Wings over the Brecks project celebrates launch of project with the very first live on site nest camera footage of goggle eyed plovers at Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s
Weeting Heath nature reserve in the Brecks.
The unique nesting behaviour of one of the most sought after birds in the Brecks and for many an emblem of the
Brecks landscape, has been caught on camera; the stone-curlew. As part of the Wings over the Brecks project, for the very first time live on site nest camera footage is being streamed for local people and visitors to enjoy, unlocking the door to their secretive behaviour and bringing to life daily dramas of their lives.
Wings over the Brecks is being delivered as part of the Breaking New Ground Landscape Partnership Scheme by a partnership between Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the Forestry Commission, RSPB and the British Trust for Ornithology. It will project the secretive nesting behaviour of some of the most iconic and rare birds in the Brecks: woodlark, stone-curlew, nightjar, hobby and the fierce goshawk. These iconic birds of the Brecks are rare and elusive, famous for being hard to see.
Read our Summer Warden's blog post about installing the camera - Operation Sock-Cam!
Sammy Fraser, RSPB Brecks Community Engagement Officer said: “Wings over the Brecks is such an exciting project to work with everyone on, the Brecks is a fantastic place for wildlife with a phenomenal 12,845 different plants, animals and insects. So much of the Brecks is protected for rare species such as the stone curlew and the live footage will enable everyone to access these birds, inspiring local people and visitors to the Brecks and showcasing just what a fantastic landscape the Brecks is both for people and wildlife.”
Later this year the project’s live footage will also focus on nightjar and hobby, with live nest cameras streaming the footage to the Cafe at High Lodge Thetford Forest, Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Weeting Heath and at roaming displays in town centres such as Thetford and Brandon.
An exciting events programme will also take place over the lifespan of the project, providing local people with the opportunity to explore the Brecks, see some of the species and get involved in the project. An inspiring local volunteer team will be based at High Lodge and Weeting Heath showing local people and visitors the footage and running the events. The project team are looking for local people who want to make a difference for people and wildlife on their doorstep and join the team of friendly volunteers to inspire others about the project species and the unique wildlife and heritage of the Brecks. Volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in the projects event programme, show case the footage and be part of a unique project making a difference on their doorstep. Anyone interested can get in touch on 01842 75732 or
thebrecks@rspb.org.uk
Wings over the Brecks is part of the three year
Breaking New Ground Landscape Partnership Scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and is one of 37 projects being delivered in the Brecks.
To celebrate its second year and the filming of all the Wings over the Brecks project species a launch event will be taking place on Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday) at High Lodge Thetford Forest.