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Ellesmere Heronwatch Camera System

Impact data and claims within this report are provided by the project creator and have not been independently verified by Spacehive.

Ellesmere Heronwatch Camera System

Ellesmere Heronwatch Camera System

Ellesmere Heronwatch By Ellesmere Heronwatch

Easy birdwatching! A new multi-camera video system for watching nesting herons. Volunteers will help the public to view and interpret the extraordinary tree-top life of the growing chicks.

Ellesmere Fundraising stage

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Ellesmere Heronwatch is a long established birdwatching project where volunteers guide the public using multiple video cameras and telescopes to see right into the huge nests of a breeding colony of grey herons in a nearby unique island location, giving close-up views of egg sitting, hatching, and rearing chicks not otherwise seen. But due to age and being exposed to the elements 365 days a year, most of the cameras and cables have now failed. Out of a total of 15 cameras that were installed almost 10 years ago, the majority give no images at all, a couple give poor images and only one gives good images. Because this is obsolete technology none of the equipment can be repaired. The small team of volunteers that run this immensely popular project wish to return this unique free, fully accessible, all age, all ability, all weather project which is permanently housed in the popular visitor location The Boathouse at Ellesmere in Shropshire, to its former glory.

What we'll deliver:

  • new video camera system, for viewing and recording, replacing old broken system
  • 2x Pan-Tilt-Zoom video cameras controlled by the public
  • 2x video camera nest boxes for small birds, for additional interest

Why it's a great idea:

Heronwatch provides a unique wildlife opportunity by enabling visitors to explore the hidden world of tree-top nests. It provides social interaction with knowledgeable friendly volunteers . It provides the joy of learning something new, and developing a new, sometimes lifelong, interest in the natural world for both adults and children. It offers the opportunity of becoming a volunteer for the project. Engagement with nature provides benefits for mental health It boosts tourism and thereby local economy.

Steps to get it done:

  • Installation of equipment Autumn 2024
  • Volunteer training January 2025
  • Launch February 2025

Location Ellesmere

About the space

Ellesmere Heronwatch, in the Boathouse Restaurant building, Mereside, Ellesmere

Council

Shropshire Council

How will the money be spent?Target (inc. fees)  £35,318

Equipment supply & installation - £31,200
Additional items allowing public use - £1,800

Costs Breakdown

This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.

Equipment supply & installation
£31,200
Additional items allowing public use
£1,800

Overfunding

This project is enabled for overfunding. If the project hits its funding goal before the end of the campaign period, any extra funds raised will be spent (in order of priority) on:

  • Contingency for the project to protect against price fluctuation
  • Printing of information leaflet

Target (inc. fees)  £35,318

Our Volunteer List

We're currently looking for people to offer skills and time to develop our project! Check out the list of what we need below and then use the 'Volunteer' button to the right to get involved.

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