Ban dogs on beaches, says Guernsey wildlife expert

Dog owners have been asked to keep their pets on a lead when on Richmond beach as it is important location for wading birds

Banning dogs from some of Guernsey's beaches is the only way to ensure birds are not disturbed, according to a wildlife enthusiast.

Photographer Rod Ferbrache says a minority of dog owners are not respecting current suggested exclusion signs.

Dog owners are asked not to take their pets onto Richmond Beach because they disturb wading birds.

Mr Ferbrache, said the request is being ignored and a compulsory ban is needed.

Over the past 40 years Mr Ferbrache, a member of La Société Guernesiase, said he had observed a significant decline in the number of wading birds in Guernsey and felt it correlated directly with disturbances to their habitat.

Richmond beach is the most important location for wading birds in Guernsey

Guernsey's Environment Department says it hoped islanders would have used their judgement and kept off the beach during times when my migratory birds were visible.

Jan Dockerill, from the department, said restrictions were set up six years ago in response to a decline in the number of wading birds.

"In an ideal world we wouldn't have to bring in any further restrictions on dogs, but we have to give our wildlife a chance."

She said a new biodiversity strategy was currently being examined and the prospects of a ban would be considered.