Lots of conservation work is undertaken across and beyond the Vale of Pewsey, performed with passion and enthusiasm by individuals, farmers, farmer groups, voluntary organisations, charities and others. One such charity is the Great Bustard Group.
Sometimes it takes just one person to get a ball rolling. In this case, that person is David Waters and it was he who founded the charity back in 1998. His passion and love of the Bustard is clear from the moment you meet him!
Based in the village of Enford, to the south of Pewsey, this group has not only reintroduced the Great Bustard to Salisbury Plain but have also been successful in achieving sufficient numbers of birds such that the population is now self-sustaining.
However, the Great Bustard is, globally, at risk of extinction, being classed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Globally Threatened Species. The Great Bustard is the only British bird to hold this status. So there is lots more work to do.
A bit about the Bustard. It only has 3 forward-facing toes so it means it can’t roost in trees. They are therefore a ground-roosting and ground-nesting bird which means they, their nests, eggs and chicks can be vulnerable. They walk quite slowly when they are foraging but if there is danger and they need to move quickly, although they can fly strongly, they often run instead and can reach speeds of 30 mph. The name ‘Great Bustard’ is derived from the Latin ‘avis tarde’ meaning ‘slow bird’ – so a misnomer and no mistake!
David and his team are completely devoted to looking after the bustards on the Plain. This includes checking for nests before harvesting, monitoring the birds, rearing any chicks and releasing them once ready (a 24x7 job), working with farmers to help the Bustard, running fundraising events and lots more.
They also have a shop at their HQ in Enford Village Hall, where you can buy Great Bustard memorabilia and you can also become a member of the Group, receiving newsletters and a discount on a visit. Donations and offers of voluntary help are also very welcome at the charity, whose patron is King Charles III.
The Group also runs Great Bustard Safaris – individuals or groups can book a guided tour of the Great Bustards’ area of Salisbury Plain, where you will (as we did) spot flocks of Bustards foraging out in the open, or see them even closer from one of the hides. The safaris last either 2 or 3 hours and it is just amazing to see these magnificent birds in their natural environment.
This is definitely something that should be on your ‘to-do’ list whilst you are here in the Vale of Pewsey! You can find out more here.
The Visitor Centre at Enford Village Hall is only open for pre-booked trips and on Thursday afternoons from 1.30pm to 4pm.
