More protection for Norfolk's wildlife
Operation Seabird is being backed by Norfolk police to raise awareness, protect and preserve the ecosystem.
Last updated 7th Jun 2021
Visitors to Norfolk's coast this summer are being reminded to act responsibly around wildlife.
Norfolk Constabulary has signed up to the national initiative Operation Seabird to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving our rich wildlife habitats and tackling disturbance to seals, sea birds and nesting birds.
Officers will be out and about meeting visitors in specific locations across the county – including the beach on the Holkham estate, the Holme Dunes, Snettisham Beach to Heacham south beach, Winterton and Horsey beaches and Blakeney Point – between the beginning of June and the end of August.
PC Chris Shelley, Norfolk Constabulary's Rural Crime Officer, said: "We always work closely with conservation charities, local councils and other key partners right along Norfolk's coastline to identify areas of concern.”
"We're proud to be taking part in Operation Seabird this year and our focus will be on protecting our vulnerable ground nesting sea birds, the Little Terms and Ringer Plover, ensuring the seals on our beaches are not disturbed and educating and encouraging visitors to be responsible and consider how their actions may affect our wildlife.
" We will act against anybody who wilfully and intentionally damages and disrupts our wildlife and their habitats.”
Previous incidents along the coastline have included dogs off leads disturbing nesting birds or seals, wild campers lighting fires on the beach dunes and causing significant damage to the fauna, quad bikes or 4x4 vehicles riding over nesting areas and canoeists getting too close to seals.
Anyone who witnesses the deliberate and intentional disturbance of wildlife and their habitats is encouraged to contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Seabird.