BOOM IN 'STAYCATION' HOLIDAYS COULD HAVE SERIOUS DOWNSIDE FOR COAST AND COUNTRY

This drone at the Humberston Fitties pools frightened off redshank and godwits

                                                                    

FEARS have been sounded that a likely surge in 'staycations' during 2021 could have an impact on birds and other wildlife in many parts of Britain including the Humber Estuary.

Says Jackson Sage of the Humber Nature Partnership: "We are likely to see a huge increase in recreational disturbance during the course of this year."

Disturbance can be categorised  activities that cause:

* Change in behaviour of wildlife (e.g. taking flight, alarm calls, cessation of feeding, leaving nest)

* Damage to habitat (e.g. trampling of saltmarsh/sand dunes/seagrass, flytipping)

* Physical harm or death of wildlife

Jackson Sage- plea for respect

Mr Sage continues: "June 2020 saw the end of the first national Covid lockdown, and with this came a huge influx of both tourists and residents to areas located on or near the Humber Estuary. 

"Although the vast majority enjoyed their visit with no noticeable impact on the protected species and habitats, the Humber Management Scheme received over 40 reports of recreational disturbance between June and December last year."

These included:

* Illegal use of motorbikes and quadbikes through nature reserves and on floodbanks

* Jet skis riding at speed through rafts of wildfowl

* Drones flying low and fast over protected sites where rare species make their home

* Very low paramotor flights over wildfowl hotspots

* Dogs off lead causing shorebirds to take flight and leave the area

* Illegal poaching

* Numerous fly-tipping events

* Walkers disturbing seals that have hauled themselves on to the beach to rest.

According to Mr Sage, particular concerns include the use of disposable barbecue in areas of  dry grass or even in wood-constructed bird hides.

Due to the sheer scale of the Humber Estuary European Marine Site, the Humber Nature Partnership relies both on members of the public and on its partners, including the police, to make it aware of these issues. 

On the plus side, there have been positive talks with paramotor groups, while the installation of signage at East Halton Skitter, near Immingham, has reduced off-road biking incidents from  being daily to just one- or twice-monthly.

Ends Mr Sage: "We want people to enjoy coast and countryside but we appeal for them to do so respectfully and responsibly."

* A recreational disturbance form can be accessed via http://www.humbernature.co.uk/contact/observation            

                                                               

Like a giant raptor - a hanglider circles over RSPB Tetney Marshes, frightening scarce birds

                                                           

Waders and gulls are fearful of roosting on this rock groyne in Cleethorpes because the drone is perceived as a predator

Habitat has been degraded at East Halton Skitter by off-road biking - and the noise is an additional deterrent to birdlife

Dog chasing birds that had been feeding on Cleethorpes