devonbirds WATCH ENJOY... PROTECT Annual Report & Accounts Year Ending 31 December 2024
Annual General Meeting th Saturday 29 March 2025 In the Kennford & Exmlnster Suite at the Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UX at 3.(Klpm genda Arx)logies Minute5 of the 2024 Annual General Meetlng Matters arislngfrom the Minutes ChaSrman's Report Secretarfs Report Treasurer's Report Electh)n of Offlcers: Proposed seconded Chairman Vacanc¥ Secretary T Uttln8 M Daniels C Randall Plymouth Branch Rep L Harrls N D'Agorne Tuttlng South Devon Branch Rep N D'Agorne T Lltting L Harrls Recorder M Overy C Randall F Freshney Ordlnary Member F Freshney C Randall A Collick Ordinary Member Ecuff C Randall N D'Agorne Election of Audltorllndependent Examiner-Thomas We5tcott There will be a breakfor tea/coffee followed by a talk by David Ramsden, Barn Owl Trust entitled "Climate and Ecological CrlsisP What's all the fuss about?"
Devon Birds The Soclety is registered with the Charty Commission of En8land and Wales Ino 11916471 and is governed by its Constitution. The address of the Hon. Secretary is 16 Em)e Drive. Ivybridge. Devon PL219BN. Name5 marked with * denote charity Trustees during the year. Vacant President MrRG Burton Chairman Mr C Randall Vlce Chalrman MrMTDaniels* Secretary Ms A Collicktr Treasurer Vacant County Recorder MrTUtting' Promotions & Engagement Secretary Vacant Publishing Group Representative Mr C Randall • East Devon Branch Repre5entatrve Mr N D'Agorne' South Devon Branth Representative MrR Turner Taw & Torrldge Branch Rep Mrs L Harri5 Pfymouth Branch RepresentatNe Mr T Misselbrook. Mid Devon Branch RepresentstNe Ms F Freshney Ordinary Member Iresigned April 20241 Bankers. CAF {Charitie5 Aid Foundation). 25 Klngs Hill Avenue, Kings Hlll. West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Independent Examlner. Thomas We5tcott. 47 Boutport Street. Barnstaple, Devon EX31 ISQ The objects of the Society are contalned in its Constitution, which Is published and a Copy available to all Members via the website. A review of activities and achievements during the year is contained in the Society's Officers, Reports.
Devon Birds Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 23 March 20Z4 at the Exeter Court Hotel at 3pm The Chairman welcomed the 40 people present. l. Apologies. AFdogies had been received from 17 members. 2. Mlnutes ofthe 2023 Annual General Meetwy. The Minutes of the Meetlng were accepted as a true record. PrOsed by T Utting. Seconded by G Burton. Unanimously approved. 3. Matters Arising from the Minutes. There were no matters arising from the Minutes. 4. Chairman's Report. The Chairman opened his report by ststing that Devon Blrds is a Soclety for all, and tt attempts to satisfy all requirements from the garden birdwatcher to the birding expert. The Chairman rekK>rted on some key events during the year. The Chalman noted that a nurnber of oflicers and trustees had left. namely N Arm5tron& R Sims, A Colston and M Lock. He added thatthis is not unusual for a voluntary Society, and he rep)rted that Devon Blrds remains in good health and in a strong posfcion. The Chairman reported that the County Recorder. K Ryland5. left earller In the yearfor personal reasons and ha5 not been replaced, to date. He also rep)rted that the lease at South Huish has now expired and is unlikely to be renewed by the National Trust. who are currentty revlewingthe way forward. The Chairman reported that progres5 ori the Devon Birds Strategy had slowed. Initiatives on Reserves and habitst were Ing delivered but the other sections we struggllng wlth a lack of volunteer inpuL There is currently a review of the Reserves being undertaken with a view to entering Into a partnership with the Devon Wildllfe Trust. The bird hldes are also being looked at as they are difficult to manage and are not located on Devon Birds larnd. Devon Birds has provided ongoing support for M Burgess and his work wrth Pied Flycatthers. ALSO, the Society has provided assistance to the Barn Owl Trust and Is currently helping to fund work with Swlfts, particulady providing nest knxes in churches. Communicatlons have changed, particularlywlth the new website which can easily be accessed by member5 and Branch Representatives. Following the retirement of M Lock a rewew of publications has been carried out and the publication of the Devon Birds jrnal has ceased. Iterns previously published in the Jourrsals wlll now be published on the website and in the Newsletter. 5. Se¢retarfs ReporL The Secretary wa5 planning to stand down thls year after 12 yearf5 Service. He has agreed to remain in post for another 12 month5 to provide some contlnuity as the Chairman and Treasurer are standing down. A volunteerto take his place would be greatly appreciated. The Annual Daytrlp to Lundy in 2023
was cancelled due to problems with the boat. Tickets for the 2024 trip are selling well. 6. Treasurerfs ReporL In the absente of the Treasurer the Chairnian reviewed the published, audited accounts. There were no questlons. Acceptsnce of the account5 was proposed by M Overy, seconded by N D'Agome. Approved by the meeting. 7. Elertlon of Offlcers. Chairman -vacancy. The Secretary reported that no volunteers had come forward to fill thls vacancy. Council will therefore operate wlth a nominated Chairman for each meetlng untll a volunteer is identified and co-opted on to Council until the next AGM. The Secretary clarified that the ConstitutK)n allowed for thls ongoing situation. Treasurer. The Secretary reported that a volunteer, A Collick. had now come forward. The nomination was proposed by M Overy, seconded by J O'connell- Davidson and approved by the meeting. The election of the Secretary* M Daniels and Mid Devon Branch Rep, T Mlsselbrcxjk had been published In advance. Approved by the meeting. 8. Electlon of Audltor/lndependent Examlner- Thomas Westcott. Approved by the meeting. The meeting closed at 3.25pm. Following a break for tea and coffee there was a talk by K Cox and J Horn titled 'Swifts in Devon..
Chairmarfs Report 2024 This year has been a good one for Devon Bird5 in some ways. but less easy in others. Firstty, Councll made the decision in principle to work with the Devon Wildlrfe Trust in managing our reSee5, primarily the three bi88er ones of Godborough, Bracliford and South Mllton Ley. It had become Increasingly clear that the demands on the one hand of professional and up-to-date conservation needs, and on the other that of carin8 property for the volunteers who work on those reserves were simply not possible or prattical for an organisation like DBS, whlch ha5 no paid 5tsff. Our volunteers contlnue to do magnificent and committed worl but &( many of us have disccNered in other Wal of life, the requirements of Health and Safety, while the object of much derision amongst many people, are actually about caring for one's people and ensuring that they are not hurt or running unnecessary risks. We were falling to meet legal. insurance and moral andardS in our work, thraugh nobodvs fault, but just because of the way things are expected to be run in the 2151 century. The result is that. hopeful by the date of thls AGM in March, a proper legal agreement will have been agreed. This will be for 5 years in the first instance, with break clauses if either side is unhappy, and will re4uire an annual payment from D8s roughly according lo our annual costs of running those reserves in-house. The smaller reserves are not part of this agreement, as they add little to conservation measures across the countyi and we are considering their future, which may well include their sale or disposal. The other major project Is the Swrft Boxes irt Churches project, to whlch D8s has comrnitted a further £75,000 over 5 years. Thls is being run by a Working Group. chaired by a member of Councll, and involves installing breeding cabinets in church towers acr055 Devon. The complexfcies of bespoke construttion and Installatlon are daunting, but getting each local church to gain permisslon and then enthusiastically backthe projett has been met with great enthusiasm. Public meetings have also been held, attended by up to 100 people of all ages, engendering great interest and spilling over into individuals installing their own boxe5. and seeing the wlder environmental pirture, from other blrds at risk to the lack of insects and flower5. 1 must mentlon the extraordinary professionalism of Jerry Hom, our constructor. who does most of the day-to-day work on the project. even persuading Exeter Cathedral to install 128 chambers- surely some sort of recordl We are also very grateful to the Devon Environment Foundation, who backed the project last year with a generous grant, and have indicated their cornrnitment by offering further grants and assistan. Other donations have been re¢eived or are being sought from other sources to broaden the scope still further.
Council held a day workshop ear in the year wtth an outside con5ultsnt. which was helpful in clarfylng our future, although we Still struggle without a Chair, and we could also find a rnembership secretary very helpful. a5 this is a task which the Treasurer and other5 do not really need on top of their other roles. Our grateful thanks to our new Treasurer. Amanda Collick, who guides us through ourfinances wlth a light touth, and to all members of Council. new or long-standin& who help DBS to tick along. In partKular, for many of our members, Mike Daniels Is the main point of contact as Secretary for 12 years. but he ri8htly feels it is time to Step down at this AGM. We shall all miss his devotion to the Soclety, hls efficiency, knowledge, unfiappable nature and hi5 way of keeping the show on the road. Thank you. Mike-we shall be for ever grateful. Thanks to so marny others, from reseNe volunteers to those who subrnit records. duly collated by Martin Overy for the Annual Report: in which task he Is asslsted by manv unseen section writers and others. The branches fulfil a vital role In our klety, and those who keep their meetings rnnningi indwr or outdoor, are invaluable. Thanks to all these. and manyothers. On a personal note, I was asked to stand as Vice-chair. and15aid it was on condition that I did not become Chair. Unfortunately, in the absen of an elected Chair. I have had, with others (thanks to everyone!) to take on More than I can manage for a h05t of reasorts, so I shall be stepping down from that role in the next 12 months, so by the next AGM, we shall need tofind a Chalr, and preferably 500ner. Finall¥- my reflection on this last couple of year5 is that I think Devon Birds needs to declde whether It's just a club for people who like watching birds- laudable in itself - or Is it to play a significant role in conservation across the County? If we are to be relevant in an age wlth an unprecedented climate emergency and huge habltat and species loss. I belleve we need to think hard about our priorities as a Society. We have been trying to do this, and just need to take the next stèp. Colin Rondoll fvice-cholr)
Se¢retarfs Report Four Council Meetings were held during 2024, all were face to face meetings. Exeojtive Meetings were held as required uslng Google. Following the disappointing cancellation of the OayTrip to Lundy In 2023, a very successful trip was run in 2024, in good weather, with 147 passengers. The 2025 DayTrip to Lundy has been arranged for Sunday 18th May. Tickets are now on sale from the Shop on the Website. It is very disappointing to report that there are 5tlll vacancies for Council Membersrrrustees. There seems to be a reluctance for people to volunteer to assist the Society. Not sure why? Volunteers can put in as much effort and time as they feel comfortable with. There are onlv four Council Meetings per year. This Is my last AGM, I would like to wish the Society good wishes forthe future. Mike Daniels (Secretary) Treasurerfs Report Devon Birds is funded (Subscriptions, Donations and Legaclesl by bird lovers who expect their gift to be used carefully and wisely in accordance with the D8 constitution and regulatory authorty requirements. The trustees have made the decision to utilise some of the reseeS to further the aims of the charity. Hence the deficit forthe last two years and planned deficit for 2025. During 2024 the charity ha5 designated £75,000 to the Swift Boxes in Churches projert. The charity, being mlndful of Charty Commission guldance, aims tr) maKirnise the use of avallable funds for the benefit of the charitable objectives. The aim is to have unrestricted reseNes, equivalent to at least three months. running costs. The total unrestricted reserves at 310ecember 2024 was £132,317, which the trustees consider acceptable. Amanda Colllck (Treasurerl
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent exarninerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the truste951 mgmbgrs of Devon Birds On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charlty no (If any) 1191647 Sel out on pages I report to the trustees on my exarnination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust'} for Ihe year ended 3111212024. Responslbllities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in a¢xordance with Ihe requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carrEd out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{51{b} of the Act. I have (x)mpleted my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in conneclion with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Act or the acxounts do not accord wth the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concerns and have come auoss no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. Signed: Date: Q¥ILFI 2 Name: Catherine Williams FCA DChA Relgvant professional qualification(s) or body (If any).. Address: 47 Boutport St Barnstaple EX31 1SQ Section B Disclosure Only complele if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concem (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Glve here brfef d&tails of any Items that the oxaminer wl$hes to dls¢loso.
CHARITY (OlthlMISSION FOR ELAND IND WALE5 Devon Birds 119164T Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the peritsd from T¢4 1 Janua 2024 31 DgrBmbor2024 Section A Receipts and pa ments Unre51rlct•d funds t•thk n•Af•At RoStriGt•d fvnds Endowment funds Total funds Last ar to thv n•ir•¥t£ to tho Ib&ar•Jt£ loth• nMreJt£ 4thÈ near1£ 1 Recei Mèmberahip SubscriptTr$ Donatiolls. Patrons and L8gaue8 Sundry sa$ and events othèr Incoming f8soulC&S Inveskn9DI iwome 241.403 24,403 26.272 9,216 032 11.519 3,938 1938 3,347 Sub total(Gmss incoma for AR) 44,754 1,446 48,ZO0 A2 Assot and Investment sales, 1580 table). Sub total 44.754 1N6 200 42,8fj8 A3Pa onts 10.787 17,8d6 17.8Tr3 I7 1$,0$5 18,640 12.K1 Conseryalionexpertses Othwcos 41.197 Sub total 46236 11,197 B7,433 47.131 A4 A8Sat and Invo8tment urchaBeB. 588 take Sub total 46,236 41,197 87,433 47.136 Not of r6celptsNpayments) AS Transfer5 be88n fund8 Ae ¢ash funds last yoar •nd Cash funds thls year gnd 11,4821 75,877 208.799 131,440 139.7511 75,877 23,002 $9.126 141333 14,2681 231.801 190.56B 236,069 231,801
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unr85trlcted funds to n•ar•gt£ Restrlcted fund& Endowment fvnds Categories Detalls tonrestE B1 Cash funds Bank Cuwenl8othts 2.531 CAF O¥posilaCcoI 59.128 Virgin InstsntAccfj¥¥ Totsl Cash funds 131,HO 5P,128 4¢y>JuNlg11 0 Unrestrlcted fund8 Rwlrict•d lunds Endowmont fund5 to n•Broit£ Detail tonrg£ Fund ts>whlch ass¢r ttsn Unr•Btrt¢i•d Cumnt Detai18 M&G Invostrrnts 42$3 4600 Fund tgwhl¢h asset Lylon Curr•nt¥lu• IONI Details SDUth hlllton Ley CDxtlaptloMII 5&B B4 Assets rètslnad for the charltrfs own usè Pr* Unr•5trth1 ix)rough Unre8trK 45,984 BrJdrfo UntystrKt9d 17,OOU Fund to whl¢h Detalls knouTht du• lo&d¢all BS Llabllltles Sbned ty onè or Injsttes on behHlf of all t trust888 &gnatur8 Print Name Date of roval Amanda Collick Colin Randall 1910312025 1910312025
- P•Btrtct•d funds 11 94iP(r 'RnJng kknjse Curt Total 8bIf011lI2o24 FWIS 4.7EnA) 5.07T.86 13,063.70 6S65&C6 1.446.(M) 1,446.rKJ 877.00 75,WO.W 75,8TT.00 8,1560 34.600.00 877M 6.206.50 S77.86 88.083.70 142,981.Q6 O.CK) 87T.(D 21K).00 40.120. 41.197.00 0.00 a,1¥60 U,S00.00 00 8,006.50 S.077.86 47.943.70 101.78Q06 8nts B41•nc• ¢rf31M212034 IP681£81561 Iknd1£345001.-EISlI(]a Fund5[01 Fundytotwton rMTtKX)rl(xzt FurKJsto bewl on WAding[churChVllh&ffi Lw iftsaid vitrtcffttnwor thurth gfftAft$ Devon Blrds Reserves SoLrth Milton Lev The reedbed has not ftooded over the 2024125 winter a5 the South Mitton Sandbank has not been 35 high as In the last few years. Signific3ntW more water has however flowed into the lower part of the Reserve from the stream below the SWW treatment plant. This beneflt Is the result of the decision in 2021 to postpone desiltlng the stream below ihe Ex)ardwalk. Any stream flows above bank level pass into the reedbed but the tracks around the around the Reserve have not been afferted. The impacts of not desilting the stream will be monitored to detemiine when. if ever. any de5ilting work is required. While carrying out remedial work, the opportunity was tsken to raise the dam in the ditch on the South Side above the public footpath by the treatment plant. Thls has resulted in more water being diverted into the upper part of the reedbed. A scheme is under development to dlvert MO water Into thSs dltch from the stream on the North side of the Reserve. Routine maSntenance including grass cuttln& minor repairs and tree surgery continued. The benefits of annual reedcvts are being re-3ssè5sed to determlne ff. where and when they should resume.
South West Waterfs ISWWI progress with identifying and reducing overflows ha5 been disaprKJinting. An additional stormwater storage tank was commissioned in April 2024, and this ha5 redUd the frequency of overflows. It doe5 not however address the fundamental problem of excessive flows entering the treatment plant. 5WW are being urged to complete their investigatlons and remedial work. Mike Passman's daily blog Ihtt thurle5toneba provides a comprehensive record of the species seen In the area- 166 in total for 2024, well down on the total of 176 in 2023. The low total was attrlbuted to fewer birdwatchers visiting the area and there being fewer birds around {winter 2024125 has been very disappointingl. Alan Pomroy continued to lead the fin8ing efforts at SoLrth Milton, but disturban from works at the treatment plant and higher water levels at Marsh Ride reduced the number and length of ringing nets. Despite thi5. 1134 birds were processed including 291 wintering Chiffthaffs. Flrecrest numbers continued to increase Ito 17 in 20241. South Huish Meadowlands Lease The National Trust continues to debate their conseThation objectNes for their land in the South Huish area and Devon Bird5 Potential long-lerm involvement. Due to the continuing delays, the National Trust offered a second one-year license for Devon Birds to continue managing the wetland until October 2025. Devon Birds Is pre55ing the National Trust for a long-term lease as the current arrangement is unsatisfactory. Re5torotion work With imprt)ved control of water levels on completion of the initial restoratlon work In October 2023, the rneadowlands dried out sufficientty over summer 2024 to undertake the final stsge of the restoratlon work In September 2024. The work was funded by the National Trust and managed by Devon Birds, and included replacement of the weir on the first scrape and remedial WO lo the ditch furthest from the sea. Full control of water levels has been restored, and the meadowlands were rarely flooded over the 2024125 wlnter and the floods have 500n di55ipated Ithe rate is limited by the capacrf(y of the ourfall under the dunes). For the ffirsl lime in Ihfee years, the Highland Cattle wer8 able to graze th8 meadowlands beyond the scrapes over the summer {Ihey had been loo wet in previously}. Birdlife 'rd numbers and $pecies have been well down overthe winter 2024125, initially no doubt due lo distulDance of th8 restoration work bul later due to Ihe poor weather and fewer bithalchers.
Beesands Hide Wddicombe Ley is watched from the hide by a few rular binh•Rtchers. with many more watching when a rarity isfound. During the summer holidays, numbers areboosted by visitc¥s. Access Ic+ the hrde is via a track maintained by Devon Birds. The wocxJ8n ramp into the he is about 30 ygars old and had to be repaired on several occa3i9ns. Regttabty al the end of January, Devon Birds decidgd the ramp was no longer safe. At the time of wriknng. a proposal for replat8ment of the ramp under consideration by Devon Birds Council. Prawle Point Reserve The reserve is watched and maintained by a small group d dedicated Devon Birds members bul few other5. Pig Nose Valley Res8rve188esands Ley Hidelwest Ch9rfeton Bird Hide Nothing to reporL Nick Townsend Conservation Officer (South) BRADIFORD RESERVE Bradiford ReseNe continues to benefit our wildllfe with mlnimal maintenance. low vlsitor impad & the use of Ilmited stock grazing to control vegetatlon to benefit wildflower5 & Invertebrates. AcrivrriES- JULY TO DECEMBER 2024 July- another se55ion to control the Himalayan Balsam. August- pulled the Ragwort. Several sessions cutting back new Bramble growth around the dumps of scrnb, overhanglng hedges and tree5 and burning the brash. September- checked our boundary fenclng. Cattle commenceErazln& they stayed on untll earty November. Set up the 4-day Bat Recorder. November- set up my trailcam to confirm the Otter is still crosslng the Reserve via his well- worn trail. Caught 2 Otters on the camera this timel Otter was recorded 5 nights out of 12 crossing the Reserve. Other regulars- pair of Red Fox, several Grey Rabblt and 3 Roe Deer. Badger recorded on camera for the first time.
31# Decemberl!) Fencing contractor installed 40 new fence posts round the woodland clumps & boundary fence to replace those rotted out over time. Need to keep these fence5 Secure to prevent grazlng stock damage to the young trees. (And escapesll BIRD RECORDS FOR 2024 Autumn and Wintering species include regular Herring Gull roost,. Great Black-backed & Black-headed Gulls: 81ack-tailed Godwit: Lapwin& Redshank,. Greenshank,. Snipe* Curlew: Green and Common Sandpiper,. Oystercatcher: Canada Geese,. pair of Mute Swan,. Shelduck,. Mallard: Teal: Water Rail. Three Cattle Egrets were regulars during the late Autumn Fer1. Sprlng & Summer- both Reed and Sedge Warblers and Reed Bunting bred. Also Blackcap, Chiffchaff. Willow Warbler. Song Thrush & House Sparrows occupied territories. Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk & Kestrel were recorded. Grey Heron, Little Egret & Kingfisher are regula. WORK PLAN 2025 lanuarylFebruary- Volunteers have tompleted stapling the new fence p05ts. Finlsh burning the brash from last Autumn cutting. Depending on the ground condition5 the farmer may graze sheep on the Reserve until early February. Iys all very wet at presentl 3h April 09-30- Devon Birds guided walk over the Reserve. Continue Bat Survey rf are stlll dolng these. Summer- continue Himalayan Balsarn and Bramble controls. Check tree growth. coppicin hedge & fence security & tske appropriate actions. September/November- dlscuss cattle grazing pL8n with the farmer. The grazlng routlne continues to prcKluce good wildflower and grassland habitat for invertebrates & controls vegetatlon growth. We l¢Jok forward to further developments regarding the proposed a550ciations wlth Devon Wildlife TrusL Tim Smlth
GIX)BOROUGH Another year of progress as the site o)ntlnues to develop its range of habltats. The plttu below demonstrates the wide range of habitsts from woodland to grazed grassland wlth almost everything In between, whlch is invaluable gNen the development all arJnd. It is also Important to wekome a confirniation of Devon Birds commitment to the site and the innings of a fruitful officlal link with Dwf, we already have strong unofficial links. Fencing off the aa around the bottom pond proved very successful. the whole area was allve with Invertebrates all sumrner. As a result, a larger area has been fend off above the top pcmd. Large patches of grass were cleared to make rough banks and flowers from around the site have been transplanted and seed, garnered trom ver8es, and NT, sown. A further sertw)n of the cross-ridge dyke wa5 cleared and we are now off the At Risk Register. Plan5 forfurther clearance have been formulated with DCC and there is a real P055ibility of a geophysical survey near the mound to try and flmi up on the extent. date and purpjse of the earthworks. A record has been located of an ancienL polshed axe head being found on the site but nobo knows where it is today. If anyone knows of any descendants of Major B.W.Ha5well coukl they let us know as It was meant to be in his Possession in 1977.
Our Autumn work programme went well and the path5 were in pristine condltion, ès can be seen in the photo above, after the chipping week which cleared lots of dead wood. After Stomi Bert there no damage and all looked OK for the winter. However, it was not to be, Storni Darragh struckfrom an unusual directM)n wh prolonged ferocity. We lost a number of small and large trees but none hlt anythlng signrficant The felling of the leaning ash arhj willow tree5 by the sheds in Spring proved to be a very wlse (kclslon, as that was the area where there was most damage. The real disaster wa5 the loss of 0Ursheer which was rl)ped out of the ground and deposlted on its roof, the same fate as some stables in nearby rIds. The damage to the shelter will necessitate a complete rebuild and you on see how the volunteers miss the shelter. Before the Storn) Afterthe Storm Plannin8 Rebuild Blrd rfnging on the site remains a valuable actlvlty and thanks 80 to Rory and hls helpers who have added 5igntfTrntlyto our knowledge of the slte and confirmed a number of observatlon5. Monthty Surv led by Mandy and Sue have given us a much better grasp of the blrd populatlon aeross the year. aided by the invaluable sightings board In the shelter. Flower. butteth, bee and odonata surveys were all completed. Looking ahead to 2025 we have all the usual maintenanceta5ks and we aim to produce a long term management plan for the slte. We have been lucky enough to be given trees by Devon Treescape and the National Trust. including a lot of wild pears and crab apples. These wlll be planted in a deslgnated orchard area and in areas where we have ash trees shrwding symptoms of ash dieback. I must end by thanking all those who have given upthelr tlme to ke?p Godbcrough a real Nature Refuge In the middle of the hou5elyJilding exploslon )11 around the s1ts- your efforts are muth appreclated by everyone within the area and are illustrated below.
Gorse clearfng January Deeron a cokl morning Clearirvdthe castle mound aeared cross-ridge dyke Clearin8 Mlddle Pond by hand New flowering plant areas Philip Marlow
Trustees, Annual Report for the period Perlod stsrt date Pewlod end date Da Monih Month From YJ24 12 To arity name Devon Birds Othw names dwrlty Is known by Reglstered Charity number IIFany) 1191647 tharity's wincipjl addre55 I Colleton cS¢ent Exeter Devon Postcode EX2 4DG Namesofthe tharlty trustees who man•theth Trustsena Cfft¥lllanvl DAte5artqd whde olp*s¢)nlor bodyl•ThlW 1PPDknttrLthel¥ny) MrT Misselbrook Apwbnted 23 march '24 Appointed 23 March '24 Mlss A CollKk Treasurer Mr C Randall Vlce-chairman MrA Uttlng Ms F Freshney Mr M Cpniels Communicatiors Officer Secretary Mrs E Harrls Mr N D'Agorne MrRG Burton Fieskned 23 March'24 io Mr S Churchlev Resigned 23 March'24
li Names of the tnAsteeslor tharlty, If ary. Iforexame. any cistodlanlrustee51 Dale5aCted H notlorwholeyear Name Names and addresses of ad¥lsets {Optional Inforniatjonl Plldress Type of adviser Independent Examiner We5tcotL5 47 Boutport Street Bamstsple, Devon EX31 ISQ Name of thlef execut1 or names of 5onior staff members {Optlonal Informatitinl Dexrlptlon of the ¢harlWs trusts Type of governing document CorL£lltution dated 5 October 2020, whlch Is published and a copy available to all Members via the webslte. the charity is ¢onstituled Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIOI Trustee selectknn rnethods Appointed by members or the charity trustees. Additlonal 80vWnae issues (Oplh>ial knfgmth)
You may thoose to include additional information, where relevanL aboLrt'. The charity has branches for different area5 of Devon.. East Devorn Mid Devon, South Devon. prno1rth, Taw & Torridge. each Orn1${n8 lo¢al events and talk5. policies and procedures adopted for the indurtion and training of trustees- Tru Sma ntain a risk register. which Is revlewed on a regularbasis. the charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charlty work5,. relationship with any related partie5: trustees, consideration of major rlsks and the syslem and ProdU to manage them. Section C Objectives and activities To advance education for the publlc benefit in the study of birds and to promote thelrcowrvation by.. Publishin8 an annual report of blrd specles within the County of Devon,. Promoting a wider Intet in Ixrd5 and their habitats, SCIen and conservation,. Enwura8ing and promoting an Interest In blrds: for people of all levels of experience,. Organising a programrne of field and indoor meètings to Èducate and Inform members and the wider publlc: Prornoting a continuing improvement in the submission, collation, publication and a¢$ to ornithological records and studies; Managlng 3 network of reserves in the county for the prvteLtlon and ConServatn of birds and asSocted wildllfe,. Supporting research and rnaki grants to other organi5ations in furtherano of the purpose. Summary ofthe objects of the tharity set out in its governlng document Ivrl
The artMtle5 undertsken tythe tharity tolurther Its purposes forihe publlc nefit A varied pro8ramme of field and indoor meeting5 took place in each of thè branche5 to educate and infomi members and the wider public about birds and their conservation. A selection of reserves and hides are Maintsin by volunteers for the benefit of members and the widèr community to encourage and promote an interell In birds, their habltsts 3nd con5ervatlon. Publlshed the annual report of bird speaes reported within Devon. for the intwest of our rnembers and the scient5fic community. Summary of the maln actlvltles undertaken forthe publlc bgngfit Sn relatlon to these objert5 Ilncludewithin this section the 5tstutory detlaratlon that trustees have had regard to the Buldanc• Issued tylhe Charity Commission on PU1£ bonetitl Promoted a wider inte1 In Bird5 by publicising the activities of other organisation5 in our newsletter and on our webslte. Examples thi5year Include the D3rt blrds sighting initiative, updates on the Otter estuary work and publi¢islng the work of Barn Ch¥1 Trust Sn respect of Little Owt. The tru5tee5 confirm that they have complled wlth the requirements olsection 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit 8uidanre published by the Charity Commission for EnBland and Wales.
Aldltlonal detsllsof objerti¥es arKI activltles (Optlonal infomiatioTr} We aregrateful for311 our volunteers. Includingthe branch committees for organising and ensuring there 15 a range of activlties for our members, as well as our reseTve managers and volunteers for ensuringthat prae, South Huish, Beesands. South Milton, Godborough. Bradiford and Slapton are all managed In an environmentslly consdous way maklng the re5erve5 a haven forall wildllfe. induding bird5. You may choose to includefurther ststsments, where relevant. about.. poliry on grantrnakin& policy programme relatsd investmentr, contribution made bv volunteers.
SmY ofthe maln achlevemtrts ofth¢ fharltyduth theyear South Dwon Brdnch In January. Rlck Lockwood 8ave a talk about a malor project that will providè long-term improvements for wldlife, the Lower Otter Restoration Project. This was attendÈd by 50 members and non-members. A birdw3tchlng walk around the Otter followlng the talk was a150 led by Alck and attended by 10 members. In February 52 members and non-members attended a presentation on Challacombe Fami. presented by Mark Owen and Nlk Ward. In March, 37 Members and non.nEmbers attended a presentation by Peter Reay. enfjded On My Door5tep-Starlin8s. G005anders, Stonechats and the South Brent Parish Survey. In Aprll, 35 members and rKin-members attended a preSentsOn, dellvered by Dave Scott, entitled Blrds of the Arctlc Circle. In Maythe Branch held a walk around Challacombe Farm and Challacombe Down. wrÉh 12 members taklng part. It was led by the Farm owner, Mark Owen and Rin8ing Secretary, Nik Ward. In September. 34 members and non-member5 attended a psentIOn, delivered bythe Branch secretary, Jeff Haton, highllghtlng Jeffs vlsit to Kenya. In October lan Gasper pnted a talk about how IMrd5 behave. This was attended by 44 members and non-MeMrs. In November, 45 membets and non-members attended a psentatIon byjohn W31ters. about the Birds. Beasts and of Devon.
Mid De¥on Branch Indoor meetinBS of 2024 Included Martln Overy tslking about The Devon Birds Annual Report- how it is put together and how important your records are, as well as AndyGray talking about'changing farmlng practices,. Andy is a farmer from the Crediton area wr(h a comrnitment to innovatlve and sustslnable farming pract1 that benefit the environmen¢ promwe acce55ibilty to quality food and inspire future farmers. The branch held 20 walk5 overthe year. with attendaft of between 6 and 25 people. A particular highllght was a close slghtSng of a Honey Buzzard on Dartmoor Sn June. A walk from Powderham toTurf Lock in January on what was Cold, but beautrfulFy dear morn1r. A visit to Molland Common vhth plenty of sun and good clear views and six raptor species and perfect weather madè for some happy blrders. Avlslt to Meeth Quary Reserve took despf(e some stron8 winds and a few showers. A day without raln In Aprfl 2024 was a bit of a luxury for Devon Birds members at Hawkedand Valley and Ayle5beare Common. part of the Pebblebed Heaths SSSI. In Maythere were vistt5 tt> Ea5tAnstey Common. Exmoor. and ChallatombÈ, Dartmoor. Berry head was vislted in lune, wfth DolphSns in addition to birds. Julysaw the branch visltSng Mardon Down in Dartmoor to look for Ni8htjars. bats and moth5 as well as a 51t to Cookworthy Forest. Augusvs wsit was to Meshaw Moor and Leigh Bridge. A field visit to Northam Burrows took place In September. l$lts to Rldford Lake and Exminster Marshes took pla In Novemberznd a visitto Dawllsh Warren took place in DeMber. Ptymouth Branth CuTnt our membership in the PL area compfSses of 235 households of the 1372 Mem1r5 of Devon 8ird5 IDBI. The Committee of 11 puttogether a programme of 4 indoor meetirEs held at Mutley Baptist Church and 15 outdoor meetings throughoutthe year. Thejanuary talk was bythe Nature Recovery Officer of Devon WildlrfeTrust (D1. Erni4 Cuff, who described the reintroduction of the Pine Martln to the
woodlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor. In April Mark Owen's presentation detailed the landstape management work that 15 being undertaken to improve the ecolo8y of Challacombe Fann on Dartmoor. We were able to See some of these char8es when he led a guided Msit for the 8roup in May. In September and November respectively, two presentations on conservation project5 were given. The firsi b¥Jon Avon. who is involved in thg 5 year Dartmoor Cudew Recovery Project and Ajistair Whybrow, an enthuslast for Swift5. who has erected many nest boxe5 in churth towers around Kingstenton. The purthase of a loudspeaker and microphone $teM by the Branch has improved the eXperIen for those attendingour indoor rneetings. Our outdoor pro8ramme stsrted wlth coastal visits to Broadsands and Brlxham and later in the year to Wembury, Soar and Slapton Ley. Four estuarlne venue5 included trlps tothe River Exe and R5PB Reserve at BovAlng Green Marsh, to the Rivercamel and Walmsley Reserve In Cornwall, to Seaton Wetlands on the the and also Torpoint and the River Lynher. Duringthe summer, suitsble sltes on Dartmoor wère selected to observe mlgrants and resident bird5 in the WODdlands of Yarner3nd near Venford Reservoir. The aa$ of Challacombe Farm, Cadover Brldge. Clearbrook and Em5WOrthy D Reserve acted as valuable venues to see heath and moorland blrds. Our evenir sit to Cann Woods in search of Nlghtjars is bewming less successful as the vegetation increases In helght. Conditions for outdoor bird watching events proved challenging during 2024 due to weL cold weathèr. The number of those participating in each vlsirvarted betwÈènlO and 28 overtheyear. We have become adept at divlding into smallergroups as required. The National Trust Imn at Saltram allowed the Branch to hold an aftemoon meeting to encourage the passing publi¢to usè the telescopes and blnoculars centred onto the scrape at Blaxton Meadow. In additlon to sharing our intEYest in local birdlrfe it provlded an opportunity to promote the w¢yk of Devon &rds. Two surveys on blrdllfe have been carrled out at Tothill Park, a popular park in the ¢ity. Advlce wa5 given on thè suitablility of the posltloning of nest boxes.
The third and final survey ot the year was completed by several tsam5 at the NT 8u¢kland Abbeyestate. The aim was to establish a base line of bird speoes around the 8rounds. as work contSnues to improve the ecologyfor wildllfe. East De¥on Brar The branth owJnised about 20 walks In the year atvarious places around the County. wlth one further afield. Attendance varied between about 5 and 20 people, comprislng perhaps 40+ different indiwlduals. Two Wal were cancelled due to bad weather conditions. Reports for most were plad on the Society website. The subcommittee that runs these adiwties comprises S people. who are electedlrè-èlected annually. l)evon Blrd5 Swlft Box Prole£t It is common knowledge that Swifts IApu5 apu51 are decllnlng across Prfltaln at an alarming rate, about 50% in 25 years. and Devon is no different. Whi15t the causes undoubtedlylndude1055 of insects and problems In their winter range, the Increasi shorta8e of nest sites is one that we can remedy. Churches are great for this project. as many have towers which RSve height lack of dlsturbance, 3nd some permanente Iso rrany house are"tidled by owners, thus remng access for swifts). To that end, Devon Bird5 Coun¢ll agreed to put fund5 towards the Swift Box Project. whith include5 installing nest boxes in churches ind some publlctslks to engage the vAder community. Atotal of32 boxes have been installed to date, with rfy3ny churches on the waitinB list to have boxes instslled. Exmtsor National pa AhOrIty Moorland Breedlrq 81rd Sury Oevon Birds contributed fundingtoward5 an Exmoor National Park Authoritv Inltl3ted survey in 2024. 3 repeat of surveys conducted in 2008 and 2014 by the RSPB. The results wll provlde upto date information on the staius and
dlstribLbiion of Exmoor'5 moorland birds, support landowners and land managers transitioning into new agri*nvironment scheme5 including Landscape Recovery. Inforni Local Naturè Recoverystrategies and contribute tL) the programme of SSSI conditlon assessments. As of March 2025, the IISPB written-report nearing completion. Pied Fly¢atther Researrh Devon Birds contracted ornithologists Malcolm Burgess IPiedAy Netrrk manager) and Fraser Bell to undertake a research projert lookingto gain understanding of how migratory songblrds cr05s the Sahara Desert in sprlng and auturnn. Sophistitatal muti-sensor ts8s were fitted on Pled flycatchers recording temperature. light levels and alr pressure, enablhng accurate estimation of the altltude of fli8ht. The tran>Saharan mlgration is thought to be a Si8nifi¢ant constraint to annual survival of migrants. Malcolm and Fraser are cuirenuywriting a paper for publication In ajoumal. Section E Financial review Devon Birds Is funded (Subscriptions, Donations and Legacies) by bird lovers who expect thelr gift to be used carefvlly and wisely In accordance wlth the OB constitutlon and regulatory authority requirements. Brlef statement of the tharftys pollryon reseNes The trustees have made the decision to utili5e some of the reserves to further the aims of the chaTity. Hence the deficit forthe last trloyears and planned deficit for 2025. Durlng 2024 the chaTity has designated £75,000 tothe Swift Boxes In Churches projecL
The tharity. being mindlul of Charfty Commi55ion guidan. aims to maximlse the use of available funds for the benefit of the charitable objectfves. Thè aim 15 to have unrestricted reSee$. equiwalentto at least three mnth5' runnlng costs. The total unrÈstri¢ted reserves at 31 Decernber 2024 was £132,317, which the trustees consider acceptable. Detalls of anylunds materlally In defkit NIA Furtherfinanclal r&rfvbV details (Optlonal Informatlonl Vou may choose to include Jdltional infomiation. where relevant about.. the charWs principal sources of funds lincludlng any fundr3i51ngl; how expenditure has supportèd the key objectlvès of the charity- investment poliry and objective5 Induding anyethical irve51ment polky •Jopted. Section F Other optional information Section G Declaration The trustees dedare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Si8ned on behalf of the charity4s trustees SIgnare(SI Full nafflelsl Amanda Collick Colin Randall
Posltlon le8Se¢retary. Chair. etcl Treasurer vi£haIrMan 2910312025