For some time now I have been thinking of the River Nairn waterbirds future, and the best way of protecting them for future
generations. Their very existence on the river gives so much pleasure to locals
and visitors alike. Since the successful creation of the Swans nesting island five and half years ago, they have featured in the life of the community,
and enhanced a tourist attraction for many visitors.
After talks with local wildlife watchers, I am pleased to announce The Founding Trustees of
the Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust : Charles Gardner (Chairman), Joe Telfer
(Founder Treasurer), Simone Laraway (Secretary), Ronnie Main, and Lorraine
Byars.
The inaugural first official Trust meeting will take place in January.
In time it is hoped we will become a registered Charity.
The trust will be Non political, and willing to
cooperate with other river bodies such as the Nairn Angling
Association, Scottish water, the fisheries board and Highland Council. We will
also deal with local Vets and the Scottish SPCA as and when required. The
aims of the Trust will be the water birds welfare, maintenance and
preservation of their environment, nesting sites, and riverside habitat, for the
benefit and well-being of the whole community.
The tidal reaches of the River Nairn are unique, in as much as the
environment changes twice a day with the tide, and is subject to occasional
extreme conditions. It is also an urban environment which presents different
challenges. It cannot be compared with tranquil duck ponds, or meandering weed
filled rivers where food is plentiful.
We the Trustees of the River Nairn
Swans and Waterfowl Trust, intend to raise sufficient funds through membership
fees and donations, to maintain the current family of Swans and waterfowl
numbers into the future. The tidal reaches hold around 120 + resident birds
throughout the Winter months, as well as migrants that over winter here. The
cost of caring for these birds is at least £1500 per year for natural food, such
as wheat grain.
In addition to our local trustees we have an
honorary Trustee with over 20 years experience on the care of Swans and
wildlife, her name is Sue Hulbert who runs a swan sanctuary in Swindon. Sue has kindly agreed to be our voluntary online Avian expert on the health and welfare of our wildlife,
her expertise and advice has been, and will continue to be
invaluable.
Our Chairman and resident of Fishertown Charlie
Gardner, has known the river since a boy and can offer valuable historical
perspective to any debate.
Simone and Lorraine both reside overlooking the river, and keep a watchful eye on the wildlife.
We know the people of Nairn value and enjoy the
river wildlife, and will be happy to have committed local people speaking out on their
behalf and caring for their wildlife's future.
The trust is a non profit organisation, and a bank account will be opened and
administered by the unpaid voluntary trustees. The public can donate any amount,
or become members of the trust with an annual membership fee of £15. Anyone
wishing to contribute to the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl trust, can contact
any of the trustees or send donations to The Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust, 10 Douglas Street, Nairn. IV12 4DJ. Donations can also be made online by using the Donate button above.
For £15 you get a years free subscription to my pictorial Blog, and every penny goes to feeding the birds !
