Suffolk Police signs up to operation to protect local wildlife
Operation Seabird is being backed by Suffolk Police to raise awareness, protect and preserve the ecosystem.
Visitors to Suffolk's coast this summer are being reminded to act responsibly around wildlife.
Suffolk Constabulary has signed up to the national initiative Operation Seabird, led by the RSPCA, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving our rich wildlife habitats and tackling disturbance to seals, sea birds and nesting birds.
Officers will be out and about meeting visitors in specific locations across the county – including the Stour and Orwell Estuaries, Covehithe, Orford Ness and Hollesley Marshes - between the beginning of June and the end of August.
The scheme will target coastal areas where wildlife and people interact, such as sites with nesting seabirds.
Previous incidents along the coastline nationally have included dogs off leads disturbing nesting birds of seals, wild campers lighting fires on the beach dunes and causing significant damage to plants, quad bikes or 4x4 vehicles riding over nesting sites, and canoeists getting too close to seals.
Sgt Brian Calver of the Suffolk Rural and Wildlife Team said: "We have a beautiful coastline in Suffolk with a rich and varied wildlife habitat and bearing in mind the limitations we have had to adhere to over the past year it is only natural we want to get out and about to explore and learn about this wildlife on our doorstep.
"However, we do need to be wary of the impact our fascination with such wildlife can have. We all have to assume this responsibility and enjoyment of the wildlife should be done at a safe and sensible distance without disturbing the animals.
"Operation Seabird will see us engaging and educating visitors, but people need to be clear that we will take action against anyone who wilfully and intentionally damages and disrupts our wildlife and their habitats."
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "I really welcome the Constabulary's support for Operation Seabird. Suffolk has outstanding and very rich biodiversity and is a major attraction for the county's visitors and day trippers - it is one of Suffolk's "Jewels in our crown."
"Our natural heritage requires very careful management and care so it continues to thrive for the benefit of all.
"I would ask people to be particularly mindful of the need to do everything possible to look after this heritage so please respect the animals' habitats, keep your distance and leave them well alone."
Anyone who witnesses deliberate or intentional disturbance of coastal wildlife and their habitats should contact police on 101 and quote Operation Seabird.