The breeding season for guillemots is here (March – July), so extra caution is needed when exploring the coastline that Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust care for at Berry Head National Nature Reserve.
“Recent disturbances by jet skiers and kayakers have been alarming as these special birds need to be given space during their breeding season for them to thrive,” said Chris Lingard, Countryside Manager at Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
The guillemot colony at Berry Head is protected by an ‘Area of Special Protection.’ This is a unique protection (the only one of its kind in the UK) of a small marine area and it has been put in place to protect the guillemot colony.
The Area of Special Protection prohibits water vessels and users from entering the cove during the guillemots breeding season (March – July) and it gives powers to the Harbour Authority to protect the guillemots from disturbance by people.
Any person within the Berry Head Area of Special Protection that disturbs a wild bird whilst it is building or in a nest that contains eggs or young is liable to a fixed penalty.
The guillemot colony at Berry Head is the largest mainland colony in South West England with around 900 breeding individuals nesting on the cliffs.
Within the UK, guillemot numbers have decreased, especially on the East Coast of England. The original cause is sea temperatures rising effecting fish populations – a food source for these birds. They have also suffered from habitat loss, over fishing, the spread of Avian Influenza and oil pollution.
Guillemots take flight when disturbed and this wastes valuable energy. It also leaves their egg or chick vulnerable to predators like Great black-backed gulls.
Chris continued: “The guillemots lay only a single egg in a season so we must all help to protect them. You can do this by keeping your distance with these special birds and not entering the Area of Special Protection at Berry Head between March – July.”
Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust is conservation charity that cares for nearly 80% of all Torbay’s green spaces. To find out more about their conservation efforts and how you can help visit their website at: www.countryside-trust.org.uk
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