BASC members are being asked to use a revolutionary online mapping system to record the arrival of migratory species such as woodcock. The information will help to build up a valuable picture of different species and the environment.
Woodcock are wading birds which typically rest in woodland during the day and fly out to feed at night. The UK resident breeding population is greatly increased in winter by the arrival of migratory birds from Europe and Russia.
BASC members are being asked to input information recording arrivals and sightings via an online mapping tool set up and operated by the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
In just over a year since its launch, more than 600 shoots have signed up to the Green Shoots mapping programme, which records species and habitats of national importance found on land managed for shooting. BASC will use the information to develop projects which contribute to national and international conservation goals and to gain insight into the health of quarry populations and other wildlife across the UK.
Ian Danby, BASC’s head of biodiversity projects, said: “Providing your first sightings of woodcock and wigeon this season is an easy way to help fill gaps in information provided by other national reporting schemes. By taking part, you will be making a powerful contribution to help shooting and conservation.”
For more information on the Green Shoots mapping programme, contact Ian Danby on 01244 573024 ian.danby@0ld.basc.org.uk or click here