Fake Brent geese arrive in Southsea's Castle Field for the winter

Several decoy Brent geese can now be found in an enclosed section of Castle Field on the seafront and are set to remain there until March next year.

It is thought this will attract real Brent geese to the area while part of their usual grounds has been taken away for sea defence work.

Project manager for the Southsea Coastal Scheme, Rupert Teasdale, said: 'By placing decoys in Castle Field, we are actively encouraging Brent geese to use the area.

'The idea is that the geese flying over the field will see the decoys and land in an area where they will be protected throughout the winter. In addition, we are placing audio devices that sound like the geese as a further measure to encourage them to make the field their over-wintering home.'

The move to protect the endangered birds was welcomed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT). A spokeswoman for the trust said: 'Providing areas to support the local population is vital - in conservation terms this species is of high international importance and is regarded as vulnerable because of the relatively small size of the world population, which has a highly variable breeding success.

'Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is in support of a mitigation site being allocated in Southsea for the returning Brent geese; it’s vital these internationally important birds have suitable green space to roost over the winter period.

'However, the site chosen is also an important recreation area for local people. In order for the geese to successfully use the site, the council will need to ensure that it is correctly monitored and managed to reduce recreational disturbance which would prevent the geese from using the site.'

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It comes after the announcement last month that Castle Field would be closed off for the winter sparked opposition from some residents who branded the decision 'bonkers.'

However, Southsea resident Adrian Feltham believed it was necessary.

The 56-year-old said: 'I think it's a good idea because they have been displaced and have nowhere to go.

'I know there are other places they like the cricket pitch near the golf club and also the fields at Farlington but they need somewhere closer. I imagine the decoys will encourage them to come here.

'Castle Field gets horrible and muddy anyway in the winter and there are lots of other places for people to workout - there's the whole of the Common.'

Audio devices, mimicking the calls of the geese, are also set to be installed along the field.

It is expected Castle Field will be used as a Brent geese refuge every winter until 2026.

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