An update from Wynona our ringed plover project officer.
A new season is here for the birds that breed on our beaches!
As the weather warms in Norfolk, many of us start to think about summer and those much-needed escapes to the sandy shores of the Norfolk’s coast! Only thing is, we aren’t the only ones making important plans for the season ahead.
The beaches at Snettisham, Heacham and Titchwell are home to some very special birds which make their nests in the sand and shingle through the Spring and Summer months. Ringed plover and oystercatcher are just two of the birds which do this, and we are lucky enough to have them breeding on our doorstep. Sadly, these vulnerable birds are in decline and they need your help!
Ringed plover - Phill Gwilliam
Through February, the birds have been pairing up and battling it out for the best place to nest and raise a family. It’s not an easy task to build a nest on the sand as they must dodge a steady stream of visitors and their four-legged friends exploring the shore. We must do our best to give them space to raise their families on our local beaches at this crucial time so over the next few weeks we will be installing seasonal protection across our reserves to give them the best chance of success.
What does this mean for me?
We will be erecting fenced areas on these beaches to ensure the birds have the space they need to build their nests. The fences give the birds a safe area to breed and keep their precious eggs safe until the chicks hatch out. Please keep your distance from fenced areas and avoid setting up picnics next to the cordons. Walking too close to these fences can scare birds off the nest, leaving eggs exposed to hungry predators and the effects of the weather.
We will be installing signs around the site that provide information on the birds and how you can help them during your visit. Do read these signs on arrival and during your visit, keep birds safe by following any requests.
Signage example - Steve Rowland
Dogs are welcome at Snettisham, Heacham South Beach and at Titchwell throughout the year (we love to meet them!), but they must be on a lead from March to the End of August. There will be some places where you can let your dog run free but please read signs to find out where. Nesting birds are easily scared away by dogs off their leads, leaving their eggs vulnerable to predators and the effects of weather and harmful temperatures. Keeping dogs on leads during the season can make a big difference to their survival.
Dogs on leads - RSPB
There will be RSPB staff and volunteers on the beaches during the season, chatting to visitors, providing information and making sure these special birds have the space they need to breed. They may say hello to you, do chat with them to find out more! We will be running some small events this year to celebrate beach nesting birds that we are lucky to have on our doorstep. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates on any upcoming events and if you see us on the beach come and see what we are up to and join in the fun!
How long is the season?
Beach nesting bird season on these beaches runs from March until the end of August.
By following guidance during this time, you can help the birds to keep their eggs safe and warm and keep their chicks out of harms way until they are big enough to fly.
How can I help the beach nesting birds raise their families on my local beach?
RSPB’s Plovers in Peril Project is in partnership with Wild Ken Hill and is funded by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk through the Habitats Monitoring and Mitigation Fund. Our work has been generously supported by Natural England.