As five of Britain’s seabirds are added to the red list, which details threatened species, conservationists in Kent are raising concerns that recreational pressures are driving Kent’s birds away. 

The Arctic tern, great skua, great black-backed gull, Leaches storm petrel and ironically the common gull have all been reclassified as red-list species meaning that their numbers are dwindling and they risk extinction. 

Overfishing, climate change and habitat loss have been highlighted as some of the reasons behind the worrying statistics, but some conservationists say that recreational pressures are contributing to the declines.  

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay is a National Nature Reserve and one of Kent's most important protected areas for migratory and breeding birds thanks to its nutrient-rich mudflats, saltmarsh and remote sandy beaches. The reserve supports two bird species recently added to the red list, the common gull and the black-backed gull. Signage and information online clearly show the areas for people and dogs, yet an influx of both locals and tourists continue to flout the restrictions, particularly during the hot summer weather, putting pressure on the wildlife.

Nina Jones, Protected Area Warden for Sandwich and Pegwell Bay says: 

“Sandwich and Pegwell Bay is a haven for wildlife and attracts an array of sea and migratory birds, it’s a stunning place to get closer to nature but we are experiencing a growing amount of disturbance which is driving our precious wildlife away. 

"From people breaching restricted areas to swim off Pegwell Bay's old hover port to others walking across the mudflats and dog owners allowing their pets to chase seabirds in the dog control zone, each incident puts the survival of already vulnerable migratory birds at risk. 

“We need spaces like this for our well-being and mindfulness, and it is wonderful that people want to come here but the failure to see beyond their own needs and respect the natural world around here will inevitably mean that eventually, the thing that makes this area so special – the wildlife, will no longer be here. 

“So please, come and enjoy this precious haven, but respect the boundaries, control zone and restricted areas and if you want to take part in water sports then consider going elsewhere. Wildlife disturbance is an offence and we do work with our partners at Kent Police to report incidents through their specialist initiative Operation Seabird.” 

More details about Operation Seabird, Kent Police's response to wildlife offences can be found on Kent Wildlife Trust's website.