Boswell's Big Bird Count

Competition Guidelines and Rules

Task

The Animal Welfare Service needs your help in promoting awareness of our wildlife and its role in our environment. This year’s competition has a completely different theme.

We would like you to observe the birds in your local environment, whether that is your own garden, school or the local park. Starting on 1 December 2006 through to 1 April 2007, simply use one of the entry forms to note down which birds are visiting your bird table, garden or park once a week for a specified time (i.e. 15 minutes or however long you choose). Fill in the record form for each week and keep these until the beginning of April. Make sure you send them to Boswell no later than 18 May 2007.

Click here to download Boswell's Big Bird Count Weekly Record Form

You do not have to do this every week and it does not have to be at the same time or length of time. However the more information we have the greater your chance of winning a prize. You may also want to send photos or drawings of your favourite bird or even write a piece to include such information as its favourite food, where its nests, how many chicks it has, etc.

Here are a few websites that may help you with your research and identify the birds:
• www.garden-birds.co.uk
• www.rspb.org.uk
• www.bto.org.uk

Entries can be from individuals or a group, i.e. school class, scouts, guides, brownies, etc.

To ensure that everyone has a fair chance of winning, there will be three age groups:
• Group 1     5 - 9 years
• Group 2     10 - 14 years
• Group 3     15 – 18 years

Copies of the competition guidelines and rules can be obtained from the Council Office and Information Centres throughout the District.

If you have difficulty in obtaining a copy, telephone the Animal Welfare Service on 01992 564077 / 564153 and one will be sent to you. Please ask permission before using the telephone.

Send your entries to Boswell, C/O The Animal Welfare Service, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4BZ together with your name address and age. Mark your envelope “BOSWELL’S BIG BIRD COUNT”.

Winners

There will be one winner and two runners-up for each category.

Publicity

If you win this competition, you must be prepared to have your name and photograph, together with the winning entry, published in ‘The Forester’ or other such publications as the Council may require.

The closing date for entries is 18 MAY 2007

The terms and conditions set out below apply. Entry into the competition implies acceptance of the rules and the terms and conditions on this form.

Terms and Conditions:

1. The competition is open to all children and young people aged between 5 years and 18 years, who live, go to school or are a member of a youth organisation in the Epping Forest District Council area, excluding children of employees or Councillors of Epping Forest District Council.
2. The signature of a parent or guardian is required with all entries.
3. Entries must be received by 18 MAY 2007. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost, damaged or delayed in the post. NO ENTRY WILL BE RETURNED. The entry must be the original work of the entrant.
4. There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted.
5. No person can win more than one prize.
6. All entries become the property of Epping Forest District Council and all the copyright in all entries will vest in the Council.
7. The decision of the judges will be final and no correspondence can be entered into.
8. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND AGE WITH YOUR ENTRY.