Wildlife enthusiasts working hard to help protect nesting shorebirds on the Northumberland coast

Each spring, birds such as ringed plover and oystercatchers lay their eggs on sandy and shingle beaches.

Efforts to help beach nesting birds are led by wildlife rangers from Space for Shorebirds, Northumberland County Council’s ranger service.

Volunteers from the Northumberland Coast Conservation Team play a huge role - looking out for where the birds are nesting, creating small areas of refuge for them and talking to beach users about how to help keep them safe.

Wildlife ranger Katherine O’Hara said: “Ringed plovers nesting on the Northumberland coast would not be able to do so without the help of our volunteers.

"Each year we are blown away by their dedication, and by the level of support from the public who give the nesting birds space. It’s thanks to them that the birds are able to successfully raise their young on some of the busiest beaches in the county.”

One of the most valuable ways volunteers are helping to protect the birds is by keeping a close eye on the chicks as they start exploring their surroundings. When they first leave the nest, they are about the same size as a ping-pong ball and are very well camouflaged against the sand.

Cllr Colin Horncastle, cabinet member for Housing and Planning added: “Part of what makes our coast so special is the wildlife, which includes beach nesting birds like ringed plovers, so we are determined to protect them for future generations.”