Wildlife Wise: Initiative to protect Suffolk coast wildlife

Wildlife Wise is the new branding for the Suffolk Coast Recreational Disturbance and Mitigation Strategy.

The project works with residents and visitors to prevent disturbance and damage to wildlife and habitats along the coast.

Outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and dog walking can inadvertently disturb birds and other wildlife and damage habitats.

The project works with residents and visitors to prevent disturbance and damage to wildlife (Image: Submitted)

Wildlife Wise encourages people to enjoy these areas responsibly, urging visitors to stick to paths and avoid walking on plants.

Dogs should not be allowed to chase wildlife or farm animals and owners must clean up after their pets.

Following signs for safe land management is also advised.

The initiative aims to prevent extra recreational pressure on the vital coastal and heathland sites.

Kay Yule, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for planning and coastal management, said: “Wildlife Wise will help to raise awareness of the importance of protecting these sites for birds and other wildlife and show how everyone can play a part in cherishing, respecting and protecting wildlife and habitats along the Suffolk Coast.

Several local authorities are involved in the initiative - including East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council.

The project has plans to engage and educate communities and visitors to these wildlife sites (Image: Submitted)

There was even a successful project on the estuary beach in Shotley last spring, with two sections of protective fencing funded by Wildlife Wise.

Sallie Davis, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Babergh District Council, added: “This partnership has already proved valuable for our wildlife and habitats in Babergh.

"It enabled fencing to be put in place to create safe havens at Shotley for ground-nesting birds and, ringed-plover chicks have hatched as a result."

Looking ahead, the project has plans to engage and educate communities and visitors to these wildlife sites, with its first two rangers set to hit the ground within the coming months.