Ive been doing a lot of thinking about many things lately and Im sure Ill share them in time but this is something that is close to my heart and although people are yet to realise it, close to theirs too. To cut straight to the subject, its dog walking and recreational activities on beaches. It has always been a contentious issue and one that causes an us and them mentality as soon as its mentioned.....so please bare with me and read on. Now it wont take people long to figure out on which side of the fence my allegiance lies but I will try not to be one sided and narrow-minded in sharing my thoughts. Obviously I recognise the need for people to walk their dogs for exercise for both owner and dog and I certainly wouldnt wish to see either neglecting that necessity. I would also be the first to argue that we each pay such a premium to live on this beautiful island that we should all have the right to roam on its coastline and enjoy the wonder of the great outdoors. However, I would also strongly advocate on the behalf of the wildlife that contribute so much to it being considered such a wonderful place. It is evident everywhere we look on Guernsey and even if we cant see it, very often we can hear it as part of the soothing soundtrack that compliments the magnificent set! At present the Islands seabirds are in decline. There are many differing reasons and theories as to why and, youll be delighted to hear, its not because of dogs. However, the wading birds, both resident species and migrants (birds passing through), are in a noticeable and sharp decline. These are the birds you often sea foraging for food just ahead of the lapping tide. Grand Rocque, Vazon, LEree and Portsoif are all great places to see these little birds that include Ringed Plovers, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstones, Oyster Catchers and a few others that are sadly becoming hard to see at all. The Purple Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper are prime examples. So why should we care about these things? Its a good question and Im certainly not suggesting that they are more important than anyones enjoyment of their downtime or more important than a dogs exercise but I would put them on a par and find no reason why one should suffer over the other. These birds are an integral part of a shoreline eco system. They are insect eaters and also eat the lavae of flies that is washed free of seaweed. This role cannot be underestimated as the time between spring tides will often see great numbers of flies hatched and born on our beaches. Keeping that number down cannot be a bad thing. On a global scale eco-tourism is generating enough money to become a realistic economic argument for maintainence and enhancement of natural habitats whether they be coastal, rural, forests, rivers or lakes. Farmers,land owners, councils and charities alike are changing their practices to encourage the investment of holiday makers who have come to see wildlife. Guernsey should be no different with its diverse range of habitats and its unique location on the migratory path between North and South. The birds that pass through here are often halted through the weather or fatigue. There is no shortage of food for them here but to recoup their energy they need to feed and rest. This is where their needs overlap with ours. They feed on the beaches and roost on nearby rocks. If they are constantly disturbed and having to fly, when exhausted and hungry they all to often meet their demise by leaving before theyve refuelled and rested. As I said earlier they feed on the tideline as it pushes forward and the higher up the beach it comes the less room there is for everyone, his dog and the wildlife to get what they need. At present there is a voluntary dog on a lead program at the southern end of Vazon Bay. This is a real hotspot for these birds and although there are signs very few people choose to keep their dogs on a lead which obviously does cause disturbance. To cause these birds to fly or move on doesnt take a dog to chase them or bound after them, Im not suggesting that dogs arent well behaved, but chasing a ball....even the motion of the owner throwing a ball could cause this behaviour. (To be honest and fair even people without dogs can disturb the birds...even bird photographers!) Once one goes they all go! As I stated the problem is exaggerated the higher up the beach the tide comes as the space is diminished, so what Im suggesting and looking for reaction to is this..... If there were buoys placed along a stretch of a beach that floated from approximately 1 1/2 hours before high tide until 1 1/2 hours after (for example)...would dog owners (and other users) be prepared to not walk their dogs or use that stretch of beach whilst the bobbers were afloat? That way for about three hours when the birds would be feeding most actively and there was not much beach left they would have a safe haven and it would leave the othe 9 hours or so free for dog walking. Its just a thought and definitely not a criticism or an anti dog rant.....just a simple and plausable way forward for us to co-exist with our nature and our pets. Thoughts please. (Keep it polite).
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 17:02:44 +0000
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