Some forum members will already have heard, but there has been some very sad news over the last week concerning a stalwart of the Manchester Birding scene; more for his contribution to the birds than to birding per se. Alf Neild, husband of Chris Neild, and leading light in Shell Carrington Nature Reserve passed away on Monday 25th July. I have been away in Scotland until last night and could not post before today but feel that such a dedicated man should be remembered by us all for his selfless work over the last 20 years to turn Shell NR into the fantastic habitat that it is today, having risen from the ruins of chemical plant buildings to become one of Greater Manchesters premier sites. Alf and Chris have given countless hours and days of their time to look after Shell NR and its avian inhabitants, foregoing trips out to watch birds at other sites, something we all do so readily and take for granted. Their work has benefitted the habitat and ecosystem at Shell NR leading to high biodiversity and productivity, and allowing the survival of thousands of birds over the years - how many of us can say we have done that?

So Alf will not only be missed by all his friends and colleagues at Shell, those birders who have met him in the field and all the nature lovers out there who he has helped and given advice to, he will also be sorely missed by the birds. Bravely Chris has vowed to continue on her own to be the beating heart behind Shell NR and we all wish her well and our deepest sympathies and all our thoughts are with her at this very sad time.

The date of Alfs funeral has not yet been released but Chris has asked that rather than flowers, if anyone wishes to contribute then all donations should be made to the PDSA, an organisation which Alf supported wholeheartedly.

Paul