You may have seen fence posts and signs on Seascale Beach. These have been placed there by the RSPB to protect the nesting sites of the Common Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. Please see the Q&A below, prepared by Steph Leow of the RSPB, for more information on the project.
A: This is an RSPB-led project on beach nesting birds along the Cumbrian coast. I am the Cumbria Beach Nesting Birds Project Officer. Due to limited resources, we’ve prioritised beaches that hold a high density of beach nesting birds but have low fledging success. The beach from Sellafield to Drigg is particularly important. This project is one of many around the UK working to support species in conservation decline.
A: Any bird that nests on the beach. For the purposes of this project, we are focusing on the Common Ringed Plover and the Oystercatcher.
A: We have permission from the landowners to install these protection measures. For GDPR reasons, we won’t disclose the identities of the landowners. However, the idea that land in England is unowned is a myth. You can find out more by checking with the Land Registry.
A: This year, we have installed four boundaries: one near Sellafield, one near Seascale Golf Links, one north of the LLWR, and one at the end of Drigg by the Ravenglass Estuary.
A: The fence posts and signage are protection measures to safeguard these birds, their nests, eggs, and chicks during the nesting season. These posts are temporary and will be in place until the end of August when the last chicks have fledged.
A: This does happen. Unless the entire top of the beach is fenced, it’s out of our control. The boundaries are based on historic nesting data and placed in areas with high nest and human activity. Regardless of where you are, we ask that you spend as little time on the shingle as possible to give the birds a better chance to fledge their chicks.
A: The main threats are human activity and predators. Last year, we only used signage at access points, which was largely ignored. Human disturbance—such as walking on the shingle—leads to nest failures. In the Sellafield-Drigg area, human activity is more detrimental than predators. Disturbance causes adult birds to leave the nest, making it vulnerable to predation.
A: The primary issue is human disturbance, including entering a bird’s territory. The fence posts give a wide berth to minimize this risk. Walking along the fence line helps avoid disturbing nesting birds.
A: Nothing. If you can’t see the adult, it’s likely because you’re too close. Walk away immediately, and the adult will return once you’ve gone.
A: The posts are a visual cue. If someone chooses to ignore the posts, rope won’t stop them. Avoiding rope also reduces the chance of the fencing being swept away by high tides.
A: Avian predators like crows use fence posts as perches to scan for prey. The nails prevent them from perching.
If you have any other questions, please contact the RSPB Project Officer: steph.leow@rspb.org.uk.
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