Help our summer plovers

£28,522 raised so far - Thank you
(2/3/07)

In the summer of 2007 the British Trust for Ornithology will undertake a national survey to provide an update on Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover population estimates within the UK. There have been two previous national surveys of breeding Ringed Plovers, in 1973-74 and 1984, and two of Little Ringed Plovers, in 1973 and 1984, all of which were organised by the BTO.

 

The main objective of the 2007 survey is to: To obtain updated population estimates for both Ringed and Little Ringed Plover in the UK. Investigate the species current spatial distribution and habitat dependencies, and patterns of co-occurrence of the two-species. To census all those sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated for their importance for breeding Ringed Plover.

There is a suggestion that Ringed plover numbers are in decline, in response to narrowing beaches, caused by sea level rises and an increase in recreational use. The Ringed Plover has done well to survive the pressures of the twentieth century but it did so by the unexpected adaptation to the English industrial scene. In contrast, in just 68 years of nesting in Britain the Little Ringed Plover seems to have flourished, but has done so amidst some unexpected landscapes. However such success may be threatened by the surprising and recent adaptation of the Ringed Plover to similar habitats.

We would like to thank: Natural England, and the D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust for their kind donations, and all the Garden BirdWatchers who chose to help this appeal through the 2006/7 BTOCJ Christmas New Year Bird Count. How can you help? If you would like to make a donation. Cheques, made payable to the BTO, should be sent to: BTO Plover Appeal, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. You can also phone 01842 750 050 and make a credit-card donation or give online.

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