Below are the codes of conduct for photographers and birdwatchers on Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve:
PHOTOGRAPHERS’ CODE
As a
wildlife photographer you are valued force for nature conservation. Your good
attitude and behaviour will generate the same amongst other photographers and
visitors to the reserve.
Avoiding
damage and disturbance
Photographers
should be familiar with the natural history of their subjects to avoid damaging
their interests accidentally. This is especially true of uncommon species and
plants. The well-being of the wildlife must, at all times, take precedence over
photography.
To fully
enjoy the wildlife behaving naturally your presence should not impact on them
or their habitats. For example, the use of bait or song tapes to attract birds
to the camera is not permitted on the reserve.
Disturbing wildlife
may keep birds away from their nests, leaving chicks hungry and cold or
allowing predators to take their eggs or young and may prevent seals from
resting or feeding.
During bad
weather (rain, snow or exceptionally hot sun) repeated disturbance of birds means
they use up vital energy and time needed for feeding which can reduce their
chances of survival.
Be aware
that the NNR has a number of sensitive habitats which should be avoided e.g.
the dune slacks.
Any
incidental damage to surrounding vegetation, which may include young plants,
must be avoided. When microhabitats (e.g. tree-bark, beach rocks etc.) have
been disturbed, they must be restored after photography.
No flora or
fauna should be removed from the National Nature Reserve. This includes uprooting
or picking plants and any form of capture including the use of butterfly nets.
Dogs should
be kept on a short fixed lead.
Keeping
your distance
Birds
flying away, or wildlife making repeated alarm calls, mean that you are too
close and if they fly or move away you won’t get a good photograph!
Please stay
on roads, paths or desire lines.
Hides
offer the best views
Please use
the hides – at the Lough on the island, at Fenham-le-Moor and Elwick.
Observing wildlife
from within the hides minimises disturbance to the animals and other site
users. Optimal views of birds can be achieved by visiting the hides on an
incoming tide.
When using
the hides, respect other users by keeping noise to a minimum, and not taking up
too much space with bulky equipment.
Respect the
interests and knowledge of fellow hide users, and freely share your experience
and knowledge.
Photos
of rare species
If you
intend to publish or exhibit an image of a rare species consider the impact of
incidentally releasing any information which may indicate its location.
Be aware of
the relevant bye-laws (see the back of the signs on the National Nature
Reserve). In particular these specify that it is prohibited to;
a) take,
molest or intentionally disturb, injure or kill any living creature;
b) take or
intentionally destroy eggs, or the place used for the shelter or protection of
any living creature.
Any damage
to habitat may be illegal on a nature reserve or SSSI, even if the landowner
has given permission.
It is an
offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb:
a) , a
species listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 while it
is building a nest or it is in on or near a nest containing eggs or young;
b) the
dependant young of such a bird
c) a
notified special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI).
Anything
suspicious?
If you see
anyone disturbing or damaging either the wildlife or habitat on the reserve,
please call the NNR Manager on 01289 381470.
If there is
no reply please leave a message, with as much detail about the incident as you
can and including a 6-figure map reference if possible.
Thank you for your co-operation
For
more information please contact the Reserve Office on 01289 381470
BIRDWATCHERS’ CODE
As birdwatchers
you are a valued force for nature conservation. Your good attitude and behaviour
will generate the same amongst other birders and visitors to the reserve. Whether
your interest is bird watching or photography the interests of the birds must
always come first.
Avoiding
disturbance
Bird watching
is just that – watching birds, so please do not cause disturbance by activities
such as flushing.
To fully
enjoy the birds behaving naturally your presence should not impact on them or
their habitats. Use of bait or song tapes to attract birds to the camera is not
permitted on the reserve.
Disturbing
birds may keep them away from their nests, leaving chicks hungry and cold or
allowing predators to take their eggs or young.
During bad
weather (rain, snow or exceptionally hot sun) repeated disturbance means birds
use up vital energy and time needed for feeding which can reduce their chances
of survival.
Dogs should
be kept on a short fixed lead.
Keeping
your distance
Birds
flying away, or making repeated alarm calls, means that you are too close and
if they fly away you won’t get a good view!
Please stay
on roads, paths or desire lines.
Bird
hides offer the best views
Please use the
bird hides – at the Lough on the island, at Fenham-le-Moor and Elwick.
Observing
birdlife from within the hides minimises disturbance to the birds and other
site users. Optimal views can be achieved by visiting the hides on an incoming
tide.
When using the
bird hides, respect other users by keeping noise to a minimum, and not taking
up too much space with bulky equipment.
Respect the
interests and knowledge of fellow-birders, and freely share your experience and
knowledge. Please use the observation books in the hides to record your
sightings for others to enjoy.
Personal
hides are not allowed on the National Nature Reserve.
Group
birding and rare birds
Please keep
group sizes small (no more than 6 people) to minimise any impact on the reserve
and so that you don’t interfere with other users.
If you see
a rare bird consider the impact of sharing this information, in terms of
increased visitors, the risks to the bird for example from egg collectors or
persecution as well as the risks to other sensitive species on the reserve such
as breeding terns, wading birds or rare plants.
On the
National Nature Reserve always inform the Site Manager when first sighting a
rare bird.
The
law
Be aware of
the relevant bye-laws (see the back of the signs on the National Nature Reserve),
especially those relating to birds and their eggs. In particular these specify
that it is prohibited to;
a) take,
molest or intentionally disturb, injure or kill any living creature;
b) take or
intentionally destroy eggs, or the place used for the shelter or protection of
any living creature.
Any damage
to habitat may be illegal on a nature reserve or SSSI, even if the landowner
has given permission.
It is an
offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb:
a) , a
species listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 while it
is building a nest or it is in on or near a nest containing eggs or young;
b) the
dependant young of such a bird
c) a
notified special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI).
Anything
suspicious?
If you see
anyone disturbing or damaging either the wildlife or habitat on the reserve, please
call the NNR Manager on 01289 381470.
If there is
no reply please leave a message, with as much detail about the incident as you
can and including a 6-figure map reference if possible.
Thank you for your co-operation
For
more information please contact the Reserve Office on 01289 381470
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