Ranger's Blog

Help us ‘give wildlife a chance’!

It’s that time of year again at Landguard Nature Reserve. The post and rope cordons to protect our ground nesting birds have been installed.

This year to increase the breeding success of Ringed Plover and reduce disturbance to birds and seals resting on our shores an additional cordon has been added, a new rule implemented, and new signage installed.

The new rule excludes dogs and fishermen from the southern seaward beach and cordoned areas from April 1^st to September 30^th inclusive.

This is necessary to support breeding Ringed Plover and resting seals.

In recent years, the success of the Ringed Plover has declined due to frequent (often unintentional) disturbance and this year we want to make extra efforts to increase their success. Additionally, due to a now well-established seal colony at Orford Ness, the number of young seals resting along this stretch has increased and restricting this area will help to reduce disturbance to them and conflict between them and dogs.

Dogs and their owners are of course still welcome at Landguard and can continue to be exercised off lead in the northern section of the Nature Reserve (highlighted in yellow) and exercised on a short, fixed lead in the area highlighted green.

Only the area highlighted in red which incorporates beach and bird cordons is restricted for a period of 6 months. This restriction is similar to that already in place along Felixstowe Seafront. 

For those wishing to fish at Landguard, the majority of the coastline is still available for this pursuit and beaches alongside areas highlighted yellow and green can still be enjoyed.

Landguard is surrounded by 1.5 miles of beach and more than half of this will remain accessible to both dog walkers and fishing activities.

The Landguard Trust do understand that this is a popular place and recreational resource for the community and visitors. The majority of Landguard is always open to the public. All we ask is that people take care and respect the flora, fauna and heritage that make Landguard so special. We strive to strike a balance between protecting the most sensitive areas of the site, whilst providing space for people to enjoy Landguard. In summary, almost a mile of coastline is still accessible for fishing activities at Landguard, 16 hectares are available to exercise dogs on leads and 9 hectares to exercise dogs off lead.

The Landguard Trust would very much like to thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time.

Should you have any questions regarding the new measures please email enquiries@landguardtrust.org.uk