Research methodology

CJ/Vivara European Research

ADVICE FOR PARTICIPANTS

1 DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH PROJECTS

1.1 CJ/Vivara European Research – ‘CJ/Vivara European Research’ has been set up to test new and existing CJ Wildlife products, working with a network of recognised wildlife groups and experts throughout Europe.

1.2 Purpose - The purpose of the research projects to be carried out is three-fold:

1.2.1 To find improved (better/best) CJ wildlife products (for birds, mammals, amphibians and insects). We will be seeking to identify “the ideal nestbox for hedgehogs”, “the best bat box” or “the ideal food for…” (as examples).

1.2.2 To raise the profile and public perception of CJ Wildbird Foods/Vivara as a company that actively seeks to promote nature conservation in Europe.

1.2.3 To gather information on CJ/Vivara products and use the results for marketing purposes (e.g. “Product tested by XYZ Study Groups throughout Europe”)

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Where the products will be tested - Products (food, feeders, nestboxes, roosting/hibernation boxes) will be tested at sites selected and monitored by recognised study groups and experts (concurrently) in countries throughout Europe.

2.2 The Aims of the CJ/Vivara Research - The key question to focus on in each project is “Why are we testing?” What do want to find out? For each product we need to determine what, where and how we are going to test it. By using identical products and standardised methodologies, it will be possible to compare the results from the tests in each of the countries, making these unique experiments.

2.3 Number of test sites - We will have a selection of representative sites throughout Europe operated by either the CJ/Vivara test groups or ourselves. The precise number of sites/products tested will vary depending of the product/s in question.

2.4 Type and number of products to be tested - Each recorder will be asked to test a range of products (up to 10-15 boxes) or just one example, depending on the subject. (Certain products will be grouped together, for instance “Garden birds”, “Robin & Wren”, “Kestrel & Little Owl”).

2.5 Location of the test sites - Test sites will be located throughout Europe, initially concentrating on the countries where CJ/Vivara products are sold, namely the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, France, Austria and the UK. It is intended that each test is carried out in at least six countries.

2.6 Requirements for a test site - Test sites will be in areas where there are good numbers of the target species. CJ/Vivara Research participants will be responsible for selecting their own sites and erecting the boxes.

2.7 European Study Groups - Where it is possible, CJ/Vivara Research will work with well-established and recognised ‘species study groups’ in each of the European countries (bat study groups/Little Owl study groups etc).

2.8 When the first trials should start - Making contacts, discussing study sites, and sending out products will need to be carried out as soon as possible, so that the tests can commence by Spring 2006.

Participants will be asked to return their forms to the European Coordinator as soon as possible at the end of each year. This will enable us to check on the progress and make any amendments to the recording forms (or products) in time for the following season.

2.9 Rights to the Data - CJ/Vivara Research will retain the exclusive rights to the data obtained from the studies and any products developed as a result of the trials. Participants will be asked to sign a simple ‘confidentiality contract’.

2.10 Feedback - The European Coordinator will be responsible for developing good links with CJ/Vivara Research participants, and if possible, may attend meetings and conferences in order to meet them and/or generate publicity for the various research programmes.

At the end of each season, all participants will receive feedback with the results from all of the countries taking part.

2.11 Publicity

CJ/Vivara European Research projects will present excellent opportunities for publicity (Press, TV and Radio), both at the end of each season, but also throughout the year.

2.11.1 The different projects and the names of all participants will be publicised on the CJ and Vivara websites from day one, describing them as (for example) “The CJ/Vivara European Bat Project”.

2.11.2 The Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the publicity for the projects, in close liaison with other colleagues at both Venray and the Rea. When appropriate it may also be possible to involve individual research participants in this publicity.

2.11.3 It is intended to ‘officially’ launch ‘CJ/Vivara European Research’ during February 2006.

2.11.4 The publicity would be ongoing, as each product will be tested over several seasons, to cover inter-year variation. This will also enable us to check about product durability (e.g. pressure- and heat-treated wood, thickness of wood, fixings etc.).

2.11.5 Any publicity material would be linked to specific pages on the CJ and Vivara websites to illustrate the studies and the CJ products under test (e.g. a “Bat Research” page).

2.11.6 The publicity and results from the research would be available in different languages (along with suitable photographs/video clips for Press and TV use).

3 SUBJECTS

The most important CJ products to test are the ‘key’ ones. Initially eleven subjects have been identified as being suitable for study:

BIRDS (NESTBOXES)

3.1 House Martin

3.2 Swallow

3.3 Swift

3.4 Wren

3.5 Robin

3.6 Starling

3.7 Little Owl

3.8 Kestrel

MAMMALS (NESTBOXES)

3.9 Hedgehogs

3.10 Bats

AMPHIBIANS

3.11 Toads (houses)

4 AN EXAMPLE

4.1 Tests that could be carried out on five nestbox designs (a fictitious example).

A total of thirty boxes would be placed at test sites throughout Europe (i.e. in six countries). What could be measured/recorded includes:

4.1.1 The ease of use (e.g. hanging, cleaning)

4.1.2 Occupancy. What species will use the nestbox for nesting? Roosting?

4.1.3 Colour of the box. Are any colours preferred?

4.1.4 How many eggs were laid?

4.1.5 How many of those eggs hatched?

4.1.6 How many chicks fledged?

4.1.7 Predator proof. Is the product damaged by squirrels/woodpeckers?

4.1.8 Durability. (What does the box look like after 1, 2 or 3 years?)

4.1.9 Participant’s comments. Observations and tips for use.