The BTO is organising a national survey of Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover during the 2007 breeding season. This will be the first survey of these species since 1984 and aims to obtain new population estimates for the two species and assess their current distributions and habitat use.

The Herts Bird Club last assessed the populations of wader species breeding at gravel pit sites in Hertfordshire in 1996. A total of 16 pairs of Little Ringed Plovers, 8 pairs of Ringed Plovers, 26 pairs of Lapwing and four pairs of Redshank were found. There were no definite records of breeding Snipe although some birds summered. This year alongside the BTO national Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover survey, we would also like to collect records of breeding Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank, at gravel pit sites, to allow a complete comparison with 1996.

Survey methods

The BTO survey will involve coverage of key tetrads (2km x 2km squares) identified from the 1984 survey and recent records as well as a number of ‘sample tetrads’. Over 50 sites in the county which were surveyed in 1984, or where Ringed Plover or Little Ringed Plover have bred in recent years, will need to be checked. Observers have been found for most parts of the county, although there are still some gaps in coverage in the southwest in the Colne valley (10km square TQ09). The Herts Bird Club survey will cover the same tetrads.

Essentially, three visits are needed (15 Apr-14 May, 15 May-14 Jun, 15 Jun-15 Jul), to locate and count waders of any of the five target species.

If you regularly visit gravel pit or wetland sites where Ringed Plovers or Little Ringed Plovers are likely to breed, please considering helping with this survey. Little Ringed Plovers are very adept at finding breeding sites that my be suitable only for a single year, so please keep this survey in mind when birding in the county this spring.

The Little Ringed Plover is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Breeding birds and their nests should not be disturbed unless an apppropriate licence, issued by the BTO, is held. It is NOT necessary to search for nests as part of this survey. Territorial behaviour can be recorded without disturbing the nesting area.

The surveys are being run through the network of 10km square coordinators but if you want to help or know of any likely sites please email the Hertfordshire BTO Regional Representative.

Further information

View the BTO Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover Survey website

Chris Dee - April 2007

© 2007 Herts Bird Club - a section of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society. Registered Charity number 218418