A volunteer bird-ringing programme, designed to collect vital data about bird species in Treswell Wood, near Retford in North Nottinghamshire, has celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
Spearheaded by former Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Chairman, John McMeeking MBE, ringing in the wood commenced in December 1972. A year-round ‘constant-effort’ programme was subsequently developed and has run continuously from 1978 – making Treswell Wood one of the most recorded wildlife areas in the UK.
On Sunday 18th December, current volunteers, old colleagues, friends and family gathered at the wood for a celebration. Members present included Peter Kirmond, who was one of the first members in 1978, and Joe Smith, the newest member to join and learn the ropes passed on by generations.