Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust are asking dog owners to take extra care to help protect visitors using Seaton Carew beach and also the little terns nesting there.
After travelling thousands of miles, the terns have chosen part of the beach to nest, but disturbance at this critical time can put eggs and chicks at risk.
As part of the Council’s seasonal dog exclusion zone to help keep the beach clean for visitors, dogs are not allowed on the area of beach stretching from the Norton Hotel to the coach park – which includes the little terns’ nesting site – from 1 May to 30 September.
Little tern returning to feed chicks. Image credit - Steve Lindsay
However, wardens watching over the site recently observed 24 breaches of the exclusion zone within one afternoon, with dogs also getting too close to the nesting area.
Even brief disturbance can cause adult birds to leave their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable.
Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Housing, Growth and Communities, said: “While the majority of dog owners are responsible and considerate, it’s really disappointing that some are taking dogs into the dog exclusion zone.
“This not only risks the beach not being clean for the visitors who use it, especially children, it also puts the fragile nesting of the little terns in jeopardy. We would urge people to report any breaches of the dog exclusion zone to us.”
Derek Wood, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Warden, added: “These birds have chosen our coast after an incredible journey, and they’re relying on us to give them the space they need. Keeping dogs away from the site really does make a difference.”
As well as the little terns, ringed plovers have also chosen the site to nest. Little terns and ringed plovers nest on open coastal shingle, sand beaches, and inland gravel pits, creating a shallow, unlined scrape on the ground between the high-tide mark and the top of the beach.
So, visitors to Seaton Carew beach are reminded to please:
- respect the dog exclusion zone
- keep dogs on leads elsewhere near the nesting area
- respect the little terns fencing and warning signage
- give wildlife plenty of space
Wardens keeping watch over the little terns are on site to help and support visitors and tell them more about the birds. The Trust and the Council are grateful for people’s help in protecting the birds.
People can report issues – including any breaches of the dog exclusion zone – at online.hartlepool.gov.uk, using the section ‘Report an Issue in the Area’.