People are being reminded to stay off South Walney nature reserve’s beach.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is urging people to stick to designated paths in the reserve to protect wildlife amid nesting season.
The reserve’s beach is off-limits year round to walkers as alongside being home to hundreds of bird species, South Walney is also the home to Cumbria’s only grey seal colony.
But the Trust said these rules aren’t always followed and it is now taking the time to remind people to stick to the paths when visiting.
Last year, one of the Trust’s trail cameras caught footage of a person walking on the reserve’s beach and narrowing avoiding crushing a little tern bird nest.
It said that while the individual may have avoided the nest, filled with eggs, they may have still caused damage by disturbing the area and may have potentially caused birds to abandon their nests.
A spokesman for the Trust said: “We keep the beach at South Walney off-limits for a reason, but not all bird nesting zones are protected like this one. And, unfortunately, not everyone pays attention to the signage!
“But we understand that many people don’t know why it’s important to take care during bird nesting season.
“This is why we’re asking you to help us spread the word, by sharing our posts and letting more people know about our precious and vulnerable coastline birds.”
Dozens of birds make their homes along Cumbria’s coastline, from oystercatchers to terns and plovers. Many also nest on the ground and have very well-camouflaged eggs.
While it hides them from predators well, it also makes them difficult for humans to spot and avoid.
Nesting season lasts from February until August. The Trust said people visiting Cumbria’s coastlines should always strive to take extra care when visiting and exploring beaches during this time period.
Nests, eggs and chicks can be easily damaged and should always be left alone and never disturbed.
