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Portsmouth RSPB by Gordon Humby

Gordon Humby is leader of Portsmouth RSPB, which must rank as one of the most successful local groups, but with membership of 200, it is a time-consuming voluntary position.

As with every other nature group this is a friendly bunch of people, who get together several times a month for a walk along the seashore, heathland, field and forest. Although predominantly around Hampshire, visits are also made to Dorset, Sussex and Surrey. The stories of Gordon ‘2 Hampers Humby’, are legendary amongst birding circles, and although yes, he does he enjoy his food, it would be unfair to compare his prodigious appetite to Morus bassanus, and slightly unjust.

The RSPB itself needs no introduction, but most are unaware that there are local groups. Check its website www.rspb.org.uk for reserves, publications, membership, policies, pictures, events and conservation. They also do much to encourage the youngsters: www.rspb.org.uk/youth/nearyou . (It appears to be a fault on their website that there is nothing about local groups. Try their ‘Search’ tool and type in ‘local groups - - - - ‘(followed by your county)

Approximate membership figures:
Conservative Party: 290,000
Labour Party: Now just under 200,000
Lib-Dems: 73,000
RSPB: Approx 1,116,000

So, the RSPB is super-rich. Wrong; it does have a vast membership but if the funds were to cease, it would have enough resources to last for just 4 months. If like me, you immediately throw away its appeals for money or signatures, think again. I was unaware that its appeals for money or just signatures, attract very little response. Due to its very success, we all think they do not need our support, so few react.

Some policies are contentious, but any vast conservation organisation of this size cannot avoid this. For example, It is sanctioning the destruction in Britain of the spreading American Ruddy Duck, as it cross-breeds and is affecting the survival as a pure-breed of the Spanish White-headed duck. It has been said that the ‘£915 cost of killing each bird (their diving abilities make life difficult for marksmen) could be spent less cruelly in repatriating each bird back to the US in business class’. When an organisation, devoted to conservation is involved in culling, there is uproar, but it is usually because of man that the problem arose in the first place.

Another example of a dispute is over Malta, and the 4 million birds killed annually for sport, as they pass over this migratory crossroads. (Cyprus nets 9million songbirds) Most of us believe that if the RSPB were to ask their members, family and friends to veto holidays to this Mediterranean hotspot, it would have a profound effect and generate vast publicity. The RSPB believes that it is better we continue to travel and voice our opinions there.

Other issues, such as the campaign to try and save the Albatross, can have no detractors. Whatever your views, overall it is a voice for good and conservation, it is powerful, was the world forerunner in scale and influence, and has nature reserves throughout the United Kingdom.
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PORTSMOUTH GROUP RSPB

Welcome to the Portsmouth local group of the RSPB.

The group has been around for over 30 years, and members of the RSPB are invited to join with the other 200 other members. When you join, you will receive two Newsletters each year and the programme of events. Joining will only cost you £3 per annum!

We have an indoor meeting every 4th. Saturday of the month, at St. Colman’s Church hall, Cosham, when members of the public are also invited by various advertisements.

The meetings start at 7.30pm, cost £2 entrance fee which includes refreshments, and consists of professional wildlife speakers and photographers’ slide shows.

Members only receive the programme, which detail the outdoor walks – mainly around Hampshire. These usually involve a drive of one hour or less from the Portsmouth area, and, being for birdwatching, are fairly slow, so all attending get the chance to see each bird.

To take part in an enjoyable, peaceful pastime and also support the vital
conservation aims of the RSPB, why not join the Portsmouth group?

The RSPB itself is over 100 years old and is the largest conservation organisation in Europe. It was formed after protests that Egrets were being slaughtered to provide feathers for ladies’ hats.

Fortunately, there are now laws to protect birds and other wildlife, but, regrettably, persecution persists. Egg collectors still rob the nests of rare birds, poisoned bait is left for raptors to eat, and birds are shot indiscriminately in the UK and other countries, so support is needed to keep the momentum of protection by the RSPB.

For more information, ring Mr Gordon Humby, on 02392 353949 Portsmoth RSPB

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