Here in the Nene Valley, we are home to the Upper Nene Valley gravel Pits Special Protection Area. This is an area of former gravel pits that are now home to thousands of internationally protected bird species that migrate thousands of miles here every winter between October and March to nest and feed.

These gravel pit lakes are perfect for these species due to extensive shallow and deep open waters, sparsely vegetated islands, gravel bars, and other “bird-friendly” habitats.

You might have experienced one of these special protection areas yourself, especially if you’ve ever been for a walk around Summer Leys, Rushden Lakes, Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, Northampton Washlands or Grendon Lakes. They’re beautiful, they’re serene – and so naturally, people see them as wonderful spots to meet, walk and socialise, potentially with their pups.

Are they not?

No, they are. The problem is that these already endangered species use up their precious energy supplies running away from a perceived threat – which might be you just being curious, but the birds don’t know that! Just by encroaching on their safe spaces, these birds can feel threatened and fly away, with each disturbance using their limited energy supply.

But if they’re only migrating here for the winter, that must mean it’s not a problem in the summer, right?

Not exactly. You see, during the spring and summer months, there are many breeds of ground nesting birds in these habitats that remain here throughout the year. Although undetectable to the human eye, these ground nesting birds will be less likely to reproduced if disturbed by unnatural “predators” which includes us (they can be easily sniffed out by dogs too, with their highly sensitive noses and inquisitive minds). These dangers to the already endangered bird species are what has the Wildlife Trust so concerned, which is why Wildlife Trust BCN wanted to raise awareness the public in general.