The Biking Birder

During 2010, Upton Warren regular Gary Prescott (53), currently a special needs teacher in Bromsgrove will cycle to every RSPB nature reserve and Wildfowl and Wetland Trust site in the UK open to the public; no one has ever attempted this feat before. He will be starting his journey at 10:00am on the 1st January 2010 at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve near Birmingham.

Heading south for the winter, Gary's route circumnavigates the UK with south coast destinations first off before reaching Wales in the Spring. It’s then over to Northern Ireland in late May, before Gary will cycle up into Scotland (including the islands) for the summer. He eventually cycles down the east coast of Britain before cycling back for a Christmas family reunion at the place where it all started; Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve.

His aim is to cycle to over 190 nature reserves over the year in order to raise funds for three charities; namely the RSPB, the WWT and Asthma UK (Gary is asthmatic).

In addition to this physical feat, Gary will also be attempting to break the non-motorised year bird list record, currently held by Chris Mills of Norfolk. The record presently stands at 252 bird species but Gary dreams of reaching the magic figure of 300 bird species.

Gary hopes to raise over £10,000 for the charities and more information on the adventure, including where he will be on each day and how to support his efforts, is available on his website www.bikingbirder.co.uk. His travels may also be read about on his daily blog at www.bikingbirder2010.blogspot.co.uk.

Phil Andrews, 30-12-09