The RSPB have decided to no longer open the gate to RSPB Old Hall Marshes at the weekend, as of the 1st of February 2020. It will remain open as normal during the weekdays. It will still also be able to arrange access for organised groups wishing to access the reserve at the weekend.

Attached is a note that explains why they are doing this - as a result of a review of into the amount of resource put into maintaining a 7 day week operation at the reserve. By removing this they will be able to put more resource and time into carrying out vital conservation tasks and still maintain site security and prevent anti-social behaviour occurring on the reserve.

Old Hall Marshes Car Park Closure

‘WOODLAND BIRDS’

 Saturday 21st March 2020, Northumberland Lecture Theatre, Writtle University College, Writtle, CM1 3RP

08:45-09:45 Registration and refreshments – with time to view the exhibits and displays                                  

10:00-10:05 Welcome address by GERRY JOHNSON, EBwS Chairman

MORNING SESSION    Chaired by PETER DWYER, EBwS Membership Secretary

10:05-10:40  ”THE HISTORY OF ESSEX WOODLANDS”  Dr CHRIS GIBSON FBNA,

10:40-10:50 Beyond the Podium – up to ten minutes of delegate’s ‘Questions & Answers’ with Chris Gibson

10:50-11:25  ”THE BIRDS OF CHALKNEY WOODS”  DOUGAL URQUHART, Warden of Chalkney Woods for over twenty years

11:25-11:35 Beyond the Podium – up to ten minutes of delegate’s ‘Questions & Answers’ with Dougal Urquhart

11:35-12:10 ”BARS AND SPOTS – FORTUNES OF OUR WOODPECKERS” KEN SMITH,

12:10-12:20 Beyond the Podium – up to ten minutes of delegate’s ‘Questions & Answers’ with Ken Smith

12:20-13:40 ’Light’ sandwich lunch break – time for informal discussions with speakers and to view the displays

AFTERNOON SESSION    Chaired by PETER DWYER, EBwS Membership Secretary

13:40-14:15 ”OWLS – SECRETS OF THE NIGHT” MIKE TOMS, Head of Communications for the British Trust for Ornithology

14:15-14:25 Beyond the Podium – up to ten minutes of delegate’s ‘Questions & Answers’ with Mike Toms

14:25-15:00 ”LOOKING FOR THE GOSHAWK – THE LOST RAPTOR” CONOR JAMESON, Author and Conservationist

15:00-15:10 Beyond the Podium – up to ten minutes of delegate’s ‘Questions & Answers’ with Conor Jameson

15:10-15:45 ”WILDLIFE ON THE EDGE” STEVE CALE, Artist, Photographer and Tour Guide

15:45-15:55 Beyond the Podium – up to ten minutes of delegate’s ‘Questions & Answers’ with Steve Cale

15:55-16:30 Summing up by GERRY JOHNSON and ‘Grand Raffle’ draw with so many splendid prizes to be won.