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THE RSPB AND DISCONTENT (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Steve
- Start date
El Annie
Phew..............
Joined RSPB when first became interested in birding, didn't really know much of what else was available but had heard of RSPB!! Since then have discovered BTO and I think this year I will probably switch membership over. I have found BTO to be much more 'user' friendly and have enjoyed taking part in some of their surveys and I have felt well supported. Also prefer their publications - Bird Table is a great little magazine.
As for a general feeling of discontent amongst RSPB members I don't really know. There has been a flood of anti RSPB postings on the news group with one individaul claiming to be ex staff and making some dubious allegations - anonymously. This did not go down well and I would say for the most part there is a lot of support for the RSPB. A lot of specualtion as to what they're up to but it seems no one really knows for sure and there is a lot of stirring going on by a small minority.
My reasons for switching over are not because of anything RSPB may or may not be doing - just a personal preference thing.
El Annie
As for a general feeling of discontent amongst RSPB members I don't really know. There has been a flood of anti RSPB postings on the news group with one individaul claiming to be ex staff and making some dubious allegations - anonymously. This did not go down well and I would say for the most part there is a lot of support for the RSPB. A lot of specualtion as to what they're up to but it seems no one really knows for sure and there is a lot of stirring going on by a small minority.
My reasons for switching over are not because of anything RSPB may or may not be doing - just a personal preference thing.
El Annie
I'm a member of the RSPB and BTO.
Unfortunately any large charity, whether it's RSPB, OXFAM etc will to some degree be involved in the politicical side of life.
When you control huge sums of money, most of the things you get involved with tend to be big as well!
Big ideas and big projects tend to have a big impact on communities, councils, goverment and businesses and in order to achieve your aims you sometimes have to 'sleep with the devil'.
If you try to disregard these powerful groups most projects wouldn't get off the ground, so you compromise!
I understand the BTO compromises very little and is in the enviable position of having it's surveys and data sought after by government, but supplies it on the understanding that their figures will not be 'made to fit' a point of view, rather they will reflect the actual findings of their reserch work.
In that way their data can actually influence policy to the good.
paj
Unfortunately any large charity, whether it's RSPB, OXFAM etc will to some degree be involved in the politicical side of life.
When you control huge sums of money, most of the things you get involved with tend to be big as well!
Big ideas and big projects tend to have a big impact on communities, councils, goverment and businesses and in order to achieve your aims you sometimes have to 'sleep with the devil'.
If you try to disregard these powerful groups most projects wouldn't get off the ground, so you compromise!
I understand the BTO compromises very little and is in the enviable position of having it's surveys and data sought after by government, but supplies it on the understanding that their figures will not be 'made to fit' a point of view, rather they will reflect the actual findings of their reserch work.
In that way their data can actually influence policy to the good.
paj
I am also a member of RSPB and BTO. Different reasons for two totally differing organisations.
Whatever you do, you will never please everyone. And the RSPB do seem to upset/annoy a number of people at times, including myself.
The RSPB have provided birds and birders with some superb sites. Their management practices do sometimes leave a little to be desired and I do think they are the Marks and Spencers of the consevation world. What I mean is, very over priced goods and lots of em. But at the end of the day if visitors are daft enough to part with their money then let them get on with it.
I have also called them on matters relating to bird persecution and protection, they have always responded promptly and positively.
Overall they do a good job and I will renew my subscription next time around.
burhinus
Whatever you do, you will never please everyone. And the RSPB do seem to upset/annoy a number of people at times, including myself.
The RSPB have provided birds and birders with some superb sites. Their management practices do sometimes leave a little to be desired and I do think they are the Marks and Spencers of the consevation world. What I mean is, very over priced goods and lots of em. But at the end of the day if visitors are daft enough to part with their money then let them get on with it.
I have also called them on matters relating to bird persecution and protection, they have always responded promptly and positively.
Overall they do a good job and I will renew my subscription next time around.
burhinus
IanF
Moderator
You can't please everyone all of the time.
I disagree with some of the RSPB policies, in particular in relation to the Ruddy Duck cull, yet I am still a member. I recognise that we need such organisations at local and international levels to fight on behalf of birds in the political arena. Possibly the organisation is a bit unwieldy but I think it does far more good than harm, especially as regards the reserves.
I will certainly continue my membership :t:
I disagree with some of the RSPB policies, in particular in relation to the Ruddy Duck cull, yet I am still a member. I recognise that we need such organisations at local and international levels to fight on behalf of birds in the political arena. Possibly the organisation is a bit unwieldy but I think it does far more good than harm, especially as regards the reserves.
I will certainly continue my membership :t:
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A very tricky one this.
I have been a member for about 21 years (I am only 29 !) from YOC days. Coming from a fairly rough area, I would never have been exposed to Birdwatching had an RSPB warden from a local reserve come to my school to give a talk, I have been hooked ever since, so I guess I am biased !! I have to say that for all the work that the RSPB does to get youngsters interested in Birds and Wildlife (not an easy task in the era of the playstation) I always feel that I can turn a bit of a blind eye to some of the political issues that I do not always agree with.
Has the RSPB compromised itself in pursuit of financial gain from corporate sponsorship ? Not to my knowledge.
I suppose such a large and high profile organisation have to be seen to be taking a stand in the issues of the day, I can remember well just a few years ago that there was an active debate going on that the RSPB was not doing enough, so I guess that you can never win !
I for one will always continue to support the society as long as they keep on investing in excellent reserves (Birds are there for everyone !) and bringing Birds to our youngsters.
The pros far outway the cons for me
Paul
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I have been a member for about 21 years (I am only 29 !) from YOC days. Coming from a fairly rough area, I would never have been exposed to Birdwatching had an RSPB warden from a local reserve come to my school to give a talk, I have been hooked ever since, so I guess I am biased !! I have to say that for all the work that the RSPB does to get youngsters interested in Birds and Wildlife (not an easy task in the era of the playstation) I always feel that I can turn a bit of a blind eye to some of the political issues that I do not always agree with.
Has the RSPB compromised itself in pursuit of financial gain from corporate sponsorship ? Not to my knowledge.
I suppose such a large and high profile organisation have to be seen to be taking a stand in the issues of the day, I can remember well just a few years ago that there was an active debate going on that the RSPB was not doing enough, so I guess that you can never win !
I for one will always continue to support the society as long as they keep on investing in excellent reserves (Birds are there for everyone !) and bringing Birds to our youngsters.
The pros far outway the cons for me
Paul
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Camberley red
Well-known member
My major grip with the RSPB is their commercial policy towards 'Organic and recycled products' as a major NGO with a consevation agenda, I find it strange that their Christmas catalogue is full of dodgy products. I would never think (at the moment) of not being a member, however, some of the ethics need addressing to clean up the act. Size is no excuse for letting basic principles falling.
I don't like their reserve management policy either, but that's a personal thing!
Paul
I don't like their reserve management policy either, but that's a personal thing!
Paul
WelshFalcon
Well-known member
Like most of the replies here, I agree that the RSPB has become political - but accept to an extent that this is important.
If every one of the 1 million members wrote to their MP's on the issues, then they would have to take notice. If every member contributed in some way by volunteering, taking part in protests against airports, or contributing in other ways, then everyone would take notice of the issues involved.
It is the responsibility of those who care enough to join the RSPB, to care enough to want to make a difference in their own way.
On the flip-side though, I know friends of mine who joined last year, who were unhappy to receive a quarterly campaigning, political magazine, which gave them virtually no information on birdwatching. The current political edge is obviously deterring and alienating some people.
The issues and campaigns are important, but the RSPB shouldnt forget that without its members it would be nothing.
If every one of the 1 million members wrote to their MP's on the issues, then they would have to take notice. If every member contributed in some way by volunteering, taking part in protests against airports, or contributing in other ways, then everyone would take notice of the issues involved.
It is the responsibility of those who care enough to join the RSPB, to care enough to want to make a difference in their own way.
On the flip-side though, I know friends of mine who joined last year, who were unhappy to receive a quarterly campaigning, political magazine, which gave them virtually no information on birdwatching. The current political edge is obviously deterring and alienating some people.
The issues and campaigns are important, but the RSPB shouldnt forget that without its members it would be nothing.
P
peter hayes
Guest
I agree with WelshFalcon. It really is a question of balance. I think the political side is important, but at the moment there's not enough on the birdwatching side. The RSPB is in danger of alienating its core support, and putting off potential members.
To be honest I only joined the RSPB to get into Minsmere as it is £4.00 a day there. because it is on my doorstep I visit it a lot.
I do not read the magazine it goes in the bin un opened I have tried to ask them not to send it to me but they say it is part of the membership package.
The magazine is too armcahir birding & does not really relate to the field birder. What it needs is identification articles etc.
CJ
I do not read the magazine it goes in the bin un opened I have tried to ask them not to send it to me but they say it is part of the membership package.
The magazine is too armcahir birding & does not really relate to the field birder. What it needs is identification articles etc.
CJ
P
peter hayes
Guest
I agree with CJ: more field stuff.
P
peter hayes
Guest
Steady, Monkeyman. We are already planning digi days out, leaflets and a board game! I think that at the rate we are growing, however, a magazine is a distinct possibility one day. We have people all over the country who can give detailed knowledge of their local birding patches, we already get trip reports, and then there is the specialist advice that is freely avilable.
Who knows........ one day it might be a runner. You can do the design, and I'll get Ken Clarke to do an article for us!
Who knows........ one day it might be a runner. You can do the design, and I'll get Ken Clarke to do an article for us!
John Lovett
Member
The RSPB has lost touch with its "community", if volunteers and local members decided to stay at home there would be no one to speak to on reserves. If you really want to find a 'warden' go on a twitch! A course in public relations for their staff might mitigate some of the criticism.
I met a warden (RSPB) from the Midlands.who was leading a group at Minsmere. When they got to the hide he saw a Leucistic Marsh Harrier fly low over the reeds & drop into them. "Buzzard" he announced to the group.
"No it's a Marsh Harrier" I replied.
If looks could Kill I would have been floating up to heaven.
"No it's a Marsh Harrier" I replied.
If looks could Kill I would have been floating up to heaven.
G
Gaye Horn
Guest
Magazines after the board game!!! I vote YES!
Andrew
wibble wibble
I am someone who has just joined the RSPB simply to get access to their sites but most of them are open to the public anyway. I thought about this point and concluded that with our money they are securiing these sites for the benefit of birds and birders. So that is one good thing to come from our membership. I was a tad miffed when they sent me prize draw tickets as I already had some from the county society and struggled to sell them to non birding family members. The second time round it was too hard. I got really brassed off one night as I laid on lots of fireworks and food (believe me they were real fireworks) then bfore the girls (nieces) and their boyfriends left I asked them if they wanted to buy the tickets and all I got was "Hah, birding's for geeks!". Ooooh next year they will need to buy tickets to the spark show first! I digress, the magazine shows the RSPB to be elitist as there was an article about a bloke who monitors some Montagu Harriers. In it he said that people were discouraged or banned from the sites where they were breeding or present yet he took some 'VIPs' round such as an RSPB Chief Executive and Kenneth Clarke. Hey that's our money and we can't see our benefits yet some high faluting big wigs can! No, that can't be right. You might say these big wigs encourage changes in laws or increase fund raising but that don't justify it.
Ashley beolens
Breeding the next generation of birders.
I'm a tad confused? why do people not want the RSPB involved in the political side of Conservation, perhaps if they had more influence Malta would not have been allowed to join the EU until they curbed thier out dated and barbaric hunting practices (no offence any maltees people on here). They do a great deal to help wildlife and birds by creating and maintaing habitat for them. Yes there are other groups but none in this country have the same power to make a difference to the average person.
As for the magazine, I agree it is very dull and doesn't cater for all its members being aimed at the less "hardcore" birdwatcher but there are plenty of mags that are aimed at people interested in expanding thier ID skills. Birding World, Birdwatch etc.
I belive the RSPBs roll is to get people in at (to quote sports reporters everywhere) grass route level, then you can move forward into one of the many different rolls/levels of birding. The world would be boring if we were all the same.
As for us not being able to see birds at a protected site but some VIPs do get to, well if they are the people to help fund the protection fair plat to them, Surely the most important part is protecting birds
Wheres my soap box when i need it?8-P
Ash
As for the magazine, I agree it is very dull and doesn't cater for all its members being aimed at the less "hardcore" birdwatcher but there are plenty of mags that are aimed at people interested in expanding thier ID skills. Birding World, Birdwatch etc.
I belive the RSPBs roll is to get people in at (to quote sports reporters everywhere) grass route level, then you can move forward into one of the many different rolls/levels of birding. The world would be boring if we were all the same.
As for us not being able to see birds at a protected site but some VIPs do get to, well if they are the people to help fund the protection fair plat to them, Surely the most important part is protecting birds
Wheres my soap box when i need it?8-P
Ash
