How often do you go to Two Tree Island near Leigh Station? It’s not far away from Rayleigh or Rochford, and a good place for a ramble – especially with a dog.
The Essex Wildlife Trust could use some help in protecting avocet eggs:
This year we are looking to repeat the Avocet Egg Watch, and we need your help.
Following the fantastic success in previous years when Avocet chicks have successfully hatched on Two Tree Island, Essex Wildlife Trust is once again looking for volunteers to assist them.
In 2004 and 2005 eggs were stolen just two days prior to hatching and it is believed they were stolen by egg thieves. Since 2006 Essex Wildlife Trust has successfully helped to increase the breeding Avocet population at Two Tree Island, with the help of hundreds of volunteers taking part in a coordinated Egg Watch. This will be the 6th year! 2010 was a real success with nearly 45 Avocet hatchlings and with more than 70 volunteers giving their time during the nesting season.
Volunteers are needed to fill four time slots each day this year between 18th April and 10th June 2011. Just one visit can make a massive contribution.
If you would like to join our volunteers to help monitor the nesting site please contact: Louise Morris, Essex Wildlife Trust on 01702 215602 or email louisem@essexwt.org.uk
You wouldn’t be expected to confront thieves. As they told the BBC last year:
“We work with the local Southend Police to make sure we’ve got some quite rigorous guidelines and they also help to patrol the area,” she said.
“So we would never advise anyone to approach anybody. We have telephone numbers and procedures in place that they follow.”
I went there once – have since renamed it Dog Poo Island…..go at your peril.