CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

People join the SWT for different reasons and some are keen to get involved with the practical work on the reserves. We have a splendid opportunity to do this in our area as Steve Blow has organised a series of work-days on some of the reserves (details on the back page). I hope that these will be supported by members The work-days can be very rewarding as well as being enjoyable. Participants can work at their own pace, tools and protective gloves etc will be provided where necessary and instruction will be given. If you can give up only an hour of your time, do come along. An hour of your time will save someone else's back or knees for an hour! You will not be expected to wield a chain saw or drive a JCB but you should be able to enjoy a bit of physical activity in good company. Just the thing to work off all those calories.

On a sadder note, members will be sorry to hear of the death earlier this year of Nancy Rodger who for a number of years organised the sale of SWT goods in this area. Nancy was a cheerful and loyal supporter of the trust and I should like to extend sympathy to Bernard and the family.

At our AGM in November two very supportive committee members, Vi Shannon and Dorothy Macdonald, retired after looking after the interests of members in their respective areas for some considerable time. I should like to thank them both for their hard work and enthusiasm. We welcome Sue Armstrong and Kate Morison to the committee. Sue has been active for the last year as programme co-ordinator, producing a very interesting and varied programme. Kate is a ranger with Fife Council and has been involved in our activities in the Auchtermuchty area.

Although birds are probably my first interest, I do not really count myself as a 'twitcher', as I enjoy watching birds in areas where they are expected rather than vagrants blown to strange places. However a Masked Shrike at Kilrenny Common, barely ten miles from home, proved too great a temptation. We had splendid views of the bird, a juvenile, feeding on flies on Ivy flowers and causing some concern to the local Blue Tits. Almost as fascinating was watching the birdwatchers; the line of telescopes and the interaction between those who had seen the bird and even photographed it and those who had just arrived. There is a whole study there for someone.

2004 seemed to be the year of Peacock butterflies. We had a total of 40 in the garden at one time, on two Buddleia bushes. I am writing this in November and the Redwings have started appearing, tackling the abundant berry crop. There is always something interesting to enjoy. Good wildlife watching for 2005.

Jean Stewart