Living with Coastal Birds Havant Friends of the Earth Group 27th June 2018

Our vision: A coastline where people’s recreation does not impact overwintering birds

The Solent is a winter lifeline

Special Protection Areas

The Solent is a winter lifeline

The Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership Natural England RSPB Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Chichester Harbour Conservancy New Forest National Park Authority South Downs National Park Authority Hampshire County Council Isle of Wight Council Portsmouth City Council Southampton City Council Chichester District Council East Hampshire District Council Eastleigh Borough Council Fareham Borough Council Gosport Borough Council Havant Borough Council New Forest District Council Test Valley Borough Council Winchester City Council

Developer contributions

What is our impact on the birds?

Bird disturbance What is bird disturbance? Any activity which prevents the birds from behaving normally.

Red Breasted Merganser The birds of the Solent Brent goose Shoveler Teal Red Breasted Merganser Shelduck Wigeon

Bird migration

Arctic breeding grounds

Feeding Feeding time is limited by: Movement of tides Daylight hours Other factors: How many birds are already feeding there How much food is available in that area

Birds of the Solent Curlew Redshank Sanderling Oystercatcher Dunlin Grey Plover

At high tide birds rest on the shore or nearby High tide roosts At high tide birds rest on the shore or nearby The number of safe high tide roosts are limited The height of the tide can reduce the number of roosts available © Richard Levett

Living on the coast Tuesday 2nd January 2018 Wednesday 10th

What is the impact of bird disturbance? Stress Behavioural response Loss of feeding time Increased food requirements Avoidance of suitable habitat Direct mortality

What is the impact of bird disturbance?

Traditional response to the problem

A new approach – Meet the ranger team

The Bird Aware coastal code Look out for birds on the coast Do not approach birds that are resting or feeding Move further away if birds become alert and stop feeding Stay on paths where they exist Always follow instructions on signs Exercise your dog away from resting or feeding birds Keep your dog in sight and on a short lead if you cannot rely on its obedience Please clean up after your dog If you are going out on the water contact the local harbour authority for special guidance

The rangers in action

The rangers in action

Events

The Strategy A project officer A ranger team A monitoring scheme Communications Officer Responsible dog walking initiatives Alternative recreational green spaces Site specific projects In perpetuity funding

A new approach – Responsible dog walking initiatives

How you can help Be bird aware Take our leaflet with you next time you visit the coast Speak to the rangers when you see them out and about Learn more about the Solent’s birds and share your passion for the Solent’s birds with others Tell others about Bird Aware Solent Have a look around our website www.birdaware.org Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Questions ?

Living with coastal birds © Pete Durnell