Nature Watching and Photography

Advances in technology mean that many of us have high quality cameras on our mobile phones so capturing stunning images of nature at its best is simpler than ever.  We’ve put together some simple guidelines to ensure that we don’t cause disturbance to the wildlife we are watching:

• The welfare of the subject always comes before the photograph
• Do not alter or destroy habitat for a better view or scene
• Take extra care during the breeding season (March to July) do not approach nesting sites
• Learn the signs of distress – if the subject becomes alert move away
• Let wildlife behave naturally, do not seek to attract attention or use bait or recorded call
• Keep to waymarked paths and follow directions on signs
• Obtain the land owner’s permission to enter private land

To help with identification, visit our meet the birds page.  There is a lot more helpful information and a Bird Watchers Code on the RSPB website and the British Trust for Ornithology have a library detailed identification guides and videos on their website.

Airborne Activity

All airborne activity has the potential to cause disturbance to birds as they may mistake the craft for a predator. This includes all low flying aircraft, microlights, and drones.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires that anyone who owns or flies a drone is registered before flying.  Information on registration and regulation can be found here.

Whilst drones are becoming increasingly popular due to the amazing perspective they give, most of our coastline is classified as Special Protection Area (SPA) so drone pilots should seek permission from Natural England before flying.  There is more information on where drones can be flown once you are registered here.

Once you have obtained the necessary registration and permission, these guidelines will help you to enjoy flying without causing disturbance to wildlife:

• Using binoculars, check the area you intend to fly over before launching.
• Avoid flying close to birds and other wildlife, they may see the drone as a predator which will cause them stress.
• Breeding time (March to July) is especially stressful so avoid flying near nesting sites or animals with young.
• During wintertime, birds are resting and refuelling following long migratory journeys.
• Avoid flying over coastal areas that birds use to feed and rest, particularly at high tide when there is less space available for them.
• Follow the Dronesafe Code: dronesafe.uk/drone-code

Activities on the Water

Viewing the coastline from the water provides a completely different perspective and is a past time enjoyed by many people.  Following these simple guidelines will help you to avoid disturbing wildlife that shares our amazing coastline.

• Stay away from roosting birds at high tide.
• The islands may seem attractive but they are fragile habitats and one of the only places birds can roost at high tide without disturbance.
• They are important nesting and roosting sites for protected species so do not land on
  them at any time.
• Keep noise levels as low as possible and keep to the speed limits.
• Only use authorised launch sites.
• Be aware of restricted areas on the Medway Estuary and The Swale where jet skis and water-skiing is prohibited.
• View wildlife from at least 100m away and move away if they become agitated.
• Follow the Check Clean Dry procedure to reduce the spread of invasive non-native species.

There is more information on recreational boating and other activities on the water from the following organisations:

• Information for Personal Water Craft users
  Peel Ports on the Medway Estuary and The Swale
• The Port of London Authority on the Thames Estuary
• Medway and Swale Boating Association

Bait Digging

The estuarine sediment along the north Kent coastline contains shellfish, worms and other invertebrates which provide a vital food source for birds, fish, and other marine life.  Following these guidelines will ensure bait digging is carried out in a responsible and sustainable way, avoiding disturbance to wildlife and ensuring these essential food stocks are not depleted.

• Keep noise to a minimum.
• Wait for birds to disperse before walking out on mudflats and keep your distance to avoid disturbance, especially towards high tide or at night.
• Do not park vehicles on the foreshore.
• Avoid wasting bait, take only bait for planned trips.
• Eelgrass is an important feeding ground for protected birds, do not dig near eelgrass beds.
• Back-fill any holes that you dig to restore the estuary and make it safe for other users.
• Avoid collecting rare or unusual bait.
• Give consideration to other users avoid digging near slipways, moorings and
  commercial fisheries.

Further guidance from Natural England is available here.

Dog Walkers

The coast is a wonderful place to spend time with our four-legged friends, dogs and humans enjoy the fresh air and long walking trails.  Whilst we love our dogs, birds will naturally view them as predators, no matter how friendly they are, and this can cause disturbance to vulnerable species we share our shores with.  By following our coastal canine code, you and your dog can enjoy the coast safely without causing disturbance to wildlife.

• Keep your dog under close control at all times, on a short lead or close enough for you to call your dog back on command, as some users may be wary of dogs off leads.
• Stick to waymarked paths and follow instructions on signs to keep you and your dog safe.
• Bag and bin your dog’s poo – any litter bin will do!
• Be aware of the dangers from rising tides, soft mud, cliff edges and strong currents.
• Never allow your dog to chase birds, wildlife or livestock.
• Never go into the water to rescue your dog, in an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
• Join the Coastal Canines Club and learn more about enjoying the coast with your dog.

There is also more information on our Coastal Canines Club page.