It is now nearly a year since we finished the fieldwork for the Bird Atlas 2007-11 project. Since then, much work has been going on with checking and validating all of the records, and it will hopefully be possible to plot the final distribution maps for Sussex before the end of August. Much work has also been done on the preparation of the CD publication "Sussex Bird Atlas 2007-11: The Maps", and as you can see from the sample page here, we are just waiting to be able to insert the final 2007-11 distribution maps and also the maps showing breeding changes between 1988-92 and 2007-11. The complete file includes a page like the preview page for every regular breeding species in Sussex (except a small number of rare and sensitive breeding species), and a similar page for every regular wintering species, plus further pages with maps for the less regular species. It is hoped that this publication will be ready for distribution later this year, and before then we will need to know how many CD copies to have printed. If you would like a copy and have not yet ordered one, please complete the order form available here. You are invited to make a small donation to the SOS (suggested £5) to cover the CD printing and postage costs. Please contact Helen Crabtree at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 01444 441687 if you have any questions.

THE EILEEN SAVILL AWARD

The Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group [MWHG] is seeking nominations for the Eileen Savill Award. This is a new annual award for young people under 25 years of age who are contributing towards the Group’s efforts to conserve, celebrate and educate people about the landscape, wildlife and heritage of the Manhood Peninsula.

The award is open to individuals or groups who have shown enthusiasm and commitment towards practical conservation work or learning about the wildlife and/or heritage of the area or celebrating it through art, photography, writing etc. Those nominated do not have to live on the Manhood Peninsula but their activities must relate to it.

Examples of actions meriting nomination could include:

• Setting up a wildlife garden
• Taking part in survey work
• Regular volunteering for an environmental or heritage group
• Keeping a nature diary or records of sightings
• Helping to clean up an area
• A research project
• Helping others to understand more about their local heritage or wildlife
• Leading practical conservation tasks
• Writing, art or photography inspired by local landscapes, wildlife or heritage

We welcome nominations for individuals, family groups, children/students at school, college or university, cubs, scouts, brownies, guides, members of other youth groups as well as members of conservation or history/heritage groups.

The winner of the award will receive a commemorative trophy and a prize chosen to support the winner’s activities. The presentation will take place in September, 2012.

MWHG is 15 years old this year. During this time it has received both local and national awards for its success in engaging people in action for local wildlife and heritage, as well as its educational work.

Eileen Savill lived in Selsey for almost 50 years and devoted her life to encouraging young people by teaching for 23 years at Manhood School [now The Academy, Selsey]. She always saw the potential in young people and nurtured it, even when others had written certain young people off. She was a founder member of the MWHG and contributed artwork and photographs to many of the group’s publications. Eileen loved the area and was passionate about preserving and celebrating its heritage. She was also an active volunteer in many of Selsey’s groups, including the RNLI and Camera Club. She spent her life giving.

Joe Savill (Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group).

The Sussex List (396 species as at May 1st 2012) is available as an Excel spreadsheet for download by clicking here.

The 'Birds of Sussex' section of the website will be brought up to date in due course.

Our treasurer’s second term of office is ending soon and we are looking for a replacement. Preferably a qualified accountant, the treasurer maintains the books of the Society, prepares the annual Accounts and assists Council in meeting the legal and regulatory obligations of the Society. Please contact the Secretary, Val Bentley This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested or know of someone who may be.

Key tasks:

Maintain the books and records of the Society
____currently set up in Excel
____membership records are processed by the Membership Secretary
____subscriptions are processed by Adrian Podmore

Present management accounts to each Council meeting (5 each year)
____also present a budget for the following year to the November meeting

Prepare the annual accounts of the Society
____in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission
____submit the accounts to the Examiners

Ensure the Charity Commission has up to date information on the Society
____file the annual report and accounts following the AGM
____update changes of the Society’s trustees

Claim Gift Aid from HMCE

Review and renew the Society's insurance cover each year

Liaise as necessary with Council members and other officers of the Society, bankers and professional advisers.