Snettisham RSPB team celebrates record season for red-listed Ringed Plover chicks

A project to protect a species of bird which has undergone a severe decline in recent years is celebrating its best season yet.

This year, 71 Ringed Plover chicks successfully fledged on a stretch of beach between Snettisham and Heacham as a result of the Plovers in Peril project.

This is the highest number of chicks fledged from the project so far.

The nesting areas were protected using fencing, signage and onsite engagement.

The first year of the scheme in 2021 saw only 19 successful fledgings and it tops last season’s previous record of 40.

The RSPB-led project works in partnership with Wild Ken Hill and is funded by the West Norfolk Council.

Ringed Plovers are a red-listed shorebird, meaning they are a threatened species. Over recent years they have been struggling to breed successfully and numbers have seen a steady decline.

Ringed Plover lay fragile, camouflaged eggs on the ground amongst the sand and shingle on beaches in Norfolk during the spring and summer months.

Wynona Legg, Plovers in Peril project officer, said: “Last year marked a record year for the project after we saw more than a fourfold increase in chicks fledging from this site since 2021.

“To top that, this season has been incredibly exciting and has given the team real hope that despite the challenges, our efforts are making a real difference to this bird’s future here.

“Ringed Plover are little birds with big personalities, and to see a community want to contribute to their survival each year with results which reflect their commitment and collective pride makes me quite emotional.”

The increase in the number of visitors flocking to the coast, increased development of coastal habitats where they nest and natural threats like tides, extreme weather, and predators are all having an impact on how many nests are successful.

Cllr Michael de Whalley, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity at West Norfolk Council, said: “Protecting shore nesting birds is essential to preserving the integrity of our coast. During these challenging times, it is ever more important.

“The special ecological nature of the area is one of the things people love about visiting West Norfolk so we are proud to support a project that protects it.”

Since its humble beginnings, the project has seen a total of nearly 60 volunteers signing up to help raise awareness for this much-loved bird on their local beach.

“Volunteers have dedicated around 2000 hours each season, with many returning each year to do it all again.”

Eddie, a Plovers in Peril volunteer, said: “After moving to Norfolk in February 2021 I wanted to do some volunteering and the Plovers in Peril project was just about to start.

“Ringed Plover is a species that needs our help.

“They nest in such a vulnerable area and are so difficult to see amongst the shingle. We’re now four seasons in and as volunteers, we’ve become quite protective of the Ringed Plovers breeding on this part of the Norfolk coastline.

“These charismatic birds with their unique ‘bandit masks’ and chicks often described as ‘cotton wool balls on stilts’ are a much-loved feature of this cherished coastline.

“Snettisham Beach Sailing Club has supported the efforts to safeguard these birds.

Adrian Tebbutt, commodore at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club, said: "We are very conscious of the sensitive nature of the area in which we sail, we know it’s an internationally important place for birds.

“We have worked closely with the RSPB for several years and have supported the Ringed Plover project with beach monitoring, membership engagement and education programmes.

“We are really excited to hear of the breeding success this season."

The project team hope this season’s success demonstrates what can be achieved when communities pull together.

“During nesting season, simple steps like keeping dogs on leads at nesting areas, staying away from fenced areas, and giving chicks on the beach lots of space can help give the birds a better chance on busy beaches,” a spokesperson said.

As a result of conservation efforts like these across Norfolk and the support of mindful beach users, breeding populations of Ringed Plover are starting to show early signs of an increase.

The project team is seeking volunteers for 2025 which will be its fifth season.

For more information or to get involved, email Snettisham@rspb.org.uk.