Invitation to Irish Sea Tern Network Meeting

Terns breeding around the Irish Sea do not know borders and jumping across the water seems to be no issue at all. We know from GPS tagging of Arctic terns at the Skerries that some individuals venture out to shores of Ireland and Sandwich terns can move from Anglesey to Cumbria during a single season. A prospect of the roseate tern expansion from Rockabill has become increasingly likely too. It makes sense therefore that we look beyond individual colonies and share knowledge and experience amongst colony managers to strengthen management and monitoring practices and ensure maximum protection on all sites. 

An idea for the Irish Sea Tern Network is not new and the vibrant Facebook group is currently filling the space confirming that the concept for such a network is valid and deeply desired. However, in the times of screen detoxing and well-known benefits of meeting people face to face, a group of practitioners from Northern and the Republic of Ireland met in April to discuss a possibility of a more tangible liaison. I offered that the Roseate Tern LIFE Project would host the first meeting and that the programme will be impossible to turn down. 
 
While the detailed programme is not quite there, the idea is to meet on Anglesey, 17-18 October 2019 and run a mix of presentations and thematic workshops on management, monitoring and research plus to set objectives and actions for the network (if there is a consensus to form one). Please feel free to propose the topics you would like to discuss, and we will try to bring relevant experts. 
 
The LIFE project will cover the venue, lunch, dinner and tea/ coffee, but I am afraid the accommodation and transport can only be covered for speakers. We can however make an exemption for long-term volunteers and wardens who are not currently associated with any organisation.
 
I appreciate that the above might not be quite yet impossible to turn down, but please note the date and watch the space. Also, please share this message with anybody who might be interested in attending. 
 
Thank you, 
 
Daniel Piec
Roseate Tern LIFE Project Manager
daniel.piec@rspb.org.uk
07748658990