Thankfully, in 2002, the countryside was fully open again after the previous year's 'Foot and Mouth' outbreak. It was, therefore, business as usual as far as fieldwork was concerned. The winter wildfowl counts and rookery census were completed as normal, and plenty of members took part in the Garden Bird Survey at both ends of the year. Less success was achieved with the Garden Butterfly Survey. General recording continued, and the product of all the effort is contained in this report. The Bird and insect reports are forwarded to the respective county recorders for use in the county reports, so the information gathered is adding our knowledge of wildlife in the Chorley area to the wider picture of the whole county. In addition, members have been involved in a regional Lapwing survey, the purpose of which is to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan for the species. At a national level, members have also been involved in the Breeding Bird Survey and WeBs survey organised by the B.T.O.
Field trips were limited to summer evening walks, which were successful enough, but it would be nice to resurrect weekend field trips during the winter months. Any volunteers?
Members continued to be involved in practical conservation work and the management of local nature reserves. The Society was represented at the Chorley Environmental Forum and the Lancashire Bird Club. Other members were involved in one capacity or another at Yarrow Valley and Cuerden Valley Parks, where one member leads a Wildlife Explorers Group.
The programme of indoor meetings during the winter months continued to be well attended at the new venue. The talks, bar one or two hiccups, were generally well received, and, hopefully the innovation of having a tea break will continue in the new season. Fund raising to keep subscriptions down has to be a combination of small amounts from several sources - tea and coffee sales, bird food, and bring and buy sales - any other suggestions would be welcome.
Many thanks to everyone who took the trouble to submit records during the year, and thanks to my fellow recorders who have prepared the various reports - Carol Kellett for Flora, Joyce Riley for Fungi, Phil Kirk for Invertebrates and Tony Stott for Mammals. Thanks also to Jean Southworth and Tony Stott, whose drawings have been used both in this report and in the Newsletters throughout the year. Last but not least, thanks to everyone who submitted articles for the newsletters. Please keep them coming.