Tributes to birdwatcher Bill
Shropshire Wildlife Trust has paid tribute to one of its longer service members and keen birdwater, Bill Edwards.
Mr Edwards, from Maesbury, who died just before Christmas, age 86, had played a leading role in many trust events.
A new bird hide is to be named in his memory and an appeal has been set up to fund other projects in his name.
The trust said Mr Edwards joined Shropshire Wildlife Trust in 1963.
"He took part in numerous bird surveys, ran bird identification courses and regularly joined in with practical tasks on Trust nature reserves - he was particularly keen on hedge-laying.
"Bill was often called on to lead field meetings, including dawn choruses. One of his favourite walks was along the Montgomery Canal near Queen’s Head, to the only regular site for reed warblers locally. He assisted with the Ellesmere Heronry Watch from its inception and continued helping there when he could no longer take part in more strenuous activities," spokesperson, Sarah Gibson said.
"Oswestry Branch is raising funds to spend on bird-related projects in the local area in his memory. This might include an owl box or two and kitting out the new bird hide at Holly Banks nature reserve. The hide will be named in Bill's memory. "
Anyone wanting to contribute can do so at gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-bill-edwards or send a cheque to David Hardwick, Branch Chairman, made payable to Oswestry Branch, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and post to Tanatside, Llanyblodwel, Oswestry SY10 8NQ.
