RSPB and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk have joined together to organise a beach clean on Snettisham and Heacham South beach to mark the end of this year’s nesting season for ringed plover and oystercatcher- which is fast approaching! The beach clean will take place on Friday 2nd September, by which time seasonal fencing will have been removed (usually 31st of August when the last of the chicks will have fledged). The fencing is vital to protecting vulnerable beach nesting birds during the spring and summer months but once removed at the end of August seasonal restrictions are lifted and we hope to work as a group to remove any litter that has collected on the upper shore.
Beach cleans are a fantastic way to look after your local wild spaces and keep our coasts safe for wildlife and for people but with many declining species sensitive to disturbance at certain times of year, it is important that we make sure we stay mindful of wildlife and plan our litter picks carefully to avoid the nesting season.
Vulnerable beach nesting birds like ringed plover and oystercatcher lay their camouflaged eggs on the ground and spend the spring and summer months keeping their fragile eggs and tiny fluffball chicks from danger. The nests are in fact called “scrapes” and are a simple hollow in the sand or shingle. The birds lay their eggs directly onto the ground, the intricate markings helping them to blend in with the beach. Without a careful eye, it is incredibly easy to miss them as you walk along the upper shore, so protective fences are installed at the start of breeding season (March) to limit disturbance to birds as they build their nests and to keep any eggs from being trampled. Fences remain in place through the season as birds continue to lay eggs (if they fail, they will relay and start over again) and as small chicks start to hatch and explore the beach.
Any disturbance to nesting birds during this critical time can have a big impact on their success and ultimately their survival so by timing our beach cleans and litter picks carefully we can ensure we can continue to keep the beaches safe and litter free whilst helping wildlife when they need it most! Before or after the nesting season is the perfect time to do a beach clean so that ground nesting birds won’t be disturbed.
The ringed plover have so far had a great year and the support of local communities has contributed hugely to that success, with lots of people taking simple actions to help reduce disturbance to them through their most vulnerable time.
So why not join us to celebrate the power of local communities in saving species whilst helping to keep your local beaches clean!
The beach clean is open to everyone – just make sure you arrive for 10am at Snettisham Beach car park (PE31 7PS) to collect your picker and bag. Working in pairs or small groups will mean more people can join in. Litter pickers and bags will kindly be provided by the council. Please bring gloves if you have them. The beaches are exposed and have few facilities so please check the forecast and dress for the weather. Please check our social channels on the day for any cancellations – should the decision be made to cancel the event; this will be shared before 9am. Bring plenty of water and some lunch as well as anything else you might need. We will be walking across shingle and sand so please wear suitable footwear and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain. Please let us know via Titchwell@rspb.org.uk if you have any questions or concerns before you arrive so that we can advise.
Coming along to the litter pick? Why not end the day by joining us for an evening talk from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Old Friends Hall in Heacham, where our Project Officer Wynona will be uncovering the secret life of a ringed plover and telling us why these beaches are so important for them. There are limited places available, so booking is essential. Email Titchwell@rspb.org.uk to find out more and book your place!
Hope to see you soon!
The Plovers in Peril team
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