09 Nov BSG Ecology sponsors Welsh Ornithological Society Conference
BSG Ecology was delighted to sponsor the Welsh Ornithological Society (WOS) Conference, held at Aberystwyth University on 4 November 2023.
The theme of the Conference was ‘Into and out of the Red,’ a reference to the changing status of birds in Wales as revealed by the publication of Birds of Conservation Concern Cymru 4. Speakers included representatives from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and RSPB Cymru, and there was a lively panel discussion to conclude proceedings.
While the overall messages from the day were not necessarily positive, with many concerning the parlous state of the populations of some former widespread and common breeders such as curlew and yellowhammer, speakers did direct attention to what can be achieved through concerted conservation action, with the recovery of red kite and bittern from the brink of extinction in the UK. Another high point was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to two stalwarts of field recording in South Wales, Bob Tallack (President of Gower Ornithological Society) and John Wilson (of Glamorgan Bird Club) by Iolo Williams.
As well as providing sponsorship for the conference BSG were also pleased to host a stand, providing an opportunity for Director Owain Gabb and Ecologists Rhys Lewis, Becky Gibbs and James Garside to catch up with some familiar faces and meet new contacts.
Ecologist Becky Gibbs commented:
“I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the presentations by the speakers at the WOS conference, which has left me feeling inspired to partake and contribute to the ongoing survey effort monitoring species distributions in my county, particularly for rooks. The conference was a fantastic opportunity to socialise and share knowledge with like-minded bird enthusiasts.”