First ringed plover chicks of the season hatch at nesting site between Heacham and Snettisham

An important nesting site between Snettisham and Heacham has welcomed the first ringed plover chicks this year.

The RSPB is working alongside partners to protect beach nesting birds between the villages, and is urging beach visitors to help as the tiny, flightless youngsters find their feet.

Ringed plovers are a much-loved sight on Norfolk beaches, but their breeding population has seen declines in the county in recent years.

They now feature on the red list of the UK’s birds of conservation concern, meaning they require urgent action to safeguard their breeding populations.

Plovers in Peril is an RSPB-led project working in partnership with Wild Ken Hill and is funded by West Norfolk Council.

The project protects beach nesting birds at their most vulnerable time with seasonal fencing at nesting areas.

Information signs and a team of volunteers provide guidance to visitors to help limit as much disturbance as possible.

Ringed plover project officer Wynona Legg said: “Once hatched, the chicks are on their feet and exploring the beach beyond the fences that previously protected their nest.

“It’s a nerve-wracking time for the team because the chicks are completely flightless for their first month and very vulnerable to the dangers a busy beach can bring for a bird the size of a cotton wool ball.

"The support of beach visitors makes a huge difference to these birds - just simple steps like popping dogs on a lead can give chicks and their frazzled parents lots of space which can help them survive until their feathers grow and they learn how to use their wings.”

Launching in 2021, the project has seen some incredible success. Last year, a record-breaking 71 ringed plover chicks successfully fledged from safeguarded nesting sites between Snettisham and Heacham - a 274% increase from 2021.

North West Norfolk MP James Wild visited the project in its first year and has recently returned to visit the team and see the project’s progress for himself.

“Having supported this project from the start, it's great to return and see its success with record numbers of ringed plover chicks fledging, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved including RSPB volunteers, Wild Ken Hill, and the community,” he said.

“We are so fortunate to have internationally important habitats on our doorstep and as these birds need our continued support I encourage everyone to give them space and consider volunteering.”

In recent weeks, the nesting birds have been left particularly vulnerable after the project team reported multiple incidences of vandalism to protective fences which keep the birds safe.

Ms Legg added: “It's been a tough start for these birds this season. Along with all the usual natural threats like big tides, hungry predators and wild weather to contend with, the vandalism has put vulnerable nests at increased risk.

“We have seen an outpouring of support from the local community and we hope people will continue to help by alerting the police to any suspicious activity at the nesting site.”

The project is on the lookout for volunteers to join the team, to help raise awareness of the ringed plover's plight and safeguard the chicks at Snettisham and Heacham beaches during their most vulnerable time.

Volunteering is open to all - training is provided and commitment can be flexible.