Help Protect Winter Birds at Northam Burrows This Winter

The Northam Burrows Rangers are advising visitors and residents to be extra vigilant at this time of year as the area welcomes the arrival of winter birds. While many UK birds, such as Swallows and House Martins, head off to warmer climates, Northam Burrows is welcoming a large influx of Scandinavian and Northern European species who are escaping harsher winters.

As the birds are likely to be a lot closer to the shore around high tide, dog owners are advised to stick to the designated paths and keep their dogs under control. If dogs chase flocks of birds that are overwintering or migrating, it can affect their chances of staying healthy enough to survive and breed, especially if they are already exhausted or short of food.

Torridge District Council has been working with other stakeholders to produce a leaflet to raise awareness of this issue and encourage everyone to act responsibly when visiting sites on the Taw and Torridge estuary. This will be made available at tourist information and other visitor centres in the local area.

Despite the need to be extra vigilant, it is a great time of year for nature lovers to observe all the new visitors, including Snow Buntings and Brent Geese. Winter favourites include species such as the Curlew, Golden Plover, Lapwings and noisy native Oystercatchers. There are also many Shelducks spending the winter along the tideline of the Taw and Torridge estuary, which borders Northam Burrows. They gather around the salt marshes, sand dunes, and sandbanks.

As with previous years, the Rangers are hopeful that with a little effort the right balance between recreation and conservation can be achieved.

Councillor Lyndon Piper, Lead Member for Leisure at Torridge District Council, said:

"We're fortunate in Torridge to live in a place rich with wildlife and diverse natural habitats. While the coastline offers a wonderful escape for residents and their dogs, we need to be extra mindful during the winter months. It's crucial that dogs don't chase the birds that gather along our shores. These birds rely on this time to rest and restore their energy so they can safely return to their spring breeding grounds and maintain healthy populations".

Nov 25