As we launched the new RSPB Collection, Moorcroft was deeply saddened to hear that tens of thousands of seabirds have died, including gannets, Sandwich terns, and great skuas, in some of their key colonies from Avian Flu. You may also have seen the devastating impact of Avian Flu in your area or heard news reports.
Overall, 61 UK bird species have tested positive for Avian Flu. This continuing crisis could tip our globally important seabird populations - who already face many threats - towards disaster. Among other losses, we fear the virus has already wiped out nearly half of the UK’s rare roseate tern populations.
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The Moorcroft Bempton Cliffs collection is now very poignant - as we are reminded that the beautiful birds represented in some of the designs are now at risk. The precipitous coast at Bempton Cliffs has gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins that nest on the ledges of the 400-feet high cliffs, Yet they have survived on these precarious cliffs for generations, only to become vulnerable when such a colony is at risk. Around half a million seabirds gather here between March and October to raise a family on towering chalk cliffs which overlook the North Sea. Whilst puffins have now left Bempton cliffs for their annual migration, gannets and kittiwakes are now at risk as the RSPB has reported that Bird Flu has, sadly, reached Bempton Cliffs. That said, we have been advised that Bempton Cliffs is, what is known as, a vertical Colony, and therefore the risk to humans is negligible.
BUY OUR BEMPTON CLIFFS DESIGNS and support the RSPB fundraising effort.
Pictured above, Seafarers Dawn by Vicky Lovatt.
ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU COME ACROSS ANY DEAD BIRDS ON RSPB RESERVES OR OTHERWISE
Firstly, do not touch any sick or dead birds. If you are walking with your dog, keep your dog away from the infected bird.
- In England and Wales, if you find a single bird of prey or owl, 3 or more dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls, or 5 or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
- In Scotland, if you find three dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) in the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra's helpline: 03459 33 55 77.
- In Northern Ireland, if you find dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840. If you find any other single dead birds, including garden birds, you do not need to call the DAERA Helpline.
Catherine Gage