Largest recorded attendance for BWRC Conference

(NOTE: This is an archived press release.)

On Saturday 21 November, Writtle College acted host to 120 delegates attending the annual British Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (BWRC) Symposium. The conference was held in the Northumberland Suite and was the largest recorded attendance for the conference to date.

Many Higher Education students studying at the College were in attendance at the conference was suggested to them as part of their schedule of activities for study week - a new research driven initiative launched at the College in November and returning in March for students on Higher Education courses.

Many local and national organisations were represented at the conference including the RSPCA, Zoological Society of London, Hawk and Owl Trust, Hawk Conservancy, also in attendance were rehabilitation centres large and small, veterinary surgeons, plus 15 universities and colleges.

This year's conference was held to highlight the importance of research and answered, with scientific evidence, fundamental questions such as:

•'Is wildlife rehabilitation worthwhile from a conservation perspective?' - yes

•'Can hedgehogs reared in captivity still build nests and survive after release?'- yes

•'What is the minimum weight a hedgehog needs to be to survive hibernation?' (The greater the better, but minimum is 450g)

•'Is it useful to provide supplementary food to owls following release? (Depends - yes for Little Owls, no for Tawny Owls)

•'Can you release animals into existing populations?' (generally yes)

•'How can we use radio telemetry equipment most effectively'

In addition key concepts were debated for example; registration for rehabilitators. Groups were also brought together from rehabilitation and research that do not always have the opportunity to mix.

Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at the College, Dr Jonathon Amory, said: ”The feedback has been overwhelming positive about the conference and this will really enhanced Writtle's local and national reputation in regards to British Wildlife and related sciences. Many thanks to all involved.”

Pictured: Radio hedgehog (credit Simon Allen)

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