Early success for Ringed Plover campaign

For organisations such as the RSPB and the Norfolk Ornithological Association (NOA), the presence of free-running dogs in areas where birds feed and nest is a constant worry.

Steve Rowland is Area Manager for the RSPB in Eastern England. He says: ‘We work really hard to raise public awareness of the problem of dogs and people disturbing nesting birds. Take Ringed Plovers for example. We have lost 80 per cent of Ringed Plovers in this country and we need to turn that around.’

The RSPB launched a Plovers in Peril campaign, with signs prominent around nesting areas and a team of volunteers working to spread the message. The campaign was supported by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and was run in partnership with Wild Ken Hill.

Leading the project is Wynona Legg.

‘The project was launched in 2021 in response to a decline in the Ringed Plover population. Initially it was a one-year project but it has now been expanded to 2026.’

Legg highlights the challenges that face this characterful and tenacious little bird.

‘Rising tides, human development, natural predators such as raptors, hedgehogs, stoats and weasels. They face all these challenges and then, when you add dogs and humans trampling over their nesting area, you can see why they need help’.

While Legg is clearly deeply moved at the plight of the Ringed Plover population, she is also pragmatic. ‘They have their place in the food chain. They source food on the shoreline and in the muddy waters of the Wash and in turn they are food for the creatures higher up the food chain, but the behaviour of humans on the beach is pushing them over the edge.’

For Steve Rowland, the Ringed Plover project is an example of effective messaging. It is something he is working on across the organisation. ‘We work hard to find the best way to get the message across, and actually, it is about keeping it very clear and simple. If you see a sign, obey it. If you are asked to do something, cooperate and keep your dog on a lead. It couldn’t be much clearer than that.’ and he would race across the park to see off a Carrion crow if I let him. on our birding bucket list, so last year we who use the beach. Chatting about the all ways in which the volun-

Echoing Rowland is NOA Lead Warden, Sophie Barker.

Going to see the Pink Footed Geese leaving Snettisham beach at dawn in February, marvelling at the wader spectacular in the autumn and visiting RSPB Titchwell Marsh were always on our birding bucket list, so last year we packed the car and the dog and headed for the stunning Norfolk coastline for the first time.

‘There is a lot of evidence out there about the importance of dog control and its potential for impacting wildlife,’ says Barker. ‘The time that site managers and organisations spend on this issue is formidable, and a huge shame, but enforcement is difficult, and we need public understanding and co-operation to get the best outcomes for wildlife.

‘Personally, I would like to see some positive collaboration with an organisation such as the Dog’s Trust to help educate people and reduce conflict over this particular question. There is a bit of a mountain to climb.

To protect the birds, a team of 30 volunteers from the local community are busy throughout the breeding season, engaging with the visitors and residents who use the beach. Chatting about the Plovers, showing them nests through binoculars, explaining why areas are fenced off and hosting events that support the activities are all ways in which the volunteers are spreading the word and encouraging good practice.

While most people are responsive, Legg’s reply is inevitable. ‘Yes, we do to over the whole beach or why they can- because if the conversation tips into an argument, we have lost that person’s

While most people are responsive, Legg’s reply is inevitable. ‘Yes, we do have some very difficult conversations. There are people who can’t see why they cannot allow their dog to roam free over the whole beach or why they cannot picnic in the nesting area. We have all had training in conflict management because if the conversation tips into an argument, we have lost that person’s support for ever.’

Most of all I would like dog owners, and the public in general to understand more about the law relating to access in the countryside, and for wildlife organisations to be clear on the potential damage that disturbance does. Access comes with responsibility, and there seems to be a growing emphasis on one and not the other. For example, in Holme we have a growing issue with dogs off leads on the public roadways (which no-one seems to realise is an offence).’ her volunteers are far from resting on their laurels, but they are making an impressive impact.

Despite this, the project is already yielding results and 20 nesting pairs were recorded on Heacham and Snettisham Beaches with a further 20 pairs on the Wild Ken Hill reserve. Legg and her volunteers are far from resting on their laurels, but they are making an impressive impact.

Barker adds that learning ‘fieldcraft’ will help everyone have a better appreciation of how to interact in the natural world. ‘Fieldcraft’ can make a lot of difference when viewing and trying to photograph birds and other animals; keeping quiet, keeping low, wearing suitable clothing, and appreciating the principle that our presence can disturb wildlife. It’s very simple really but no longer common sense for many.’

I was very aware that this area is a birders paradise in winter but also the beaches provided my dog Finley with his dream playground… water and a place to chase his tennis ball for miles. Could these two be mixed…a birdwatching Mecca and a crazy Springer spaniel playground?

I was also conscious that for many birders the presence of dogs, or rather their irresponsible owners, is a big issue. Social media is full of angry wildlife watchers witnessing dogs off lead and “out of control”, disturbing the wildlife and owners paying little or no attention to signs asking that dogs be kept on leads or not there at all.

That was never ever going to be me as I love my wildlife and understand what is required but I also wanted to allow my dog to enjoy all that Norfolk has to offer our four-legged friends. For me, it is all about education and understanding of the local wildlife habitats but also respecting each other.

I make sure I research the area before I take my dog out and avoid areas during nesting season. I will go to beaches where there is room for Finley to run with his ball, without the temptation of chasing a group of Sanderlings or Curlews. If we see flocks of waders or geese, he will go on a lead until we are out of reach. I also make sure we give a wide berth where there are birders with scopes or people clearly pho- tographing a bird they have been watching, unless I’m ready to look too, in which case we approach carefully and always on a lead. Finley knows when to switch to that “ornithologist dog mode” thankfully.

I see dogs not on leads when they should be, and I witness owners without any interest in protecting the wildlife and it annoys me too as it tarnishes all dog owners. However, I also have witnessed and been subjected to aggressive behaviour and verbal tirades from some birders, angry that I’m daring to be on a deserted beach with my under control dog and that’s where respect and understanding must work both ways.

Of course, there has to be ongoing education on where and how to walk your dogs alongside wildlife, if it’s appropriate. I’m not naive to the fact that dogs and ill-informed owners can cause huge problems for our wildlife, particularly birds on the beaches and coastal habitats. However, as someone who regularly combines dog walking and birdwatching, I also know it can be done harmoniously, safely and is a joyful experience for both dog and owner. Norfolk offers the perfect place to do both, with the right attitude on all sides.

I will be back in the Autumn to watch the thousands of Knot perform their whirling wader spectacular, whilst Finley waits patiently at home, safe in the knowledge he will soon be chasing that tennis ball in the waves at Brancaster before getting a doggy treat at Thornham Deli. It’s a truly wonderful part of the country and Finley and I can’t wait to return.’

1 Check local websites for dog walking information, especially for nature reserves so you are aware of the rules and regulations for on lead/ off lead or not allowed.

2 Check with seasonal variations on areas you can’t walk your dog off lead due to birds nesting or special habitats for migrant birds, for example: Shore Larks at Holkham salt marsh. There are plenty of other areas you can go if you don’t want to walk on lead.

3 Carry treats or tennis ball/toy that you know will distract your dog away from waders, seabirds on the beach and mudflats.

4 Train your dog to be calm and settle on command… while you birdwatch.