A marsh harrier floats over the reeds. Picture Credit: RSPB
RSPB Titchwell is renowned for its marsh harriers. In addition visitors can find avocets, gulls and terns in the lagoons. It's one of the RSPB reserves that receive a contribution from the RSPB Eastern 400 Challenge
On 1st July Andrew Simcock visited Titchwell. He was there to see how the money raised on last year’s bike ride had been spent.
As Chair of the Emily Williamson Statue Campaign he had cycled 431 miles around the seven RSPB reserves in East Anglia. Each had then received an equal share of £3,000.
With their £431.00 Titchwell opted to make repairs to their Island Hide.
As Facilities Manager Nicola Platts explained “the hide was slowly subsiding and the money was used to carry out much needed refurbishment.”
Inside the newly refurbished Island hide at Titchwell
Andrew continued: “the Island Hide is a really peaceful place and the perfect vantage point to watch the comings and goings on the salt marshes”
To watch activity on the island watch here: https://youtu.be/URUEbqdjijs
Meanwhile the campaign continues to create the statue of RSPB founder Emily Williamson.
“We are continuing to approach corporate funders” says Andrew. “In addition, Emily’s former home in Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury is about to be significantly renovated by Manchester City Council. This will mean that the building can then be opened up to the public and RSPB members”
“It will provide the perfect back drop for the statue”
Sculptor Eve Shepherd with her statue design
In December 2020 a competition was launched by author and journalist Tessa Boase and Andrew, in partnership with the RSPB, to design a statue of Emily Williamson (1855-1936). The four shortlisted designs were unveiled on the centenary of The Plumage Act (1 July 2021), the RSPB’s first legislation triumph and the result of Emily’s long campaign.
Brighton based sculptor Eve Shepherd’s winning design was then made available as 20 limited edition 40 cm high bronze maquettes which are also for sale as part of the fundraising efforts for the life-sized sculpture of Emily.
To read more about the campaign please go to www.emilywilliamsonstatue.com
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