Worthy people who protected the red kite
I READ with interest the article by Demi Roberts (Western Mail, September 28) on the saving of Welsh red kites from extinction.
Had it not been for a woman, the late Miss Frances Evans, former Tregaron secondary school teacher and breeder of polled Welsh Black cattle, then this successful saving of this magnificent bird would not have been possible.
She farmed Tyndomen Farm, and in the early ’70s she allowed the local council to dump waste food products on her land and encouraged the red kites to feed. It was indeed a sight
I will always remember, seeing the birds swooping on the food. Her uncle, noted Harley Street heart specialist the late Dr William Evans, who also lived on site, kept copious notes on their progress. He was a consultant to Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and also produced a book, A Welsh Swagman in Australia, based on his uncle’s diaries.
Another who contributed to the revival was Powys County councillor Lt Colonel Tim Van Rees of Llanwrtyd Wells. He organised army personnel to stay on guard around secret red kite nests throughout many nights in the 1990s, they were truly dedicated to the birds’ survival.
In 1990 I was instrumental in introducing the red kite as the official logo for Powys County Council and it is a familiar sight on all Powys signs, equipment and stationery. This red kite is seen soaring above a green landscape and epitomises this beautiful county, the largest in Wales. It has even spread its wings to another Welsh council as it is also featured on the roof of the Carmarthenshire County Council offices in Llandeilo.
Lyndon Harris Former County Information Officer, Powys County Council Llandeilo