British Trust for Ornithology declares Middleton Pool as "a significant habitat for birds"

From the time of Francis Willughby FRS in the 17th century to the modern day, the study of birds has been an important activity at Middleton Hall. In 1975, 50 years ago this year, the area around Middleton Pool was registered by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) as a significant habitat for birds. This was two years after it had also been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

At the time that it was registered it was stated that, in the vicinity of Middleton Pool, 99 different species of birds were recorded - 62 wintering, 91 passage and 36 breeding. This was noted at the time to be rather high for the comparatively small acreage concerned.

Mute Swans, Canada Geese and ducks on Middleton Pool, 2012. Photograph taken by Richard Jordan.

The BTO was established in 1932. It currently undertakes research into the lives of birds primarily by bird ringing and by conducting population and breeding surveys. Most of their activities are undertaken by volunteers.

Bird counts are known to have been undertaken at Middleton Hall since at least the 1950s by the West Midland Bird Club and then also for the BTO. However, bird ringing has an even longer history at Middleton Hall. Egbert de Hamel, who lived at Middleton Hall from 1886 to 1924, was very interested in bird migration. It was written that he would ring any bird he caught and his numbers were sent back to him from all over the world! Bird ringing at Middleton Hall continued to be undertaken after the formation of Middleton Hall Trust in 1980.

Swans being ringed at Middleton Hall by B. Coleman. Photograph taken by Miss Edith Davis.

Further Reading: Pamela J. Copson, Middleton Hall: a survey of the flora and fauna of the grounds 1978-9.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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