Twenty five-year celebration for eagle-eyed birdwatchers

SK58 Birders survey the birdlife in the Ordnance Survey 10km map square the group is named after — and over the years have built up an important library of records.

Andy Hirst, recorder for the SK58 Birders, said the group’s 35 to 40 members generate between 8,000 and 14,000 bird records every year, as well as undertaking an annual survey of the 10km square.

The group formed when a group of birdwatchers met in an Anston pub 25 years ago.

Mr Hirst said: “A quarter of a century on, the group is still going strong, with several founding members still present and active today.

“From December 1992, a core group of birders began to pool their resources, time and experience to build up and share information on birds and bird-related issues for the benefit of all. This ethos still holds true today.

“We’ve been asked whether this has been the best-watched site in the UK? I think the answer to that was probably yes.”

The group’s bird reports have appeared in the British Birds Best Annual Bird Reports Awards on several occasions.

Mr Hirst said: “Throughout our 25 years of recording we have witnessed the ornithological picture in SK58 change quite dramatically.”

He said that species such as turtle dove, hawfinch and corn bunting have declined markedly whereas buzzard, barn owl and hobby have fared better.

Mr Hirst added: “We’ve had our share of rarities over the years, just reward for all the hours spent in the field, and savoured to the full. 

“A black kite, two each of American golden plover and buffbreasted sandpiper, and a woodchat shrike spring to mind.”

The group has also been active in conservation, helping develop post-industrial sites. The group had an input into the provision of wader scrapes and a hide at North Anston pit top, which is wardened by group members at weekends.

Mr Hirst said he had high hopes for the group in the future, despite difficulties recruiting new members.

He said: “I’m sure that the group will be in existence in some form or other in 2042. Inevitably, the founding members will have to hand over the reins at some point before then so it’s imperative that we actively recruit new, younger members to pick up and carry on with finding, recording and above all enjoying birds and birding. 

“It’s always interesting to speculate what future birders will be recording. Which species will have disappeared and what will we have gained?”

Information about the group is at www.sk58birders.com.