RSPB Titchwell Marsh struck by vandals causing damaged to nesting site of protected Ringed Plovers

Conservationists have been left “shocked and saddened” after vandals targeted the nesting site of protected birds.

Teams from RSPB Titchwell Marsh discovered ropes cut as well as fence posts snapped and pulled from the ground around a Ringed Plover area during its daily monitoring visits over the last few weeks.

The incidents have been taking place mostly around Heacham Dam from Wednesday, April 16 - with the last incident occurring just yesterday.

“At first, it was a removed sign and a snapped fence post, but more recently we have seen repeated acts of intentional vandalism where rope is being cut in multiple places and posts pulled out of the ground, causing damage to fence cordons that are designed to protect the Ringed Plovers as they nest and raise their chicks on the beach,” the organisation said.

From April onwards, the fencing stops the fragile, camouflaged eggs and chicks of both the Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers from being crushed underfoot.

The birds are currently under protection through the Plovers in Peril project, funded by West Norfolk Council, and relies on additional funding to cover its material costs.

“With a limited budget, needless vandalism - no matter how seemingly small - has a significant impact both financially and in time spent diverted away from the daily awareness raising and nest protection work that these birds so desperately need to survive here,” the team added.

“We have just experienced some really high spring tides at the site and some nests have been lost.

“The extra threat of the vandalism is only adding to this pressure and making them more vulnerable.”

Staff and volunteers have been keeping a close watch over the area and are urging those who see anything suspicious to report it to the police.

Officers will also be carrying out patrols of the site.

PC Chris Shelley said: “We want to remind everyone that disturbing nesting birds is a criminal offence.

“We are working closely with the RSPB and other partner agencies to safeguard these vulnerable birds.

“If you witness any such crime, please contact the police immediately.”

Members of the public can:

• Contact the police on 101 if they see anything that may help with the inquiry.

• Call 999 if they witness suspicious activity at the nesting site.

• Report damaged cordons by emailing ploversinperil@rspb.org.uk so that the team can organise repairs quickly.