Wirral dog-walkers warned not to disturb seabirds (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral dog-walkers warned not to disturb seabirds

8:44am Tuesday 7th August 2012 in News

Volunteer wardens are preparing for thousands of wading birds to return to Wirral’s beaches from their breeding grounds inside the Arctic Circle.

In the longest running voluntary wardening scheme in Britain, wardens will be on West Kirby beach during the highest tides from this September to next March, for their 27th annual season of wardening. They will be encouraging people to avoid disturbing the roosting birds on the beach and to avoid letting their dogs disturb them.

They will also be showing passers-by the birds, explaining what they are, where they come from and what they are eating in the mud.

Karen Leeming, chairwoman of the voluntary wardens group explains: “Wirral’s beaches are internationally recognised for their birdlife in autumn and winter.

" I have been a warden for 20 years and it is an immense privilege to show and excite hundreds of people each year about 'Wirral’s Wonderful Waders' and to protect the birds from accidental disturbance by people and their dogs.

“We invite anyone who would like to become involved in wildlife protection to join us on the beach – we are always looking for new wardens and you don’t need to be a bird expert, just willing to learn, friendly and someone who likes talking to people.”

The wardening scheme is administered by Wirral Council Coastal Rangers. To find out more contact them at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston.

As part of Wirral’s Year of Coast and Countryside, the wardens are running a birdwatching event on Hoylake promenade on Saturday, August 18, from 10.30am.

No need to book.