Path Closure Dormans

[Andrew Peter Rackstraw]

 Having not been on the website for the past couple of weeks I was interested to here about the path closure at Dormans . I would be grateful if anybody could provide me with further information as to who to speak to regarding safety concerns.
thanks Andrew Rackstraw (Andrew@gala123.orangehome.co.uk )

[Lockhart]

If the concerns relate to RSPB Saltholme, the best person to contact is probably Dave Braithwaite.

Regarding the path closure, I don't represent the RSPB or Saltholme, but my understanding is that the main issue was that some people were going up the path, then using it to cross the railway line and access the NE corner of Saltholme East.  This caused some safety concerns (i.e. fears that the RSPB could be held liable if someone got hurt doing this) but it was also causing disturbance of the birds in that area, including the garganey that were favouring Saltholme East in April.

To put it in another, less diplomatic way, it looks like a few people have messed things up for everyone else.

[Andrew Peter Rackstraw]

Thanks for the information.  Andrew

[Ian Foster]

If the concerns relate to RSPB Saltholme, the best person to contact is probably Dave Braithwaite.

Regarding the path closure, I don't represent the RSPB or Saltholme, but my understanding is that the main issue was that some people were going up the path, then using it to cross the railway line and access the NE corner of Saltholme East.  This caused some safety concerns (i.e. fears that the RSPB could be held liable if someone got hurt doing this) but it was also causing disturbance of the birds in that area, including the garganey that were favouring Saltholme East in April.

To put it in another, less diplomatic way, it looks like a few people have messed things up for everyone else.

One thing to remember when commenting on issues of access to Dorman's, Rec Pond, Saltholme, Haverton etc. I and other Birders have been walking these area's for a very long time without any "safety issues" what-so-ever and long before the RSPB were involved...I have walked the Dorman's path and crossed the railway line many times. I will happily hand in my membership card and stop paying my subscription to the RSPB if my actions have "messed things up for everyone else".

As for disturbance to birds in that area, I'm sorry the disturbance I have clearly caused is far worse compared to the kids starting fires, scum on motorbikes/quadbikes and members of the local community killing for fun with Dog's and Guns that I see on a regular basis in this area.

Cheers

Ian

[Lockhart]

To repeat myself, i don't represent the RSPB, or their views; just relaying what little I know of the reasons for the sign.  Whether or not you respect the notice is up to you.

As for the assorted low-lifes, if you're seeing the undesirables in action the best thing you can do is document it: dates, times and preferably photographs.  Send them to the police yourself or via Saltholme if it's in an area managed by the RSPB (Dave B seems to have a reliable contact within the local force).  In these cash-starved times, the police won't do anything unless they have solid evidence, but they have turned up at the door of certain people in the last couple of years, brandishing photographs . . .


Lockhart

[johntroughton]

I am with you Ian on this one. John Troughton.