New team will protect birds along Solent coastlines

The Solent coastal area has around 90,000 waders and more than 10 per cent of the world’s Brent geese which are often disturbed by people walking along the beaches.

With so many visitors, authorities and conservation agencies are collaborating through the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership to limit the disturbance.

Through funding from developers, the partnership has established a team of rangers who will talk to people about how to enjoy the coast without disturbing the birds.

They will also operate daily patrols in Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours.

Chairman Councillor Sean Woodward said: ‘Our aim is to ensure that public access to the coast is maintained but is carefully managed to avoid disturbance to the birds which are such an important feature of our shores.

‘The rangers will help achieve that aim, and at no cost to local taxpayers.’