Ringed plover nest sites threatened by vandalism

The repeated vandalism of fencing installed to protect beach-nesting ringed plovers has sparked concern from conservationists and the police.

Ropes have been cut, fence posts pulled from the ground and signs removed close to special sites at Snettisham and Heacham in Norfolk.

Ringed plovers are small wading birds with orange and black tipped beaks. They are red listed in the UK, meaning they are birds of particular conservation concern with declining populations.

RSPB ringed plover project officer Wynona Legg said: "The extra threat of the vandalism is only adding to this pressure and making them more vulnerable."

The fences, installed each spring, protect the nests of ringed plovers and their eggs from beachgoers and dogs off leads.

The RSPB said the damage threatened eggs and chicks that nest directly on the sand.

The fencing was first introduced in 2021 and was carefully timed to coincide with nesting season, which started in April.

This year's high spring tides have already washed away some nests, increasing the pressure on remaining pairs.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Norfolk Police have urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The RSPB said the recent vandalism diverted time and resources away from vital conservation and awareness work at a critical time of year.

PC Chris Shelley of Norfolk Police said: "We want to remind everyone that disturbing nesting birds is a criminal offence."

He confirmed that officers were working closely with RSPB staff and volunteers to protect the birds and monitor the sites.

Plovers in Peril, is a project funded by local councils and national conservation bodies and relies heavily on community support.

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