Negative attitude of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Aye knew about but forgot. You could always go in the side entrance where the works traffic go or did and not tell anyone, its handy for wader hide!

I had a very good comprehensive reply from Dave Bromwich. The main problem appears to be that under the terms of the lease all residents of Messingham are entitled to free access of the reserve. You can appreciate the problems that this causes and there does not seem to be a way round this under the lease as you cannot shut them out

Alan,
Did you contact Dave Bromwich or did you speak to someone else?

In the past when I have had a problem I've always sent Dave an email, always found him to be a fair person and always willing to thrash out whatever my problem was.

I remember almost twenty years ago the cars were always getting broken into. Quite a few times when I was doing the WeBS I often saw some lads sat in a car maybe they was ok, but I was always wary. One time I was there at 5am got parked up and ready to do survey and a chap with a gun appeared, nearly had kitten, I asked what he was doing he said he had permission to kill rabbits, oh, I said you keep to the left side cos am going to the right, never saw him again, thankfully!

Good idea of Jim's suggesting you could be the P/T assistant Warden if you want to, that way LWT should be happy someone on site to keep eye out and you get to do your watching. On the old forum there was a Poll sometimes, if there was one on here, the members could vote for you and then when it closes if there are enough votes present to LWT for their perusal.

Good luck!

Cheers

Max

   

I understand Alan's frustration but I suppose the Trust , like any other landowner, has to worry about insurance, health and safety, disturbance to wildlife etc. etc. Most birders are very responsible, but there are cases of photographers overstepping the mark and putting stress on nesting birds. I think the Trust has had problems elsewhere with over-zealous snappers disturbing nightingales. There have also been occasional issues at Gib Point.

Having said that, Alan provides a valuable bird-recording service to the Trust as well as to this forum. Furthermore, his early-morning presence would provide security. Perhaps he could apply to the Trust be an honorary out-of-hours warden.

Some sort of agreement ought to be possible. Surely?

could’nt agree more !
Pete

I contacted the Trust to see if members could have the access code to the lock on the gate at Messingham Sand Quarry which is only open from 08.00 - 18.00.  Closed during the best birding times, dawn and dusk.The reply was very negative stating that due to anti social behaviour and extra pressure on the reserves they would not do this but might extend the opening hours.It seems then that they are suggesting that Trust members use anti social behaviour and cannot be trusted but are considering extending opening hours so that non members can come in later and do who knows what.Common sense would surely be keep the current hours and allow verified members the access code, the gate would remain closed and you would also have extra security on the site.I am considering leaving the Trust as they clearly do not value or trust its Members to act in a responsible manner