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Our
Objectives
Formed to undertake a five-year programme of scientific research our
objectives may be summarised as: * To provide a scientifically valid set of data
that assesses, for the first time, the current status of Manx birdlife,
both breeding and wintering; * To allow comparison of the data gathered with
existing UK and European data, in order to identify species that
are of significance either locally or in a wider context; * Provide qualitative data and information that
will assist with future conservation initiatives designed to ensure
the safeguarding of any given species or group of species; * Establish a set of data that will allow data
gathered in future years to be compared with that which exists at
the turn of the century; * Provide information that will be of assistance
to Government and conservation organisations when planning the future
development of the Island; * Using such historical data that exists, evaluate
changes in population distribution and abundance; * To publish the results of the surveys in a
form that allows easy interpretation by a wide range of individuals
and organisations; * Develop a greater appreciation of the birdlife
of the island by working within the schools and promoting the work
of Critical to the success of the charity in fulfilling
its objectives was support from a wide range of organisations and from
the Isle of Man Government. Prior to September 1997 extensive consultation
took place with appropriate organisations and Government. Unanimous
support for the proposed work was obtained from all concerned resulting
in financial and other support from Government, a desire to use the
results of the research for the benefit of the Island and specific contracts
to undertake ornithological research for a number of differing Government
Departments. The proposed survey methods were discussed with a number
of UK research bodies, including the Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology, who undertook the Survey
of Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland in 1988-91. All those contacted
agreed that the methods to be employed were more comprehensive and thorough
than those used elsewhere. Prior to starting its work |
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to the general public.
had
therefore built a sound base of support for its work, endorsement of
its survey methods and had secured some core finance upon which to build
its fund-raising strategy.