A conflict of emotions
So once a month since November (going through to March) I have been involved in Brent geese and wading bird surveys at RSPB Pagham Harbour nature reserve.
As part of a team of volunteers we are positioned across this stunning reserve and spend 4 hours counting Brent geese, curlews, black tailed godwits and other wading birds. We do this at high tide when the birds relocate into the fields adjacent to the salt marshes, to feed and rest.
RSPB Pagham Harbour is a nationally and internationally important wintering ground for wildfowl and waders, particularly Brent geese.
They arrive in their thousands after a gruelling 2500 mile journey from Siberia, facing a number of challenges along the way, including predation, illegal hunting and this year in particular, violent storms.
They will stay until the end of March to the middle of April feeding, resting and getting into prime condition for their return journey to their breeding grounds.
The data we accumulate on these surveys is vital and is used to highlight the importance of the fields and the green space surrounding the reserve to these over wintering birds. Currently there are development plans to build houses on a number of the fields nearby, used in particular by the Brent geese, so it makes this data even more vital as evidence for the argument against the planning.
For me, doing these surveys presents such a conflict of emotions.
On the one hand I get to experience the wonder of 3000 plus Brent geese flying over my head and chattering away in the fields when they land. If you’ve never experienced the sound of the wings and the chat of a large flock of these beautiful birds going overhead you really are missing out on one nature’s wonders. It’s truly joyful.
Then, on the other hand I also spend 4 hours thinking about the fact that this habitat is at risk, threatened by development and the inevitable outcome of it being approved. Despair, frustration and a feeling of helplessness fight against the joy of watching nature at its best, like two repelling magnets.
It seems to me now that however hard local people campaign, however loud they shout, the phrase ‘falling on deaf ears’ always appears to be the most commonly used one.
I appreciate that there is a need to build more houses but surely a more suitable location could be found than one that threatens to impact this stunning winter visitor to our shores. We really do need to appreciate the absolute privilege of them being here.
I guess wherever that location is wildlife and nature will take some kind of hit. In my simple view of the world the solution will never really be suitable and in reality I also know it will certainly never be simple.
