It's been a tough time for wildlife, and on the Landguard Nature Reserve, at Felixstowe, especially so for the Ringed Plover. So, this year some changes will be made to give them a better chance.

Ringed Plover breed at Landguard and choose their nesting sites on the ground amongst the rare, vegetated shingle habitat. They are very sensitive to disturbance, including from people, kites, drones and especially dogs.

They scrape shallow depressions in the shingle and lay their eggs directly on to the ground. Their eggs are very small and perfectly blend into the shingle environment making them very difficult to see.

Cordons reduce the likelihood of disturbance and trampling around their nest sites however the Ringed Plover is a wading bird that needs to feed on the beach, where they continue to be disturbed, and where the chicks as they get older and need to feed for themselves are at their most vulnerable.

This is why between the nesting season from 1st April to 30th September dogs will not be allowed on the beach on the southern section of the nature reserve, on or off lead. Also fishing during this period should not take place in front of cordons as it also causes disturbance and attracts predators.

This area will be clearly signposted and regularly patrolled.

Dogs will continue to be allowed to exercise on or off lead on the northern section of the nature reserve, including the beaches, and can be walked on lead to the landward side of the cordons. Fishing can take place on the northern section and along the river.

Ringed Plover are an iconic species here at Landguard, and although very much loved by visitors are becoming a less common sight.

We hope with the public's help and consideration they continue to successfully breed here for many years to come.    

Ringed Plover are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and are a Red list species, due to their declining population and are therefore a conservation priority.

For more information, please contact the Landguard Trust by email: [email protected] 

Website: www.discoverlandguard.org.uk