Ranger's Blog
Help us ‘give wildlife a chance’!
It’s that time of year again at Landguard Nature Reserve. The post and rope cordons to protect our ground nesting birds have been installed.
This year to increase the breeding success of Ringed Plover and reduce disturbance to birds and seals resting on our shores an additional cordon has been added, a new rule implemented, and new signage installed.
The new rule excludes dogs and fishermen from the southern seaward beach and cordoned areas from April 1st to September 30th inclusive.
This is necessary to support breeding Ringed Plover and resting seals.
In recent years, the success of the Ringed Plover has declined due to frequent (often unintentional) disturbance and this year we want to make extra efforts to increase their success. Additionally, due to a now well-established seal colony at Orford Ness, the number of young seals resting along this stretch has increased and restricting this area will help to reduce disturbance to them and conflict between them and dogs.
Dogs and their owners are of course still welcome at Landguard and can continue to be exercised off lead in the northern section of the Nature Reserve (highlighted in yellow) and exercised on a short, fixed lead in the area highlighted green.
Only the area highlighted in red which incorporates beach and bird cordons is restricted for a period of 6 months. This restriction is similar to that already in place along Felixstowe Seafront.
For those wishing to fish at Landguard, the majority of the coastline is still available for this pursuit and beaches alongside areas highlighted yellow and green can still be enjoyed.
Landguard is surrounded by 1.5 miles of beach and more than half of this will remain accessible to both dog walkers and fishing activities.
The Landguard Trust do understand that this is a popular place and recreational resource for the community and visitors. The majority of Landguard is always open to the public. All we ask is that people take care and respect the flora, fauna and heritage that make Landguard so special. We strive to strike a balance between protecting the most sensitive areas of the site, whilst providing space for people to enjoy Landguard. In summary, almost a mile of coastline is still accessible for fishing activities at Landguard, 16 hectares are available to exercise dogs on leads and 9 hectares to exercise dogs off lead.
The Landguard Trust would very much like to thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this time.
Should you have any questions regarding the new measures please email enquiries@landguardtrust.org.uk
Summer 2023 at Landguard
Oh, what a whirlwind of excitement this summer has brought to Landguard Nature Reserve! The days of summer have been abuzz with energy, as this cherished haven of wilderness marked its 50th glorious year.
Celebrating 50 years as a Local Nature Reserve
Landguard Nature Reserve was designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1973 and this year celebrates its 50th year!
Bloomin' Landguard
The Landguard Nature Reserve is blooming again, as our wonderful botanical species come into flower.
Volunteering outdoors can be a great experience…
Firstly, it allows individuals to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Being outside in nature can be calming and rejuvenating and can help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Landguard's Lush Carpets
As you explore the Landguard Nature Reserve, you might notice the lush mats of mosses and silvery grey coloured lichens across the rare, vegetated shingle and acid grassland landscape.
A new year is upon us...Creating a home for bats at Landguard
Bats are quite remarkable animals, and they are the only mammals capable of controlled flight. If you have been lucky enough to see them flying around at dusk, you will know that their aerobatic skills are incredible to watch!
The Days of Summer at Landguard
Those visiting the Reserve, April through to September 2022 may have observed much activity on site as improvement works were carried out by the Harwich Haven Authority, as part of their continued investment in the Landguard Peninsula.
New Learning Area at Nature Reserve
Spring 2022 marked the completion of our new learning area. Situated on the riverside of the Nature Reserve. The new area will be used by visiting schools and groups such as cubs and beavers to learn more about wildlife and habitats onsite.
All About the Plover!
Ringed plover breed at Landguard and choose their nesting sites on the ground amongst the rare, vegetated shingle habitat. They are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are a Red list species, due to their declining population and are therefore a conservation priority.
