Ted Parker Tower on Dormans Pool - Whats the Point?

[Jamie]

I hear lots of people asking the above but I have never seen the answer and most consider it a total waste of money to build it over looking a reedbed you can see better from elsewhere. I would therefore be interested to know why the club are building this?

[THOMO]

All I know after asking on the RSPB Community Forums, is that the RSPB have given the Teesmouth Bird Club permission to go ahead with this project. I do know the RSPB have as well built a similar tower at the RSPB reedbed and wetland reserve at Leighton Moss in Lancashire. Why I don't know, as that tower is such an ungly site at that RSPB reserve in Lancashire.
Ian.

[IanF]

I must admit that I also wondered why such a project was ever proposed. I find it difficult to believe that anyone who regularly birds at Dormans Pool would go along with such a suggestion at all but also as to the placement in the reed bed.

I think the one at Leighton Moss offers little benefit for viewing anything more than can be seen from the well placed hides there, but at least it's closely backed by trees to camouflage it's presence.

Personally if the Club is footing the bill, then surely this is a project that should be open to discussion amongst the membership on the club web site?

In my opinion Ted Parker warrants a memorial but I think the membership should have an input to such a project rather than just one or two individuals.

For me I think members would benefit more from a new hide located on the east side of Dormans Pool located close to the edge of the reeds, rather than a raised platform in the open where anyone using it will likely scare off any birds they were hoping to see.

[brianthebirder]

In response to your reservations on Teds tower at the southern aspect of Dormans pool .
This could be advantageous as you would be viewing due north (no sun interference)with a good view over the reeds and to the eastern reed edge.This area has historically had many rarities but none recently since the closure of the road.
With permission from Natural England this has potential for a fruitful scrape In front of it .This hide is within easy walking distance from the official car park ,ideal for those who find distance a problem Indeed I find these queries  now after 2 years of planning discussions not well timed especially as most parties have been aware of the plans.
Brian Clasper
TBC chairman

[IanF]

In response to your reservations on Teds tower at the southern aspect of Dormans pool .
This could be advantageous as you would be viewing due north (no sun interference)with a good view over the reeds and to the eastern reed edge.This area has historically had many rarities but none recently since the closure of the road.
With permission from Natural England this has potential for a fruitful scrape In front of it .This hide is within easy walking distance from the official car park ,ideal for those who find distance a problem Indeed I find these queries  now after 2 years of planning discussions not well timed especially as most parties have been aware of the plans.
Brian Clasper
TBC chairman

So is it a hide or is it an open topped tower? No one has mentioned/described the proposed structure. I'd have less reservations if it was an enclosed hide.

Location isn't an issue for me. I agree that a hide placed on the east side would give good viewing conditions.

I always regarded Dormans Pool reed beds as having good potential as a breeding site for rare birds, in particular Bittern and Marsh Harrier. Even if they haven't so far, they may in future. I do wonder if they ever will if this is an open topped tower? I also suspect it's presence will impact on feeding birds, especially Marsh Harriers. Few enough hang around now, let alone with likely more obvious disturbance. Was this taken into account when an environmental impact assessment was conducted, assuming one was?

If most members were already aware of the plans then surely this issue wouldn't be getting raised now? I knew a structure was being planned but no actual details. March 2015 a query was posted on the Forum asking for CAD drawings to be prepared but I can't recall seeing anything else on the Club web site. I know of at least two experienced birders/club members who visit the site daily know only of what I've told them, which isn't very much.

It would have been nice if the membership could have been kept informed of the details of the proposal so any thoughts/suggestions could have been made at an earlier stage.

[Jamie]

The reason I asked now was after the RSPB's talk I assumed there may be some reason that they had for wanting it there.

I could see the point of it on the reserve as it would give kids something to run up and while they might not see anything they might find it exciting and hence become more interested in nature. I was therefore expecting a response along these lines but I was not aware it was not there idea.

I am very surprised the committee have not heard peoples negative thoughts about this as I have heard plenty of people discussing it since it was announced much as they did with the Hartlepool obs that most thought very over the top but the committee still pressed ahead with.

After Ted gave such a vast amount of his time and expertise to turning around the Clubs fortunes it would be nice to think that he had a great lasting memorial like the Phil Stead and Jeff Youngs hide's that will have people asking who he is into the future. Hopefully the tower will be a success like them.

Perhaps next time the club plan a major project they should seek the view of members before pushing ahead with it.

[IanF]

Maybe a unit similar to the Phil Stead Hide but with wider windows, could be placed on platform just above reed level or is it now too late for ammendments to the design?

[Jamie]

Are the details of what is planned going to be made available for club members to see or is it a secret?