Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

EVERYONE talks about the wonders of the Ribble Valley and how attractive it is. This is very true and how lucky we are to have it on our doorstep.

Everyone also talks of the wonderful work done by the RSPB who do so much to protect all our wildlife and not just the birds. This is also true and we are lucky to have such a powerful voice speaking up for wildlife.

I am, however, very sorry for English Nature which works so hard and yet seldom, if ever, do the people who work for it get the credit they deserve.

Take Dick Lambert, for example, who is the man responsible for the success of the Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the reserve now occupying more than 60 per cent of the Ribble Estuary and managed by English Nature. Prior to 1979 the estuary was recognised as an important site for birds, particularly for waders such as knot and oyster catcher. Wildfowl are also present in large flocks during the winter especially pink footed geese and wigeon.

The waders visit the estuary to feed on the millions of small mud-dwelling animals which are uncovered at each low tide. The wildfowl come to feed on the succulent grasses found around the estuary. But the presence of large amounts of food for birds is only half the story.

In order for an area to be attractive to birds, there also needs to be areas when they can have quiet periods in which to have a rest. In 1979 counts of 60,000 waders and 10,000 wildfowl were recorded. In 1999 there are up to 150,000 waders and 120,000 wildfowl counted on some days in winter.

This proves that Dick Lambert is doing a wonderful job and English Nature is supporting him. Both Dick and English Nature deserve credit for what I think is the greatest success story in the history of recent Lancashire wildlife.

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