We love talking about house martins to raise awareness, and engaging the public about these beloved birds, so when the charity is approached, or committee members are invited to attend community events or provide talks, we take up opportunities where possible.
Here is a snapshot of some of the community engagement events we have been involved in this year.
Following a request from Eliza Emmett, Norfolk, Matin Tickler and his wife Gay, manned a stand at a house martin, swallow, and swift event on 26th July at the town community centre. Becky Jones supplied nest cups and leaflets. The event was well attended with visitors donating £250 to be spent on nest boxes in the local Swaffham area and 18 visitors showed interest by signing up to be included.
Barbara Polonara is always ready to talk about house martins, and as well as her talk at Ludgrove school (see the house martin haven newsletter article), Barbara presented online for the Reading Climate Festival. The organisers were particularly interested in the mapper app, so some time was focused on this during the talk. With over 40 people attending, the talk was well received. Barbara also provided a talk to 14 people of the ground’s maintenance staff of a local housing association.
During a series of walks to observe swifts in the local area with Bracknell Forest and Town Councils, Barbara included information about house martins, and plans to do separate house martin walks when the number of birds retuning to the local colony improves.
Bolton and Bury Swifts, which includes committee member Louise Bentley, recently took their swift and house martin stand to the Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue Christmas fair to promote conservation of both species in the area. Louise has promoted growth of a local colony by supplying nest cups, she is also one of our accredited rehabbers as are Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue.
As well as presenting a number of talks on house martins within the community, Jonathan Pomroy promotes our charity and the plight of house martins when exhibiting his artwork at venues such as BirdFair.
Paul Stevens featured on ITV Meridian news after they approached him about creating a news piece on the house martin and swift colony he has attracted to his home. The news feature was aired and can be found here.
We look forward to further engagement activities in the new year. If you would like to help raise awareness in your local community please get in touch as we may be able to send you some free leaflets, or provide other support.