Unprecedented numbers of seabirds in Essex are being killed and injured due to human disturbance
A local wildlife rescue centre in Colchester says it’s “the worst they’ve ever seen.”
Essex Police are launching a campaign urging people to be more mindful of nesting birds and marine wildlife.
More of them are being killed or injured because of human disruption.
The amount of visitors to coastal areas within the UK is increasing, meaning areas that are usually untouched are being disturbed and litter is being left behind.
Rosie Catford runs Wildlives Rescue Centre in Colchester:
“There’s always been a big problem with discarded rubbish but nothing at all like we’re seeing at the moment.
“The injuries that we are seeing, its heart-breaking, it’s just one after another after another.
“They’re coming in tangled up in facemasks, netting, plastic around their wings and legs.
“It’s just unprecedented the amount of damage that we’re seeing that’s being caused by discarded rubbish.”
Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team, Operation Seabird, is aimed at raising awareness of the coastline and how to protect nesting birds and marine wildlife.
PC Jed Raven, from the Rural Engagement Team, said:
“We have a fantastic coastline and variety of wildlife here in Essex and we need to make sure they are protected and there for future generations.
“Our focus is to ensure that the public using these areas can help us to achieve that. By keeping disruption to an absolute minimum, we will help these animals thrive.
“The team will be working alongside the RSPB, RSPCA, the Essex Wildlife Trust, and for the first time this year the Marine Management Organisation.”