Help save the Avocet

Essex Wildlife Trust needs volunteers to help protect Avocet Eggs.

Following the fantastic success in previous years, when Avocet chicks have successfully hatched on Two Tree Island, Essex Wildlife Trust is once again looking for volunteers to assist them.

In 2004 and 2005 eggs were stolen just two days prior to hatching and it is believed they were stolen by egg thieves. Since 2006 Essex Wildlife Trust has successfully helped to increase the breeding Avocet population at Two Tree Island, with the help of hundreds of volunteers taking part in a coordinated Egg Watch. This will be our 6th year!

2010 was a real success with nearly 45 Avocet hatchlings, as well as Oystercatcher, Redshank, Common Tern and Ringed Plover chicks. 2010 also attracted a large number of volunteers with more than 70 individuals giving up their time during the nesting season to make a real difference to Essex Wildlife.

The Avocet is a striking coastal bird; it is a black and white wader with a long up-curved black beak. They are found in the mainly coastal areas of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent.

Listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to take, injure or kill an Avocet or take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young. Violation of the law can attract fines of up to £5,000 per offence and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months.

Volunteers are needed are needed to fill four time slots each day this year between 18th April and 10th June. Just one visit can make a massive contribution.

Louise Morris, Southend Environmental Projects Manager, Working in Partnership with both Essex Wildlife Trust and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said: “Please volunteer, a few hours of your time can help make a difference to the wildlife in Essex. This amazing project is a real community effort between Essex Wildlife Trust, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Essex Police, the Local Community and a whole range of partners. Most of our volunteers come from Southend and Essex, but some have travelled as far as from County Durham. I look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me on 01702 215602. It’s a great reason to visit this superb nature reserve, as well as potentially very rewarding bird watching!”