Ringing Course - 7th-10th August 2008
Here is some information about the course, which is suitable for any existing ringer wishing to gain more experience as part of an ongoing ringing training programme. This page provides information on the arrangements, accommodation and administration; click on the links on the left of the page for the course programme, and for a booking form to complete and return to RMRG if you wish to take part.
Arrangements
Accommodation
Accommodation is basic, however there is hot water, and toilets. Sleeping arrangements are beds on the floor of a building loaned to us by the sewage works. You may wish to bring your own sleeping mattress, and there is the option to bring a tent and camp if you so wish. There is also room for caravans if you wish to bring one.
Registration
Registration and introduction to the site will be from 2pm onwards on Thursday 7th August in the Rye Meads Ringing Group main base (directions will be sent on receipt of a booking form). We will be arriving and starting the setting up process from early on the Thursday morning. Delegates are welcome to arrive as early as they wish and assist in setting up nets and sites etc. There will be no structure to the morning and this is not an official part of the course but some ringing will almost certainly take place. Please advise us if you wish to come along early and what time you will arrive, you will be responsible for your own lunch and food up to 2pm, which is the official start of the course.
The site
Part of the site is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. It is open to the public between 10am and 5pm so please be aware there may be members of the public on this part of the site between these times. It is also an operational sewage works and as such there are dangerous areas on site, you will be fully briefed on arrival and should ensure that you are always with a group member whilst on site.
Unforeseen circumstances
Ringing is obviously subject to weather and catching opportunity, and delegates may have to be flexible dependant on circumstances. However, we will endeavour to catch as many birds as we can of a wide range of species as is possible in the safest possible manner.
What will you need?
There are some things you will need to bring:
- Your ringing licence
- Wellies are essential
- A sleeping bag
- A mattress/floor mat to sleep on
- A pillow if you want to be really comfortable!
- Your own toiletries (there is hot and cold running water and toilets, but no bath or shower).
- Payment for the course if you have not already paid.
- Suitable clothing, (not your Sunday best!) you may wish to bring a sun hat, it can get hot in August and we may be out in the field for a long time
Some things you may wish to bring but are not essential:
- A tent if you wish to camp - there are places tents can be pitched
- Any of your own ringing equipment
- Binoculars, there will be opportunities to bird watch
- Any particular food or drink you specifically want