Victory Report: interview with Andrew Dornay about The Wildfowl Trust, including Arundel Reserve

Title

Victory Report: interview with Andrew Dornay about The Wildfowl Trust, including Arundel Reserve

Transmission details

17 Feb 1978

Description

Part of a series called Victory Report, broadcast by Radio Victory on 17 February 1978, concerning Arundel Wildfowl Trust and its origins. Track 1- GUY PAYNE interviews ANDREW DORNAY. Wildfowl Trust began with concern of Sir Peter Scott before WWII that suitable natural environment for wildfowl was disappearing, decided to set up reserve at Slimbridge in 1946 which had been traditional home for overwintering white fronted geese. The duck decoy became a ringing centre for research into bird life. Wetlands which attract birds also of interest to botanists because of flora. Next reserve established near Peterborough at Pekirk in 1958. Two more wild reserves - Carlaverock near Solway [flock of barnacle geese from Spitzbergen] and at Welnay on Ouse. Washes north of Ely, a man made flood plain for the Fens, with observatory. Screen banks are used for observation allowing people to get close to birds. In 1970s three more reserves at Martin Mere, Washington and Arundel based on Slimbridge, collection of tame geese and swans protected by fox proof fence with addition of wild birds from abroad in water. Reserves total 500-1000. Information about membership charges. Track 2- A description of Arundel. Description of hide in which Guy Payne and Andrew Dornay are seated. New entrance complex being built [to be finished Sep/Oct]. Birds moult in October, grow new plummage for winter. Courtship and display precedes breeding season. Birds from different parts of world breed at different times. Winter is a good time to view birds. Has been a wet winter, not particularly cold at Arundel. Reserve is sheltered from north, west and north-east. Description of various types of Canada geese. [Box 6]

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Duration

00:24:21

Notes

Left channel only.

Misc. notes

Gauge:-1/8 inch tape

Production company

Radio Victory

Extent

1 tape

Credits

Presenter

Guy Payne

Interviewees

Andrew Dornay