Carsington Bird Club was formed in 1992 when the construction of Carsington Water reservoir was completed and opened to the public.
The minutes of the Club’s first ever committee meeting – held on 21 October 1992 – focused on the aims of the new organisation, summarising them as: a) to monitor bird species around the reservoir, b) to maximise potential for birds on this site, c) to provide information and activities for members, and d) to promote a wider interest in birds and bird watching.
Those aims have remained largely unaltered over the three decades since. They dovetail perfectly with Severn Trent Water which hosts a number of leisure activities such as fishing and sailing as well as wildlife watching. A strong bond has developed between ‘CBC’ and ‘STW’ in identifying mutual goals for mutual benefits, with advice offered on habitat development and the provision of features likely to attract a wide range of bird species. Over these years, more than 230 bird species have been recorded at what has developed into one of Derbyshire’s prime wildlife havens.
The concept was to get together a group of interested people to monitor and encourage the birds and wildlife around the reservoir and to help with any conservation work that would encourage as many species as possible into the area.
The main activity is bird watching and there are 4 hides positioned round the reservoir where there is the widest scope to see the various habitats. These are all open to the public and all of them have disabled access.
The Club holds indoor meetings in the winter months between September and March in the Henmore Room at the Visitor Centre. They are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
A wide variety of speakers are invited to talk on subjects mainly connected with birds and birding, but also with wildlife in general.
Other events are held outdoors during the spring and summer, including occasional walks at Carsington, but also two or three outings each year, to both local sites and to ‘hot spots’ further afield.
To contact any of the CBC Committee, click ……HERE…….
| Name | Position | Address | Telephone/Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Follett | Treasurer | 8 BUCKMINSTER CLOSE OAKWOOD DERBY DE21 2EA | 01332 834778 |
| Gary Atkins | Chairman and Publicity Officer | 01335 370773 | |
| Louise Sykes | Secretary | 01335 348544 | |
| Chris Lamb | Events Co-ordinator | 01629 820890 | |
| Rob Chadwick | Recorder | 07876 338912 | |
| David Horsley | Membership Secretary | 26 Greenway, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 3FE | daveat2602@hotmail.com |