With the last of the chicks having fledged in late August, the seasonal fencing brought in and breeding birds off to weather the winter on other coasts – our teams are so excited to be able to share with you all the breeding numbers from the 2024 season…and what a season it’s been!
With the kind support of beach goers and the local community, a record breaking 71 Ringed Plover chicks have successfully fledged from safeguarded nesting sites between Snettisham and Heacham this year. That tops last years’ total of 40 chicks fledged and is a huge increase from the 19 chicks fledged in 2021, when the Plovers in Peril project first launched.
A Ringed Plover chick stretching its wings. Image credit Phill Gwilliam. (Taken using a telephoto lens so as not to cause any disturbance).
Many of you will remember that last year marked a record year for the project after efforts to protect them led to more than a fourfold increase in chicks fledging from this site since 2021. To top that this season has been incredibly exciting and has given the team real hope that despite the challenges, these efforts are making a real difference to this bird’s future here.
Our teams would like to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to all those who have helped beach nesting birds this season and to all those who continue to support us each year. We just couldn’t do it without you!
Ringed Plover are little birds with big personalities and over the projects four seasons, we’ve seen these birds capture the hearts of visitors and the local communities alike. To see a community showing up for these birds each year and to see results that reflect that commitment and collective pride makes us all quite emotional to say the least! It’s a testament to what people can achieve when they come together for nature.
An increase in the number of visitors flocking to the coast in recent years, increased development on coastal habitats where they nest and natural threats like tides, extreme weather and predators are all having an impact on how many nests are successful.
Plovers in Peril launched in 2021 partnership with Wild Ken Hill and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, in response to the worrying declines of Norfolk’s beach nesting birds. Funding for the project has come from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk via the habitats monitoring and mitigation fund with additional funding coming from Natural England to support vital monitoring and research on the ground.
Cllr Michael de Whalley, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Biodiversity at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said:
“Protecting shore nesting birds is essential to preserving the integrity of our coast. During these challenging times it is ever more important. The special ecological nature of the area is one of the things people love about visiting West Norfolk so we are proud to support a project that protects it.”
Volunteers keeping an eye on the growing chicks at Snettisham beach. Image credit RSPB.
Since its humble beginnings the project has seen nearly 60 volunteers signing up to help raise awareness for this much-loved bird on their local beach. Volunteers have dedicated around 2000 hours each season, with many returning each year to do it all again. Our team of dedicated volunteers give their time for free, fitting in shifts around family commitments, work, and the busyness of life to raise awareness of beach nesting birds. They bring to life the unique lives of these birds and encourage beach visitors to make small changes that help them thrive in safety.
Eddie, Plovers in Peril volunteer, said:
“After moving to Norfolk in February 2021 I wanted to do some volunteering and the Plovers in Peril project was just about to start. Ringed Plover are a species that need our help. They nest in such a vulnerable area and are so difficult to see amongst the shingle. We’re now four seasons in and as volunteers, we’ve become quite protective of the Ringed Plovers breeding on this part of the Norfolk coastline!”
These charismatic birds with their unique ‘bandit masks and chicks often described as ‘cotton wool balls on stilts’ are a much-loved feature of this cherished coastline, calling it home for the spring and summer months to raise their tiny families alongside the bustle of beach goers, dog walkers, swimmers, sailors, beach comers and sunbathers. As well as visitors to the beach during the holiday months, weekends and good weather days, residents and local communities play a crucial role in ensuring this iconic bird has a safe place to breed here long into the future and their support can make all the difference.
Snettisham Beach Sailing Club have supported the efforts to safeguard these birds.
Adrian Tebbutt, Commodore at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club, said:
"We are very conscious of the sensitive nature of the area in which we sail, we know it’s an internationally important place for birds. We have worked closely with the RSPB for several years and have supported the Ringed Plover project with beach monitoring, membership engagement and education programmes. We are really excited to hear of the breeding success this season."
The project team hope this season’s success demonstrates what can be achieved when communities pull together to protect the special habitats closest to home and the wildlife that rely on them.
During nesting season (March until end of August), simple steps like keeping dogs on leads at nesting areas, staying away from fenced areas, and giving chicks on the beach lots of space can help give the birds a better chance on busy beaches.
As a result of conservation efforts like these across Norfolk and the support of mindful beach goers, breeding populations of Ringed Plover are starting to show early signs of an increase. At a time when nature is in crisis, results like this bring us all enormous hope. Let’s see what next year can bring!
A vulnerable Ringed Plover chick on the shoreline. Image credit Phill Gwilliam. (Taken using a telephoto lens so as not to cause any disturbance).
Volunteers and project staff at a community event. Image credit RSPB.
We are now seeking volunteers for 2025 which will be its fifth season so if you’ve been on the fence about getting involved or you think you might have a few hours to spare between March and August 2025, why not get in touch with us for a chat? For more information or to get involved, email Snettisham@rspb.org.uk.
Follow us on our journey to protect these amazing birds. Join in the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages, share your stories and photos and help us speak out about how we can help vulnerable beach nesting species like the Ringed Plover.
Tag us: #PloversinPeril #RSPBSnettisham
Got a question or want to get in touch? Chat to us and have your say about the protection of these birds – your voice matters! Email Snettisham@rspb.org.uk. We would love to hear from you.