Climbers - it's bird nesting season so keep your eyes peeled

Photos: RSPB / Richard Carlyon

The UK’s coastline and inshore waters are home to some of the biggest and best seabird colonies in the world, with over 100 species sharing the coastal environment; 25 of these breed and nest on our coastal cliffs and foreshore areas. Species that climbers might come across include guillemot, razorbill, puffin, kittiwake, chough and also peregrine. Seabirds face growing pressure from the climate crisis, exploitation of the marine environment and most recently Avian flu. They are among the world’s most threatened groups of birds so it's important that we as climbers and hill walkers do our bit to help them on the way.

Climbers have been very supportive of efforts to protect cliff nesting birds over the years and there is a strong ethic within the sport to respect restrictions agreed between the BMC and conservation organisations. This also applies to upland and moorland areas where walkers with dogs off lead can pose a particular threat to important ground nesting birds (including raptors).

Detailed seasonal climbing restrictions are in place across many popular sea cliff climbing destinations in England and Wales, including Swanage, Portland, Berry Head, West Penwith, Carn Gowla, Baggy Point, Pembrokeshire and Gogarth and St Bees Head. Individual arrangements are well documented in climbing guidebooks and many sites are monitored by local enthusiasts and BMC Access Reps with important updates or changes being posted on the BMC's Regional Access Database (RAD) in real time. The same applies to inland crags used by nesting peregrine, raven, ring ouzel and other species.

All wild birds in Great Britain, including the most common species, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with rarer / more vulnerable species such as chough and peregrine having a higher degree of protection under Schedule 1 of the Act.

How can you help?

Climbers and walkers can help by reporting:

• Any changes in behaviour which might require adjustments to the restrictions e.g. change of nest sites, prolonged absence, birds showing distress etc.
• Evidence of poisoned, shot or trapped birds especially in moorland areas (contact local RSPB warden and / or the BMC).
• Be aware that dead birds should not be handled due to the risk of Avian Flu; multiple cases of dead birds should be reported here or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) as this may be an indicator of disease.

In summary

Check the BMC Regional Access Database (RAD), respect restrictions in place, report any notable changes and as a general rule give any nesting birds you come across a wide berth, even in unrestricted areas.