Welcome to Wingsearch2020
Welcome to WingSearch2020, let me introduce you to my project.
When I was a budding young naturalist, wildlife was everywhere. Birds, butterflies, moths were abundant and familiar sights in local gardens, fields and woods. I look now and see that's no longer the case; we have lost so much. The issues affecting our wildlife and wild spaces; pollution, habitat destruction, illegal persecution, drainage of wetlands and climate change are all too familiar. I sometimes feel it is too easy to despair, however we must not give up hope. We can turn things around and make positive change. The key is education; instilling in new generations the importance of preserving and enhancing the natural world in which we live. After all, none of us are separated from nature, or it from us; we are part of a whole, a synergic welding of beings. Therefore we must bridge the disconnect that has pervaded our society. In other words we must strive to enlighten, energise and enthral? WingSearch2020 seeks to do just that.
Connections
I spend much of my time as a conservation volunteer working with Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, Hawk & Owl Trust and the Broads Authority. The most pleasing aspects by far of that work is being able to open the eyes and ears of people to the wonders of nature and connecting them to the natural world. It brings such meaning to their lives as well as significant long term physical, mental and emotional benefits. The wide-eyed look on the face of a child when they see a colourful hawk moth for the first time; the shrieks of delight when a kingfisher streaks past; the absorption when they are allowed to actually gently stroke the soft feathers of a blue tit trapped for ringing. Connections: you really can’t put a price on that kind of thing can you?
WingSearch2020 Goals
Wingsearch2020 is the brainchild of me, Barry Madden, Norfolk resident, wildlife enthusiast, photographer and conservation volunteer. My project aims to raise awareness of the wonders of the natural world around us and create the environment for reconnection with nature. There will be regular blog posts celebrating seasonal wildlife and documenting trips to far flung places (hopefully). There will certainly be lots of wildlife images. In addition there will be elements of citizen science, wildlife themed activities and much more. Essentially I want to help people to become more aware, more observant and better able to enjoy wild spaces and wildlife. You are most welcome to take my hand and join me for the ride.
Community Involvement
One very important element of the project is to give as many people as possible the chance to become involved. Yes, that happily includes you, either by way of direct participation (please feel free to contact me to discuss this), or by joining with me by means of regular blogs on this website and/or social media (see below for links to these). Above all, I hope that together we can share in the adventure and celebrate the wonders that will unfold.
Please look around the site and visit the galleries. I hope you like what you see. Most importantly, if you have any thoughts or ideas for the site please let me know. Thank You