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If you're exercise is birding - keep moving! Essex Police just confronted a mate out birding stating it is not exercise and his tripod is for standing not walking. He was warned not fined but only as he was within a mile of his home! Don't want a debate but be warned! #EBwS
Firstly - thanks for the courtesy expressed and manner of the replies. I have been contacted by one responder who is looking into the matter. I also have a response from a senior policeman via someone who picked up the story and works in national media. ...
It is the opinion of the senior policeman that it is not wrong to birdwatch as your form of exercise as long as you are not in groups beyond the numbers stated in the rules. The journalist also stated that in these and other similar COVID related situations the advice is ...
'Do not accept any fine but request a Court Summons.' The courts are apparently likely to be more lenient on COVID related cases and will listen to the reasoning and arguments presented. That request may in itself end the matter but in any case ...
Courts are apparently backlogged with criminal cases and a case like this would not likely be heard for years if at all. Just pleased this situation did not get to that point but was still unsettling for the person involved and concerning for others too. ....
It will be one of our talking points on Friday's EBwS Birds of Essex YouTube 8pm where I will bring any updates https://youtube.com/channel/UCRRUJEnbLNU4Gjli7MJPdtA
In the meantime and to close be safe and be wise and as that program used to say ... Dont have nightmares!
In the meantime and to close be safe and be wise and as that program used to say ... Dont have nightmares!
Update 22/1 UPDATE - Thought I was making progress through dialogue n seemed the remaining issue was standing to use a telescope. But today I've personally been informed by my local Police station - 'if I walk out with binoculars and/or telescope and are caught I could be fined'
Cont... It seems that both bird/nature watchers and the Police need the #RSPB @_BTO @WildlifeTrusts to present the case to @UKGovernmentEng for their members exercise, wellbeing, mental health @ChrisGPackham @BBCSpringwatch #Winterwatch @RSPBNews @10DowningStreet @Metcalfe_SBET
