Recently members of the Rural Task Force met with representatives from Kent Wildlife Trust, Thanet District Council and Bird Wise East Kent at Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve where newly installed signage offers advice to visitors to the reserve advice on how to watch seals without disturbing them. 

The group discussed their concerns around the impacts of wildlife disturbance, from incidents of dogs chasing seabirds resting on the mudflats, an area with restricted access to protect wildlife, to cases where jet skiers acting antisocially have put people and wildlife at risk, including the vulnerable seals hauled out in the Stour Estuary. 

It follows an incident in which a boat which was speeding and disturbing wildlife at Pegwell Bay, the man who captured the film and does not wish to be named said: “As a regular birder who counts thousands of birds at Pegwell Bay, it is such a shame that events such as this are occurring at a RAMSAR, SSSI, SAC protected National Nature Reserve and SPA when it should be a safe haven for all wildlife.” 

Those present also had a discussion about Natural England who do not consent to watersports within the boundaries of the Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve. Previously some sports had been restricted to the Western Undercliff between October and March by way of a voluntary agreement under specific conditions, however, to minimise disturbance, watersports, such as jetskiing, paddle boarding or kitesurfing will no longer be permitted at any time. 

The reserve is an internationally important site for wildlife, most notably for coastal and wetland birds. There has been a decline in the numbers of several of the important bird species over the last few years and it is hoped by reducing disturbances, numbers will improve. 

Operation Seabird was originally developed around the Flamborough Head European Marine Site in Yorkshire where continuous disturbance to marine wildlife from motorized watercraft was leading to unsuccessful breeding season. 

By working with the community and partners, like Kent Wildlife Trust it is hoped that Operation Seabird will protect important marine and coastal habitats and wildlife, whilst also raising awareness of environmental issues through combining the resources of police forces, local authorities, and conservation organisations such as Kent Wildlife Trust to form a network providing local knowledge and enforcement powers.  

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said: “The results of allowing a dog to run free in a protected area can be extremely harmful for birds and may result in their death or in them abandoning their chicks. 

“We take wildlife crime extremely seriously and will continue to work with partner organisations around Kent to protect animals and birds living in the county’s wonderful natural habitats. 

“I urge anyone who has information or concerns about wildlife crime or disturbance to report it to us via our website.” 

Protected Area Warden Nina Jones added: “Pegwell Bay is a precious habitat for wildlife. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including habitats the attract the largest onshore haul out of Seals in Kent. As high season approaches, we are preparing ourselves for the increase in wildlife disturbance and each year it is a bit more heartbreaking. 

“It is hard to put into words how important sites like Pegwell Bay are and how needed they are, yet wildlife is being squeezed out because of recreational pressures and developments. People come here to enjoy the wildlife, so please stop chasing it away.” 

Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services at Thanet District Council said: “Thanet has a spectacular coastline and provides important habitat for so much wildlife. Protecting our coastline is something that we take very seriously, and we value the important work done by partner organisations and volunteers.” 

If you see someone causing a significant disturbance to wildlife along the coastline you can report it in the following ways: 

Via the Kent Police Website, or call 101, if you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000. 

For more information on how to avoid disturbance at Pegwell and Sandwich Bay National Nature Reserve please see the webpage: Sandwich and Pegwell Bay | Kent Wildlife Trust