Award for bird protection group

A SOLENT-based bird protection group has nabbed a top award for its work.

During a virtual ceremony last week Bird Aware Solent was presented with the best sustainability campaign award by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

The award was given specifically for the group’s work helping to reduce disturbance to protected ducks, geese and wading birds.

Sarah Mukherjee, chief executive of IEMA, said: ‘Bird Aware Solent demonstrated a clear commitment to positive social engagement, communication, and training campaigns with a diverse group of stakeholders.

‘They won their category for effective planning and a strategic vision in protecting local nature reserves, while also engaging with policymakers, local gover nment, and housing developments.’

The group has a dedicated team of rangers that engage with people along a 254 kilometre stretch of coastline to help increase understanding of the pressures the birds face. Councillor Sean Woodward, chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire which oversees Bird Aware, added: ‘I am so pleased that this worthy partnership has been recognised for such an award.

‘Bird Aware Solent provides some extremely important work that helps people to understand how recreational disturbance can affect the birds and their future. Our special area is in good hands.’

The ceremony took place on Friday, September 18.