Hatching season for beach nesting birds has begun on Norfolk’s beaches, with an important nesting site between Snettisham and Heacham welcoming the first Ringed Plover chicks this year.
The RSPB is working alongside partners to protect beach nesting birds between Snettisham and Heacham and urging beach visitors to help as the tiny, flightless youngsters find their feet.
Ringed Plovers are a much-loved sight on any Norfolk beach, but their breeding population has seen worrying declines in the county in recent years due to increasing visitor numbers, coastal development and the pressures of climate change. The Ringed Plover now features on the red list of the UK’s Birds of Conservation Concern, meaning it is in danger of extinction,
Plovers in Peril is an RSPB led project working in partnership with Wild Ken Hill and is funded by the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk.
The project protects beach nesting birds at their most vulnerable time by safeguarding nesting areas with seasonal fencing, information signs and a team of volunteers who share their love for plovers and provide friendly guidance so others can help them to thrive.
Ringed Plover Project Officer, Wynona Legg, shared;
“Once hatched out of the egg, the chicks are on their feet and exploring the beach beyond the fences that previously protected their nest. It’s a nerve-wracking time for the team because they are completely flightless for their first month and very vulnerable to the dangers a busy beach can bring for a bird the size of a cotton wool ball.
“The support of beach visitors makes a huge difference to these birds, just simple steps like popping the dog on a lead and giving chicks and their frazzled parents lots of space can help them survive until their feathers grow and they learn how to use their wings.”
Launching in 2021, the project has seen some incredible success. Last year, with the kind support of bird-friendly beach goers, volunteers and the local community, a record breaking 71 Ringed Plover chicks successfully fledged from safeguarded nesting sites between Snettisham and Heacham - a 274% increase from the number of chicks fledged in 2021.
MP James Wild visited the project in its first year and has recently returned to visit the team and see the projects progress for himself.
“Having supported this project from the start it is great to return again and see its success with record numbers of Ringed Plover chicks fledging thanks to the hard work of everyone involved including RSPB volunteers, Wild Ken Hill, and the community. We are so fortunate to have internationally important habitats on our doorstep and as these birds need our continued support I encourage everyone to give them space and consider volunteering.”
In recent weeks the nesting birds have been left particularly vulnerable after the project team reported multiple incidences of vandalism to protective fences which keep the birds safe.
Wynona, added;
“It's been a tough start for these birds this season. Along with all the usual natural threats like big tides, hungry predators and wild weather to contend with, the vandalism has put vulnerable nests at increased risk. We have seen an outpouring of support from the local community and we hope people will continue to help by alerting the police to any suspicious activity at the nesting site.”
The project is on the lookout for volunteers to join the team, to help raise awareness of the plovers plight and safeguard the chicks at Snettisham and Heacham beaches during their most vulnerable time. Open to all, training is provided and commitment can be flexible.
For more information about the project or to get involved, email [email protected].
