Hurst Spit Nesting Bird Project

The 2024 trial is underway for the Hurst Spit Nesting Bird Project.

In a partnership venture with the RSPB, English Heritage, HCC Countryside Services, Hurst Marine and Hurst Spit Holdings Ltd, Wings Wildlife Heritage and MCV have started monitoring Ringed Plover nesting on Hurst Spit.

Mark Appleton (RSPB Beach Nesting Officer)
and Adam Bourton (RSPB Research Asst.)

Ringed Plover is a diminishing ‘red-listed’ wader that needs protection on Hurst Spit. 

Breeding begins in April with the male preparing the nest scrape. Three or four beautifully camouflaged eggs are incubated by both sexes for between 23 and 25 days. Young leave the nest quite quickly, but only fly after about 24 days. 

Eggs and young birds are therefore vulnerable to unintentional disturbance.

Permissions have been granted by landowners and Natural England to pave the way for this important trial. Keith Metcalf (Wings Trial Co-ordinator) told us that; “Discussions have been ongoing for many months and it was great to see two sites being protected with RSPB signage and one of two vulnerable areas temporarily cordoned off in time for the birds first brood in the days ahead”.

Keith and Peter Hobby (long-term bird recorder on Hurst Spit) and MCV Chairman – David Horne helped RSPBs Mark and Adam set up the new signs and cordons on Tuesday when storm-force winds were doing their best to hamper proceedings.

David Horne told us that; “Progress has been made and this season we have ten ranger volunteers from MCV and Wings who will help monitor how the birds get on during the season”.

Adam, Mark, Peter and David
preparing posts for signage & cordon rope

Under the terms of this year’s trial, visitors to the Spit will not be approached by the ranger volunteers, but will nonetheless be happy to answer any questions they may have if they are asked. The volunteer’s primary aims will be to; safeguard the birds, improve breeding chances, raise awareness of ground-nesting birds present, record the comings and goings of the birds and see how they react to disturbances, which is nearly always caused unintentionally… unless of course, you happen to be a crow, large gull or fox.

Volunteers will be pleased to share their knowledge of the wildlife of Hurst Spit with all visitors … but probably not their packed lunches!

Nearby signs will help visitors understand the vulnerability of these small waders that weigh about the same as a tennis ball (about 2 oz. 64g). We ask that users of the Spit take notice of the signs and keep away from the cordoned-off nest areas whilst birds are breeding.

Wings and MCV have room for a couple more ranger volunteers. If you wish to help monitor the birds, contact; Keith at: keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com.

----------------------------
About WINGS

Wings Wildlife Heritage (known simply as ‘Wings’) was set up in 2022 by Keith Metcalf and friends when they launched their ‘Nature Story-telling’ sessions for youngsters on the Village Green at the May Fair 2022.

The group is ‘not for profit’ and aims to encourage youngsters, and ‘those still young at heart’, to help our depleted local wildlife. Keith's message is that; “Everybody is welcome to help us in our quest to inspire others and enable wildlife recovery on our doorstep”.

To join the WINGS group, please contact Keith.

WINGS

keithmetcalf2022@btinternet.com

--------------------------------
About Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers are a group of local people who are dedicated to conserving and improving the wildlife and environment within the Milford on Sea and Keyhaven parish. MCV volunteers have regular tasks groups for logging, scrub clearance, balsam pulling and such like.

In 2020, MCV members were honoured to receive the country’s highest accolade for a voluntary group, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE.

New volunteers, young and old are always welcome.

MCV also run other events related to local nature such as:

• Birding for Beginner Sessions on 1st & 3rd Saturday each month.

• Guided local Nature Walks are held on a monthly basis.

• Creeks and Saltmarsh Boat Trip each month. Sailing from Keyhaven Hurst Ferry Pontoon. This is a boat trip around Keyhaven Creeks and Saltmarsh, led by a Bird expert. Space is limited so pre-booking is essential.

To see details of all MCV events, please click here.

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

www.milfordconservation.org

------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------