Posted on Wednesday 4th December 2024
Jack Snipe bird
The conservation of the elusive Jack Snipe bird is being bolstered by new funding through the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project, coordinated by Natural England.
This funding will support vital nature recovery efforts in Staffordshire, focusing on safeguarding and enhancing wetland habitats for this important bird species.
Jack Snipe are small wetland birds that migrate to Britain in winter, feeding on insects, worms, and plants in soft mud. The bird’s presence helps to tell us the health of wetland ecosystems. Funding will support targeted research and habitat improvements to ensure their survival and well-being in Staffordshire.
Working with local experts and building on the work of the Belvide Ringers, the funding will allow radio tags to monitor the birds' locations, identifying critical feeding and roosting areas near Chasewater Country Park and Norton Bog.
A new information board will be created to help local communities learn more about Jack Snipe and the efforts to conserve them. Bird ringing demonstrations will also be held to showcase conservation work and provide opportunities for people to volunteer in nature recovery efforts.
When the research is conducted plans will be developed to improve wetland habitats for Jack Snipe on land owned by Staffordshire County Council.
Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said:
“Our country parks provide great spaces for nature as well as people. This funding will help us discover more about the Jack Snipe – a secretive winter visitor to Staffordshire - and how we can enhance the wetland habitats they depend on.”
Simon Tagg, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and climate change, said:
“Building our understanding of species like Jack Snipe is an important part of our broader commitment to conserving biodiversity and supporting Staffordshire’s natural environment.
“This funding is a crucial step in ensuring these important birds continue to thrive in our region, while also inspiring our communities to engage with and support conservation efforts.”
The work, supported by the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project, aligns with ongoing efforts to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. This strategy aims to map out key priorities for protecting and enhancing the county’s natural environment in the years ahead.
Dr Mark Pennington, Axil’s EQHS Director, said:
“The community we work within and our commitment to environmental stewardship are incredibly important to us.
“It’s great to see the funding being used for projects that will improve access to nature, promote education and provide lasting benefits for all.”
The Jack Snipe conservation project serves as a model for how targeted funding and research can inform broader strategies, ensuring that Staffordshire remains home to diverse wildlife.
The funding has been provided by Axil Integrated Services Ltd as part of a wider contribution to the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project following a fire on their site.