Paddleboarders accused of scaring rare birds

North East Lincolnshire Council said paddleboarders disturbed birds at Cleethorpes

A warning has been issued to water sports enthusiasts about scaring birds at Cleethorpes saltmarshes.

North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and Humberside Police have reminded visitors about UK conservation rules and the importance of not disturbing wildlife.

Last weekend, paddleboarders were photographed going through an area where rare birds nest.

The Cleethorpes coastline and other parts of the Humber Estuary were designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1988 and are protected by law.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn from NELC said the coastline and wildlife was "vulnerable to disturbance" and warned getting too close to the marshes could cause "serious damage".

He said: "Whilst we are mindful that local people and visitors to the resort should be able to take full advantage of our amenities, we are also guardians of the unique habitats on our shoreline.

"Bird disturbance is an offence and people are urged to avoid waterborne activity in the saltmarsh, specifically paddleboarders and jet-skiers.

"We urge everyone to please take notice of the signs and steer clear of the protected areas to ensure the birds and wildlife not only survive but continue to thrive."

Beach restrictions

Last year, 10 Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced to beaches in North East Lincolnshire, preventing people from using barbecues, lighting bonfires and releasing Chinese lanterns.

Anyone who breaks the orders can be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice by enforcement officers.

PC John Chase from Humberside Police said: "Each year we receive a large number of reports relating to the public disturbing wildlife, in particular birds that have in some cases travelled thousands of miles to our doorstep to feed and breed."

Dog owners are also banned from taking their pets on the main tourist beach at Cleethorpes between April and September.

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