This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Governance
You are here: Aviornis UK / About / Governance
We are governed by a Council of like-minded aviculturists, dedicated to drawing all aspects of the activity together. Headed by 6 trustees with a background of sustained activity in aviculture, we have a wealth of expertise and contacts within the avicultural community.
In addition to our trustees, we have a junior representative, recognising that youth are our future. As the association grows, we will expand our working council. Prospective members who are willing to assist with our work will be welcomed.
We believe that sharing our knowledge and planning ahead are vital to sustain UK aviculture. A key failure point, particularly when a large collection closes and disperses on the death of the owner, is when a lifetime’s experience is lost. The vast experience gained by older keepers must be shared with the next generation.
Aviornis UK will prioritise the use of efficient communication methods.
Since Brexit, the ability to source and exchange new blood lines for the UK is considerably diminished. Small population groups are at risk of becoming unviable/lost in aviculture in the UK. The participation in an internationally recognised ringing scheme will be key to maintaining bird movements within Europe and beyond. Stud books and records rely on an accurate ringing scheme. Such a ringing scheme also helps to prevent the trade in illegally wild-caught birds.
Properly identified birds and documented significant flocks of key species are more likely to escape culling, in the event of an exotic bird disease, such as avian influenza.
Conservation work is by its nature a long-term process. Aviornis UK works with other organisations with similar aims and members are encouraged to join research ventures. We publish relevant updates and reports relating to all projects we are involved with.
An application to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is pending. You can read our Constitution here.
Johan Ameel
Editor and designer for Aviornis International Flanders and Netherlands. He is also designer for the French chapter and serves as the link between all the editing committees. Johan has a particular interest in the small galliformes.
Alaistaire Brice — Chairman of Trustees
Poultry farmer and 3rd generation bird keeper, leading the UK chapter. Alaistaire has a real passion for ibis, his 7 species of cranes and for swans. He also has a collection of guineafowl.
Fabian Eagle
County Councillor for The Brecks Division, Fabian is well known to aviculturists as a specialist waterfowl auctioneer. Appointed by DEFRA as an accredited valuer for anserifrmes and galliformes. His own birds include waterfowl.
Morag Jones
Waterfowl keeper and past president of the British Waterfowl Association. Morag is the editor of the BWA’s magazine and also serves on the board of the International Wild Waterfowl Association.
Russell Jones
Keeps a mixed collection of birds and has had a life-long interest in aviculture. Russell’s collection has an emphasis on pheasants and waterfowl, pigeons and doves.
Richard Talbott
Growing up with a diverse array of cage birds, Richard too is a 3rd generation bird keeper. Since boyhood, the waterfowl have been Richard’s main interest.
Youth ambassador — Edward Brice
Following in the family interest and the fourth generation, Edward represents the youth of the organisation. With a special focus on softbills, Edward aims to make a career out of his avian interest. He is currently studying for a Zoology degree at the University of Nottingham.
Ex-officio — George Freeman MP
Elected as Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk in 2010 after a 15 year career in agritech and biotech, including as Director of Elsoms Seeds and the Norwich Research Park; George has served as first UK Minister for Life Science, Minister for Science Research and Innovation and Chair of the All Party Group for Agricultural Science & Technology.
Get in touch
© Aviornis UK 2024
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.