The passionate team of volunteers delivering ‘Plovers in Peril’ are full of hope that 2023 will be another successful year for a very special beach nesting bird in decline.
Image: Les Bunyan (taken with a telephoto lens to avoid disturbance to the birds)
This RSPB led project in partnership with Wild Ken Hill and funded by the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, is helping vulnerable birds like ringed plover and oystercatcher to raise their tiny families safely on a small stretch of beach from Snettisham to Heacham in North-West Norfolk. With the support of the local community and the dedication of local volunteers, the elated team saw the numbers of chicks taking to the skies in 2022 almost double that of the previous year.
It was heartening to see so many local people coming forward last year with words of support and offering their valued time to giving nesting birds here the extra protection they so desperately need. It has given this small but special bird a much- needed voice and shines a light on what we can achieve for nature when we work together. Nesting on the ground, on one of Norfolk’s most popular beaches comes with many challenges for these birds and it’s not easy on our nerves either! They need a little TLC from those who visit these beaches to keep them thriving here for years to come.
If the support of our local communities can double the number of chicks fledging here at this site in just one year, it gives us hope for what can be achieved in the months and years ahead!
The 2023 season is already in full swing for these small shorebirds, with breeding pairs displaying over their nesting grounds on the upper shore as early as February. Fencing has been going up on site through March, and the team have their fingers crossed for the first eggs to appear on these beaches very soon!
Image: Phill Gwilliam (taken with a telephoto lens to avoid disturbance to the birds)
Dedicated volunteers are at the heart of this project, committing their time to help these declining birds find their footing in a modern world as they navigate threats from land, air and sea.
Image: RSPB
One volunteer tells us “These birds put so much effort into breeding, despite the crowded beaches, changing weather and rising seas. I can't but help admire their stoic determination to succeed, despite all the hardships thrown at them”. Another volunteer adds “There are many obstacles to overcome if they are to be successful here, and this is where we can help.”
Volunteers are out on the beaches through the season, speaking to beach goers, helping them to spot these secretive birds and their tiny families and inspiring visitors to take a few small actions that make a big difference to beach nesting birds at their most vulnerable time of year.
So, as we step into spring, having put our clocks forward in readiness for the longer, lighter summer days ahead and start dreaming of beach adventures to come, what can we do to help beach nesting birds thrive on our coasts over the spring and summer months?
Ringed Plover Project Officer Wynona Legg shares some small things that make a big difference for beach nesting birds during nesting season.
Join the conversation by reading our community blog at rspb.org.uk/Snettisham or by following @RSPBTitchwell on Facebook or Twitter, Tagging #PloversinPeril.
Get in touch! Email titchwell@rspb.org.uk to find out more about the project.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your support for these special birds.
See you on the beach!
The Plovers in Peril team
#PloversinPeril #SnettishamBeach #RSPBSnettisham