Biodiversity boost as Seil drop-in session is success
Fundraising for Seil’s first wildlife hide had topped the
£1,000 mark.
More than 30 people were at a drop-in session on the island at the weekend to hear about the hide project, which fits five twitchers, and what else is on Seil Biodiversity group’s to do list, as well as exciting proposals for rainforest regeneration.
The rainforest scheme is being led by Argyll Coast and Countryside Trust and will initially see about 16 acres of land, unsuitable for agriculture, become home to native tree species.
The trust was awarded funding for rainforest restoration on Argyll’s Atlantic coast and is now mid-way through a six-month development phase. The development phase was agreed to allow talks with landowners to secure suitable ground for the project and Seil Biodiversity was pleased to report that several landowners on Seil have now identified land which they hope can be included in the scheme.
People at the drop-in were also invited to sign up for volunteering opportunities, from fencing skills and fundraising to tree planting, public relations and IT, as part of the group’s work.
Other tasks lined up for the group include clearing invasive Rhododendron ponticum and collecting environmental and species data to contribute to the success of the rainforest project as well as the general aims of the group.
The group’s directors explained plans for a wildlife hide which they hope will encourage islanders and visitors to take the time to wildlife watch. No firm decisions have been made on the exact location yet and ideas and comments are still being sought on where it should go and how it should be built.
Ideas so far include the hide having lens hatches for photographers to take shots from three directions.
The hope is that the hide will also double up as hub for sharing information on all different habitats, and wildlife and hide information could be available on panels behind the viewing area.
An idea for residents to take up an Adopt A Verge initiative to keep the area litter free and wildlife friendly was also well received, said one of the directors Kim Rowswell.
“Seil Biodivesity group would like to thank everyone that attended and all of those who added their names to the volunteers list,” she added.
To find out more about Seil Biodiversity and how you can get involved, visit the website at www.seilbiodiversitycic.com.
You can also join the group on Facebook.
An idea for residents to Adopt a Verge was also well received.