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 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 Because this is obsolete technology none of the equipment can be repaired.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:
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:
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Heronwatch crowdfunding appeal - WE DID IT! Thank you to all of you, for your help and support with the crowd funding appeal! We reached the target as the appeal closed last night (see attached photo), and it's thanks to you and all the other supporters that we achieved this fantastic goal. I am overwhelmed by the support and endorsement from everyone that has made this happen. Thank you again.
Brilliant news, thanks everyone!
Whoop, 140 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 130 people have pledged since fundraising began!
How will the money be spent?Target (inc. fees) £35,064
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.
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:
Target (inc. fees) £35,064
Our Volunteer List
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VolunteerEllesmere Heronwatch is a volunteer-led community group, dedicated to studying a small heronry in Ellesmere, Shropshire. Based in the Boathouse Restaurant building, we look out over the adjoining Mere to the nests, using video cameras and telescopes. The general public are encouraged to participate, and (hopefully!) we try to educate and inform our visitors with details of the life of the breeding birds. All age, all ability and all weather, it's easy birdwatching (and it's free!)
Project Owner: Ellesmere Heronwatch The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
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