30 years ago in 1991, 560 nests were recorded, although this may have included the Shuttleworth rookery and other rookeries just outside Rossendale. this was the lowest figure recorded at the time, equalling that of 1989.
For comparison the counts from 2019 (194 nests) are shown in brackets against Dave's & Bob's counts this year. 14 nests down overall in 2 years, doesn't bode well. The Broadclough rookery has halved in size in 2 years and the Bacup rookery, which was newly formed in 2019, has also reduced dramatically. 2 years ago there were thought to be none in the Goodshaw area, so this years figures here are at least 1 small positive. I assume there are none in Rawtenstall centre this year.
Kevin, I have checked several old rookeries this year and you are right there are none in Rawtenstall centre. Its as well to check any old sites as well as any potentially new ones. Going off John Sykes's survey work from 1976 and current knowledge, rooks have tenanted in excess of 65 sites in Rossendale to date. It is not inconceivable that we may be missing one or two.
