possible BTO Little Ringed Plover and Great Crested and Little Grebe surveys
3. New committee members
Phil Chantler has resigned from the Committee.
4. AOB
Cleve Hill.
The planning application there requires no specific action from KOS.
Ditton Court Quarry.
A request from Ditton council to survey has been recived. TH will look at this.
Jeskins Farm.
TH surveyed after ploughing and 50-80 skylark and 3-6 Meadow Pipit nests had been lost. Work has now stopped until the autumn.
5. Next meeting
Tyland Barn, Maidstone at 7:30 on 7th September 2006
