Norfolk Wildlife Trust appeals for volunteer beach wardens

Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) is appealing for volunteer beach wardens to help support its "vital work" to safeguard nesting birds.

The charity says it needs help to monitor nesting birds at Holme Dunes. Threatened breeding birds nest at the reserve near Hunstanton, including Ringed Plover and Little Tern.

Little Terns on a Norfolk beach (Josh Jaggard).

Tori Backham, from NWT, said: "Our beach wardens act as guardians to our vulnerable beach-nesting birds. They support our wildlife by patrolling the beaches, helping the public to understand the importance of looking after these special species, as well as recording bird behaviour and nesting activity.

"If you feel passionate about making a difference and you have some spare time to give, we'd love to hear from you."

In 2021, almost half of the UK population (roughly 691 pairs) of Little Terns birds attempted to nest across North and East Norfolk. NWT said in the last 35 years the population of Ringed Plovers in the county has declined by 79%, with only 123 pairs recorded in 2018. The charity added that Eurasian Oystercatcher numbers were also dropping.