HOW CAN I HELP...?
Morecambe Bay Partnership
What do your volunteers do?
Our volunteers help to protect Morecambe Bay’s waders and wildfowl. Known as ‘Natural Ambassadors’, they set up telescopes and binoculars so that the passing public can see and learn about the birds found here. At high tide, the birds are resting, offering great views. Curiosity usually drives people to have a go, and it’s very satisfying when someone looks through the telescope and says “wow!”.
What sort of people volunteer?
Our team comes from many different backgrounds, from engineering to psychology. Some are retired; some work full-time and volunteer at weekends; some have young children and other commitments to juggle. What they all have is the enthusiasm and desire to share the wonders of Morecambe Bay.
Why is this area vital for birds?
Morecambe Bay is one of the UK’s top three locations for wintering birds, thanks to the food resources available in the vast expanses of mud. The bay supports, for example, some 29,000 knot, 11,000 curlews and 53,000 oystercatchers. Feeding here enables the birds to survive the winter and breed successfully the following season. If an individual is disturbed while feeding or roosting, its energy levels will be affected. Educating the public not to disturb wildlife is therefore an important part of what we do.
What’s planned for 2018?
We are liaising closely with our volunteers on developing leaflets, information panels and how best to share information through social media – they know from their experience on the ground what appeals and sparks interest. Additionally, our own wader and wildfowl ‘fans chant’ is in the pipeline, as are initiatives such as putting a ‘Bird of the Month’ into the spotlight.