On Friday 20th October at the Community Centre, there was a full house to see the RSPB Presentation “Beach Nesting Birds in the Solent” and we were not disappointed. One MCV member wrote:
Thank you to the RSPB, Wings and MCV for a very interesting and informative evening. It highlighted that whilst the RSPB are working tirelessly throughout the Solent, more needs to be done to protect our wonderful beach nesting birds. The birds are often very difficult to spot and are easily disturbed. Spreading the word and explaining how to protect the birds on our shores is key to their survival. I certainly learnt a lot.
Keith Metcalf organised the event on behalf of Wings and MCV. The RSPB presenter was Mark Appleton, Solent Beach Nesting Bird Project Officer for “Life on the Edge” (LOTE), and he was accompanied by Wez Smith, Senior Project Manager, RSPB LOTE, Bob Chapman, RSPB Beach Nesting Bird Project Assistant and Julie Sims, from Bird Aware Solent; they all fielded questions at the end.
Mark talked particularly about Ringed Plovers that are declining due to many disturbances caused by our modern way of life, climate and the environment. We were entertained trying to spot the Plover, chicks and eggs on the beach, which proved surprisingly difficult.
Last year the Ringed Plover had a very successful breeding season at North Solent Nature Reserve after volunteers built cages which the plovers could enter, but predators could not. These were put over the eggs, which the plover lays directly on the shingle, along with a shelter for the chicks once hatched.
Subject to getting permission from land owners, the RSPB would like to add Hurst Spit to the Beach Nesting project in the Solent and would be looking for volunteer rangers to help. This would involve:
- Patrols with engagement
- Monitoring
- Temporary fence installation
- Help with signage
- Nest cage deployment
Training would be given, so if you think you would like to be involved please contact us.
You can find Mark’s full presentation below. (Videos will open in YouTube in a separate window)