EDDERTHORPE FLASH RSPB BREEDING WADERS

The 2024 Michael Clegg Memorial Birdrace is raising funds for EDDERTHORPE FLASH RSPB BREEDING WADERS in the Dearne Valley near Barnsley.

The small islands created in the flash host breeding Avocets, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover & Black-headed Gulls and in 2023 the successful breeding of Black-winged Stilts when a pair fledged three young.

The two islands on the flash get eroded by the water and it is now time to get an excavator on site to rebuild and reprofile the islands. An electric fence is also needed to keep cattle off the islands and the two floating rafts also require attention.

RSPB are funding most of the work but there is a shortfall in the amount to complete all the vital work required. It is hoped that the money raised from the 2024 birdrace will help bridge the funding gap.

This event was started to commemorate Michael Clegg, the renowned Barnsley naturalist, who died in 1995. The event takes the form of a sponsored birdrace every January, raising funds for conservation projects within Yorkshire.

The date for the birdrace is SUNDAY 7th JANUARY 2024. Once again we will be sticking with the 'green format' meaning that this will be a NON-MOTORISED event. It's either cycling or walking around each teams chosen area.