2025-03-31-accounts

– Glamorgan Bird Club, Trustees Report April 2024 April 2025

To start this year’s report, we would like to pay tribute to several stalwart Club members who passed away this year. Rob Bradshaw, a much valued Club Trustee, sadly passed away in May. His calm, considered manner and gentle sense of humour will be missed by all who knew him. The Club has initiated an award in his honour, to recognise the work he undertook encouraging younger folk to take up birding. Also in May, we learned that Margaret Samuel had died. Margaret, with her husband John, was a regular on Club outings and they even gave several talks to the membership about their trips to Australia. She was an accomplished photographer and contributed many photos for the Club newsletter. Another regular attendee on Club walks was John Duffy (from Thornhill). A true family man, John’s passion for birds and for Cardiff City Football Club was evident to all those that knew him. He will be missed. And last of all, sadly, this February Rod Haslam, husband of our Chair - Jean, passed away. He was a regular attendee at the monthly Kenfig walks and at other Club events, with Jean and was always willing to volunteer. Rod was ever ready with his camera to capture images for the newsletter and our social media sites, particularly on his beloved Kenfig walks. We will miss him and our deepest condolences go to Jean, her family and friends.

Trustees

We gained three new trustees in 2024 - Tim Adcock, Jenna Clark and John Duffy. Each of them has made valuable contributions to the smooth running of the Club. The trustees have continued to meet via Zoom this year, with a couple of exceptions, when we met in-person in Cowbridge.

We have been very fortunate that Tim Adcock stepped into the role of Treasurer, following the resignation of former Treasurer, Ceri Jones. Ceri has been very helpful to Tim in guiding him in the role. The Treasurer has a vital role in the Club, in particular dealing with the bank, overseeing the investment of any cash surplus into high interest yielding bonds, claiming back Gift Aid, liaising with the independent examiner, calculating our carbon-offset monies, distributing Club donations and small grants agreed by the Committee and much more. We continue to hold the HLF grant for the Cardiff Bay Swift Tower, ensuring safety inspections are undertaken regularly. The most recent was in early 2024.

Tim has worked with John Duffy in making sure our insurance policies are fit for purpose. John has also taken on the added responsibility of being our chief contact with the Charity Commission.

We are still operating without a Club Secretary. We have however shared the tasks, such as minute taking and setting up meeting agendas, between us.

Daniel Jenkins-Jones has once again been co-opted on to the Committee and regularly attends our meetings, keeping us abreast of both BTO and WOS matters. He has recruited Strinda Davies to the BTO team, as the lead in the long-running Heronries Census.

Alan Rosney continues as Membership Secretary and has gradually got to grips with the new membership management system 'Membermojo', with no little help from John Wilson. Membership fees were once again frozen and the free membership for under-24 year olds continued. Following a very successful membership campaign – up to 15 months membership for the price of 12, offered from 1st January 2025 - membership stood at 316

(368 individual members if the various categories are taken into account) at the end of the current bird club year. The equivalent figures for 2023 were 291 (351).

John Wilson continued to act as our webmaster, keeping content fresh and relevant and he is also part of the team looking after our social media channels on Facebook and X. We were delighted at the pro-active role taken up by new Trustee, Jenna Clark in this area. She has set up both Instagram and Bluesky accounts for the Club and introduced innovative ways of promoting our activities by recording short audio visual clips. Our number of social media followers has gradually increased. As of March, we had 1397 Facebook followers, of which 1347 are UK, 15 in USA and single figures in other countries. Interestingly it is a 50/50 male/female split. Our X account has 1713 followers, although we are gradually transitioning over to Bluesky. Our Bluesky account already has 55 followers despite only being operational for a short while. Our Instagram account has 127 followers despite only 13 posts. As for the GBC website - a typical seven day period [28/2 to 06/3 in this case] showed 1120 views from UK, of which almost 50/50 Wales/England, from 469 visitors.

John Wilson, as Field Trip leader, has taken us to many and varied locations, both in the local area and further afield. In all, we held 18 trips. Sadly three were cancelled due to inclement weather in accordance with the Club policy to heed Met Office warnings. David Carrington, with the assistance of Jean Haslam and Club member, John Western, led our monthly walks around the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Pleasingly, we saw a couple of younger birders join us on these walks and receive plenty of guidance and encouragement, in particular from Jean. As is Club policy, both youngsters were accompanied by a responsible adult. We also welcomed visitors from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia on these walks.

Birding Walks for Women, organised and led by Jean Haslam, Strinda Davies and Jenna Clark were held 3 times during the year (one was cancelled due to poor weather, once again heeding a Met office warning) and have proved popular. Those who come along have been encouraged to suggest new sites to visit and also to lead them.

The Portland Observatory weekend, led by John Wilson proved as popular as ever, 12 Club members attended.

Walks were organised in conjunction with other wildlife organisations. Cowbridge U3A joined us for a trip to the Ely floodplain in May 2024, hoping to see the Sand Martin, whilst we organised a walk with Restore the Thaw to Aberthaw February 2025, to see ducks and waders in particular.

A new venture this year has been the inaugural East Glamorgan Big Bird Count. (EGBBC). The team of Tim Adcock, John Duffy and Jenna Clark oversaw the event in September. A good number of Club members took part and a good variety of species was recorded. Plans are afoot for a follow up in April 2025.

Paul Denning continued in the role of Indoor Meetings Organiser and we had a full and varies programme of speakers. One talk was delivered via Zoom this year. Sadly, a speaker that we had invited from Poland had to withdraw but Paul found a more than adequate replacement. Our chosen venue, Pencoed Rugby Club, being fairly central and close to the M4 Motorway has proved ideal to host these events.

East Glamorgan Bird Report – EGBR

As reported last year, Ceri Jones began the mammoth task of producing and completing the 2022 Bird Report, taking over the editorial role from John Wilson. It was published in digital format for the first time in October 2024. Many congratulations to all concerned. Tate Lloyd, once more, took on the important task of photo editor.

The compilation of the 2023 report is well under way. We were delighted that a couple of new Species Summarisers came forward, although we could always do with more volunteers. Ceri has asked that all species summaries be sent to him by the end of May this year.

Ceri has also begun to work on the 2024 Report, which he aims to complete during 2025. This will be Ceri’s final Report, so we are seeking a replacement Editor to come forward asap, to carry on this important role

Newsletter.

Alan Rosney continued to produce our much-enjoyed and informative quarterly newsletter. Many thanks to all the contributors and photographers, who have helped to enliven the publication. We are always on the look-out for more, so keep sending them in.

Policies and Procedures

These have been updated according to our schedule, many thanks to all Trustees involved.

Safeguarding

We were pleased to note that there have been no safeguarding issues this year.

Charity Commission Public Benefit Statement

GBC Trustees are aware of, and have regard to, the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance whenever we exercise our powers to make decisions on aspects of GBC activity to which the guidance is relevant.

This applies to all GBC conservation projects, production of the annual East Glamorgan Bird Report and quarterly newsletter, field trips, KNNR walks, Birding Walks for Women, indoor and Zoom meetings, donations made, grants awarded and sponsorship given.

Kenfig National Nature Reserve

We continued to have a good relationship with Chris Jones, the warden. Chris with a few volunteers - including some club members - once again cut back the reeds in front of the hide, affording folk more opportunities for good views of the birds. Sadly the hide suffered vandalism in April 2024. Temporary repairs were put in place by volunteers.

Public Events

The club was represented at three public events this year: The inaugural Earth Day event in Coleg y Cwmoedd in Nantgarw in April; the Sand Dunes Day at Kenfig and the Vale Nature Festival in Porthkerry Park, Barry, both of which were held in June.

Jean Haslam, assisted by Alan Rosney and Strinda Davies, gave a well-received talk on the Bird Club, at Parc Slip, to the Bridgend Group of the Wildlife Trust of South West Wales and a guided walk is planned in the near future.

We value our links with fellow wildlife organisations. One such is our close association with the Flat Holm Society. A couple of Club members took the opportunity afforded the Society to volunteer on the island and the chair of the Society, Bridget Box, came along to one of our indoor meetings to deliver a talk about the history of the island.

Conservation Projects

Swifts

Cardiff Bay Swift Tower.

No issues were found with the tower during the 2024/25 maintenance inspection. We eagerly await the return of the Swifts in May to see if there is nesting activity. Strinda Davies was interviewed about the Swift Tower as part of a Radio Wales programme on 25 Years of Cardiff Bay Barrage, which was broadcast in the autumn 2024.

Other East Glam Swift projects

Club member Mary Gallagher and local Swift champion Josella Hunt, along with Strinda Davies, have been working hard on the Porthcawl Swifts project, in partnership with Valleys to Coast and Coastal Housing Associations. Several nest boxes have already gone up, with more to follow, thanks to Bridgend County Council; Local Places for Nature funding. In March this year a talk was given by Alan Rosney and Strinda Davies to the Porthcawl U3A group to help promote the project.

Similarly Strinda Davies has continued working with Pyle Community and Cornelly Community Councils to make these areas Swift friendly. This includes working with Valleys to Coast Housing for the properties they manage, for Cornelly in particular.

Alan Rosney visited Barry to help the Vale Ecology team scope out potential sites for a Swift tower there.

Farm Partnerships

Three Big Farmland Bird Surveys were undertaken this year at Ty Draw and Ty Tanglwyst farms in North Cornelly and at Goldsland farm in Wenvoe, in partnership with the respective farmers.

Reed Buntings in Kenfig

By ground feeding at a former hot-spot at Kenfig, we were hoping to attract these now rather scarce birds back to the area. Sadly this wasn’t successful and we decided to abandon this project, instead donating the seed purchased by the Club to the Reserve.

Green Sandpiper Survey

The surveying aspect has been concluded. Dan Jenkins-Jones submitted a paper for the annual scientific journal of the Welsh Ornithological Society 'Milvus'. He then presented the findings at the WOS Conference in November. Copies have been distributed to other interested groups.

Nest Box Schemes

Many nest boxes were made and erected for various projects. Club members Howard Driver, Adam Rees and also Lyn Evans of Pencoed Collage once again produced many, of different types and we have had some donated by RCT and Merthyr Tydfil Local Nature Partnerships. A nest monitoring scheme, run by the Fledgemore Group, was undertaken in Cyfartha Park in

Merthyr. More boxes were erected in Taf Fechan WTSWW Reserve, in the hope of attracting Pied Flycatchers back to the reserve.

Rookery Survey

The results of the WOS national survey of Rooks were published. As expected numbers are down and the number of active Rookeries is also falling.

Local Nature Partnerships

Trustees and others have attended meetings in the six Local Nature Partnerships - Strinda Davies (Bridgend), David Hibler (Cardiff), Ceri Jones (Vale of Glamorgan), and Alan Rosney (RCT and Merthyr Tydfil). The Caerphilly LNP has not been meeting regularly. The bulk of the work has concerned the production of Nature Recovery Action Plans.

Donations and Sponsorship

The Donations and Sponsorship sub-group, consisting of Tim Adcock, Strinda Davies and led by David Hibler, met regularly. One of the key actions was the launch of the inaugural Robert Bradshaw Award, in memory of our late colleague. The Award recognises outstanding contributions to birding in East Glamorgan by a young birder (under the age of 24) and the 2025 recipient will be announced at this AGM.

Donations

Ten nest boxes to the value of £247 were donated to Ty Hafan Childrens’ Hospice in Sully. Donations were also made to the 3 BTO appeals for: Urban Birds, Waders and Raptors at £250 each.

Small Grants

New mist nets were purchased by the Kenfig Ringing Group, using a Small Grant awarded to them in early 2024/25. They will be purchasing new BTO Rings for use at Kenfig and elsewhere, with their second grant, for species such as Goldcrest

Carbon-offset

Our carbon-offset money this year (2025) will go to Project Seagrass for their work restoring this vital habitat.

[*Note carried over from 2023-4 We did not report on our carbon-offset donation at last year’s AGM, as the donation came very late in the financial year. Our donation went to Coed Caerdydd, to the tune of £280. 220 trees of 3 varieties - Quercus robur (40), Alnus glutinosa (90) and Alnus cordata (90) were purchased for the scheme.]

Birding highlights

Last but not least – the birds. That’s why we are members of GBC.

• April saw the first county record of an American Golden Plover at Sker. A superb Alpine Swift was found at Kenfig Pool. Other April highlights were the Waxwings that lingered at Cosmeston.

• May saw a Purple Heron at Kenfig and a Turtle Dove at Sker. A brief staying Woodchat Shrike was found in Llanwonno. A remarkable 26 Black Terns went past Lavernock Point. A star find on a GBC trip, was a singing Wryneck at Castell Nos.

• June saw both Arctic and Pomarine Skuas past Sker and a Roseate Tern off Lavernock Point.

• Another Wryneck was found at Kenfig in August, with a very confiding Grey Phalarope in Barry.

• September saw a Hoopoe in Coity

• October saw multiple reports of Yellow-browed Warblers and several Dartford warblers were found in coastal locations.

• A surprise visitor in November was an American Wigeon that graced Kenfig Pool. A couple of Black-throated Divers were in Llanishen and Barry.

• December saw both Hen Harrier and Merlin in Kenfig dunes and a Grey Phalarope on Lisvane Reservoir.

• 2025 began with a Glossy Ibis in Kenfig and an over-wintering Yellow-browed Warbler at Merthyr Mawr. Hawfinches were sporadically reported from Cosmeston.

• Cardiff Bay saw some action in February, with Velvet Scoter and Scaup reported. Two Short-eared Owls were reported from Old Castle Down.

Thanks to all the Trustees and Volunteers for their hard work throughout the year. All the projects, walks, talks, and meetings depend on your efforts.

Compiled by Alan Rosney, on behalf of Jean Haslam, Chair

Glak7bJYtan aub CM). IbK•me amd E¥¥awJilwE AawrtfortheYewEndEd 31 PA•rth 2025 20 2024 2024 Income MemberSubscriptiM5 4.573 4.573 4,243 4,243 2.452 2.452 610 610 349 349 35 GSft Don3tiotts Carbon Oftset Boc>klBird Report Sales Merchandise Sales Nest Box Sales Contribution to Swift Projects It)terest Rece Totsl 263 263 450 450 1,058 1.058 8.262 8,262 179 179 1.136 L136 633 633 9.645 9.645 Empendllure Posra8e Nest Box materlals Adrnin/St3iionery Indoor/Zoorn meeiin8S Cardllf 8ay %￿ft project GBC website Allas webslie hostthi Audio wsual Glfts Oonation re Cithn Offsei Other donations Affi1Sète member5hlps Insurance Bank char825 Travel expenses Swift Prolect costs Membem)0SofeÈ Totsl 43 43 521 $21 394 394 240 240 22 22 41 41 22 22 280 ZBO i.iTh) 1,1 1.788 1,798 80 362 362 439 439 i.fA4 1.6( 95 95 5.539 5.539 335 335 272 272 95 95 3.497 3.497 Surplus 2,723 2.723 6,148 6,148 l. Restricted column is Cardlff 8ays71t proiert. Vnrestrk￿j t￿urnn is resrof the aub's artWIt￿5. 2. 1 x year 8ift aid claim ¥x3 LY. 23-24 was 719. 3. 719 feceived 01.04.25 not included in thesea(c￿nts. 4. Project Seagrass 5. Includes Fledgemore 250, Kefi1￿ rin8er$ 50). 248Ty Hafen nest l>)xes. 3 x 8T0 appeals of 250- urbèD bird5, wader5and knrdsol prey. 6. Ed Mayertalk ID). box Insra115 510. ¢411 plaw5 360.1)xe$ 634.

GlamorRan Bird Ctub ao. Balance Slrrta5at 31 Marth 2025 31103125 31103125 31103124 31103124 Debtor5- Membershsp Setretary Prepayments 67 26 4Wi 374 Cash 3t Bank- Current Account Cash at Bank- DewsitAccounts 19 45.249 39 42.f4YJ 45.268 45,736 42,639 43.013 epre5ented by." Vnrestrfcted Funds.. Members. Fund brou8ht foyward Surplus for the year Memb•rs' Fund OFrledforwrd 23.519 2.723 17,371 6.148 16.242 23.519 Re5trlcted Funds: Swlft Fund brought forward Surplus/lDeflcitl for the year Swlft Fund carrted forward Total Funds cairled forward 19A94 19.494 19,494 45,736 19,494 43,013 Note.. The Swft Fund 5$ a re5trkted lund to be spent on the Swrft Towef aNassoclated expenses. Si8ned TIM Adcock IHon. Treasw) Independert ExamIn￿$ Report I ha¥e exarnlr￿d the retord5 of Glamorgan 01rd Clyb1001 aTh*the5e ac(OUnts a true or¥J lalr vlew ofthe surplus for the year ended 31 March 2025 and its financial position at that date. Malwlm James BA ACA (Hon. Ir#knndent Exarniwl