Heronwatch

What is Heronwatch ?
Heronwatch is a unique project to help visitors learn about the herons living on Heron Island at The Mere in Ellesmere. The birds first nested on the island about ten years ago and each year they return to take up their nest sites in the trees.

Watch heron chicks though live film footage !
Visitors are able to watch live close-up footage of the nesting birds and hatching chicks through powerful video cameras fixed in the trees which focus directly on several of the nests. The cameras can be individually operated by visitors to zoom in on the nest action from the Heronwatch base inside the Visitor Centre at the Boathouse. As well as the video cameras there are also a number of telescopes and binoculars that the public can use.

What’s that bird doing !
Volunteers will be on hand during the weekend, each spring, to explain interesting facts about the behaviour and habits of these remarkable birds. Learn the difference between ‘snap displays’ and ‘stretch’ displays.

Did you know…. Herons take time-out from child care to ‘loaf’ in a chill out zone known as a ‘standing ground’. You can see Herons ‘loafing’ on the far side of the Heron Island.

When does Heronwatch take place ?
Heronwatch normally starts in early March but this year it will be delayed until Easter because of the restoration works being carried out to the Boathouse as part of the Mere Heritage Project. The project continues until the middle of May when new leaf growth on the trees makes it too difficult to see into the nests.

What’s new for 2009 ?
This year is an especially exciting one for visitors to Heronwatch. The Mere Heritage Project has funded brand new camera equipment enabling fantastic close ups of the nests. Dome cameras have also been placed on the Boathouse and in one of the bird nesting boxes for watching other wildlife on the Mere

Heronwatch Volunteer Team - JOIN US !
The heart of Heronwatch is a friendly team of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who talk to visitors about the herons and nest activity. Volunteers also monitor the nest sites and keep records on activities such as egg hatching.
To be a Heronwatch volunteer you don’t need any prior knowledge or experience, just an interest in wildlife and enjoy talking to people! There are no set hours, you can sign up for as little as a few hours to a few days over the Heronwatch period, whatever suits you.
If you would like to discuss becoming a volunteer please contact The Mere Community Development Officer on 01691 624448.

How can I keep in touch with Heronwatch 2009 ?
Keep visiting this page during the project to see updates on the 'Heronwatch Diary '

How can I find out more about Heronwatch ?

• Visiting the BBC web page through the link below
• Listen to a live interview with Ellesmere Ranger, Lynne Dean by clicking on the link to the Wood Lane Nature Reserve.
• Download Heronwatch annual reports from the archive

Contact Information :
Please contact the Community Development Officer at Shropshire Council Outdoor Recreation Service on 01691 624448

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