I am sure you are thinking 'What is he talking about, he must have gone mad!!' Well I am not mad as the stonerunner is one of the local Norfolk names for the ringed plover.
Every year, the beach at Titchwell is a very important breeding areas for this locally declining species and we are about to make a little safer for them. Breeding ringed plover numbers along the North Norfolk coast have been declining over the last few years and many of the nature reserves are now trying to increase their numbers by putting up enclosures for the breeding season to protect the most vulnerable parts of the coast.
From this weekend we will be erecting our beach cordon along the upper edge of the beach to protect the birds' favoured nesting sites. The ringed plovers nest on the ground making a shallow scrape and laying their eggs directly on to the sand. If they are feeling 'house proud', they often edge the nest with small pieces of shell or stones. It is during the incubation period that the birds are at most risk from disturbance. As the nests are so well camoflaged they are easy to accidently stand on or keep the birds away for the nest causing the eggs to chill.
If you are visiting the reserve and heading down to the beach, you can help protect the birds. Please can ensure that you keep out of the roped off area and if you have a dog with you, please can you keep it on a lead.
With your help, we should see plenty more of these - ahhh