Bird Aware Essex Coast is an initiative raising awareness of the birds that spend winter on the Essex coast, and those that breed here in the summer along with the importance of the habitats that support them. We ensure that people can enjoy our special coastline and its wildlife without causing disturbance.
The Essex coastline is extremely diverse and features a variety of habitats and environments that are important for hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds. This makes our coast internationally important and why it is protected by national and international designations.
The Crouch and Roach Estuaries are a very special place for wildlife particularly in supporting internationally important numbers of over-wintering Dark-bellied Brent Goose and assemblages of other waterbirds. The area is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), as a wetland of international importance and forms part of the Essex Estuaries Special Area of Conservation, to reflect the importance they have to wildlife.
During the colder months, the number of birds on the rivers Crouch and Roach increases; as thousands of coastal birds find refuge here, so they can rest and feed, escaping the freezing temperatures of the Arctic. When birds are disturbed, they may stop feeding or fly away. Conserving energy is essential for their survival in the winter and successful breeding in the summer so it’s vital they can rest and feed undisturbed.
Our team of rangers engage with visitors and communities along the coast, all the way from Tilbury to Manningtree, helping people learn about the different species of birds and understand the impact of disturbance. You may find one of the Bird Aware Coastal Rangers patrolling the Crouch or Roach estuaries or getting involved with local groups such as the Marsh Farm Country Parks volunteer team.
Whilst visiting the coast you can help avoid causing bird disturbance by following the Bird Aware Coastal Code:
• Look out for coastal birds that may be feeding and resting,
• By staying a good distance away from birds that are resting and feeding and moving away if they become alert or stop feeding,
• Avoiding launching or landing on sensitive habitats especially mud, marshes and reedbeds,
• Using recognised entry and exit points on the river,
• Staying on marked paths and following instructions on signs,
• Keeping your dog alongside under close control and never allowing your dog to chase birds,
• Follow requests on signs,
• Remembering birds need to rest and feed to survive!
To find out more about the project visit www.birdaware.org/essex/ or follow us on social media. If you have any questions or would like us to deliver a talk or to join one of our wildlife walks on the coast near you contact us at info.essex@birdaware.org