Bird Wise: Bird Smart in Thanet

Bird Wise is an organisation raising awareness about the migratory birds along the East Kent coast.

 

CommunityAd spoke with Ranger Alice to find out how Bird Wise are working with the Thanet community to protect the birds on our shores.

 

Can you tell us more about what Bird Wise does?

We’re lucky to have loads of amazing birds join us from all across the arctic tundra, but unfortunately, we have been seeing big declines in numbers in recent years. Research suggests that this is largely due to disturbance from human recreational activities while they are here. The birds are exhausted after their migratory journey, so need time to eat and rebuild their fat stores in order to survive the winter, as well as their migratory journeys back come spring. We’re working to let people know about the importance of giving the birds room to roost, rest, and recuperate while they’re here.

 

What is the role of the Rangers?

We spend most of our time out on the coast from Pegwell to Whitstable Bay. We have selected six main sites at which we also do free walk and talks twice a week, where we point out and identify any of the birds that we see, as well as discussing the importance of the area. We’re also going into schools and colleges to teach about the birds and their amazing migratory journeys.

 

How is Bird Wise working with Thanet’s community to protect our seabirds?

By working on the coast every day, we are hoping to reach as many people in the community as possible. People have been so positive so far, and it’s clear that the people of Thanet really care about the nature here, so are keen to help protect the birds. We’ll be offering up the opportunity to volunteer with us in the New Year, helping with key projects such as bird surveys. Going into schools means that we are also hoping to work with the younger community and enthuse the next generation about nature.

We’re also currently hosting a photo competition open to anyone in Thanet! We’ve teamed up with Thanet Coast Project to run this event. Check out the categories and how to enter here (closing date Monday 31st January 2022).

 

You can follow Bird Wise Rangers Alice and Greg on Facebook and Instagram at @birdwiseek.

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