Kayakers venture too close to gannet nests at RSPB Bempton causing disturbance

Humberside Police’s Rural Task Force has received a report from RSPB Bempton over kayakers approaching the cliff edges, disturbing the nests of gannets.
Police officers are asking people to keep a safe distance from the base of the cliffs (more than 100 metres) and if any seabirds respond to your presence move away quietly.Police officers are asking people to keep a safe distance from the base of the cliffs (more than 100 metres) and if any seabirds respond to your presence move away quietly.
Police officers are asking people to keep a safe distance from the base of the cliffs (more than 100 metres) and if any seabirds respond to your presence move away quietly.

The gannets fled due to this disturbance, exposing their nests.

A police spokesman said via Facebook: “Gannets, our largest seabird, rear just one chick a year and are the last to leave the colony at the end of the breeding season.

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“Disturbance can cause chicks to leave the cliff face before they are ready, reducing their chances of survival and impacting on successful breeding seasons for these protected sea birds.

“All seabirds are sensitive to disturbance.

“Please keep a safe distance from the base of the cliffs (more than 100 metres) and if any seabirds respond to your presence move away quietly.

“Police incident log 222 of 05/07/21 refers.”