Severn Estuary PartnershipBird Aware Severn
Bird Aware Severn is an initiative to raise awareness of the birds that feed and breed on the Severn Estuary, so that people can enjoy the coast and its wildlife without disturbing the birds.
The Severn Estuary is one of the largest estuaries in Britain. It has a diverse coastline, featuring a variety of habitats and environments including saltmarsh, mudflats and sandflats, rocky shores and biogenic reefs. It is internationally important for wildlife including thousands of waders and wildfowl. These birds need to feed and rest undisturbed so that they can survive the winter and build up enough energy to fly back to their summer habitats. Because of this, their survival relies on everyone helping to prevent bird disturbance.
The Bird Aware Partnership:
- Bird Aware Severn is made up of Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Stroud District Council, Monmouthshire County Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Somerset Council, the Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities and the Severn Estuary Partnership.
Bird disturbance and its impact:
The Severn Estuary provides opportunities for recreation. Housing and consequent population growth in the area is likely to increase the number of visitors to these sensitive coastal areas, creating the potential for impacts from increased recreational disturbance of the birds and their habitats, unless adequately managed.
What is disturbance?
Birds perceive people and their dogs as a threat. When people and dogs get too close, the birds sense danger and focus on the perceived threat, changing their behaviour. They may stop feeding or resting and walk, swim or fly away.