Essex Wildlife Trust is working in collaboration with Bird Aware Essex and the RSPB in a campaign called Share our Shores, to raise awareness of beach-nesting birds and their vulnerable nests at the coast.  

Numbers of beach-nesting birds like ringed plover, oystercatcher and little tern have declined since the 1980s. Sadly, nests often fail due to a number of pressures including human disturbance.

During the summer, many will head to the seaside. Unfortunately, this endangers beach-nesting birds as their well-camouflaged eggs are easily trampled underfoot. Additionally, beach activities can disturb the nesting parents, causing them to abandon their vulnerable chicks and eggs to predators and harsh weather.

By being aware of these challenges and respecting designated nesting areas, we can all play a part in protecting these birds.

Essex Wildlife Trust’s urges the public to follow simple guidelines to ensure endangered beach-nesting birds can lay their eggs and raise their chicks safely. 

1. Know where they are – Colne Point, Old Hall Marshes and Tollesbury Wick beach are amongst the main sites along the Blackwater and Colne Estuaries for breeding birds.  
2. Respect zoned-off areas – If you see signage and rope, this is a “no go” zone from April-August as these sites are protected for wildlife.  
3. Avoid disturbance by boat – Only land boats on designated moorings and landing areas, keep water spots away from shoreline, minimise noise near breeding sites.   
4. Back away – if you see a breeding species, back away. Short, sharp alarm calls will notify you are too close to young.   
5. Spread the word – Raise awareness of beach-nesting birds and report bad behaviour to local wildlife crime officers by calling the police on 101.   

For more information, and to download resources for Share our Shores, visit our project page.

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Adam Nixon, Coastal Ranger for Essex Wildlife Trust, says:

“We monitor our beach-nesting bird populations closely each year because they are so vulnerable to human and natural pressures. Seeing the first few chicks toddling along the Essex coastline is a special sight and we want to give these chicks the best chance at surviving. It’s almost impossible to spot a nest upon the beach sometimes, so respecting our Share our Shores signs and spreading the word is a great way to support wildlife.”