Protecting Ringed Plovers on Hurst Spit

A recent article by Roz Waters in the Advertiser & Times has highlighted the declining number of ringed plovers, which are small wading birds who have nested on Hurst Spit for decades.

Picture by Advertiser & Times

The Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers have now installed signs where ringed plover breeding activity is taking place, along with temporary rope cordons.

The key requests are to keep away from roped off areas, keep dogs under close control, and to give the birds space.

There are also plans to install more signs on Hurst Spit to indicate where to avoid disturbing other ground-nesting birds over the spring and early summer period, such as oystercatcher and redshank.

To read the full A&T article, please click here.

Picture by Advertiser & Times

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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.

To read more, please click here.

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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

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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

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