Plum Pudding and Cold Harbour are two naturally occurring saline lagoons situated along the Northern Sea wall between Minnis Bay and Reculver. In 2016 work was done to reinstate these lagoons. 66,000m³ of shingle was relocated in order to build up the beach, creating a relatively undisturbed saline habitat. Natural England funded fencing to go around each of the lagoons to help protect any wildlife that was to use the pools. 

Plum Pudding and Cold Harbour are used by various waders, gulls, ducks and passerines throughout the year, but in spring 2023 something exciting happened. For the first time in many years we had a pair of breeding Avocets. They successfully laid 4 eggs, with male and female both taking turns incubating the eggs. Later, all 4 eggs hatched, and at least 3 chicks successfully fledged. This is along with 2 pairs of breeding Oystercatchers with viable nests, and 3 pairs of Ringed Plover. We also had breeding Shelduck. 

To see breeding waders along the Thanet coastline is somewhat of a rarity these days. Unfortunately this is due to human recreational activities resulting in bird disturbance along with many other external factors that impact our wildlife.

Plum Pudding and Cold Harbour, including the adjacent beach and farmland used to be a hotspot for roosting and breeding birds. It was once one of the UKs largest Little Tern colonies, with 80 breeding pairs recorded in 1987 (relatively low numbers recorded that year). Also in 1987, lapwings were recorded breeding on the farmland. Redshanks have previously bred here. Little Terns are now almost completely absent from our coastline. They are one of the species responsible for the designation of an SPA, but are due to be removed from this designation due to their absence over the last 10+ years. 

The presence of breeding birds in the lagoon has shown that the reinstatement of the lagoons and fencing has improved the habitat, and reduced the levels of disturbance, which in turn has had a great positive effect on breeding numbers. 

The beach adjacent is also one of South East Kent’s largest high tide roost sites for wintering waders. And could be a perfect site for breeding Ringed Plover, Oystercatchers and, with the right management, even Little Tern. 

However, each of these species are highly sensitive to disturbance. They are ground nesting birds, creating a small shingle ‘depression’ in order to lay their eggs. The birds could be scared off their nest, leaving the eggs vulnerable. The eggs are also at risk of being trampled on by people and their dogs as they are so well camouflaged within the shingle. These birds are already at risk of being predated on by foxes and crows, and any other stresses further increase the risk of nest abandonment and/or failure. 

Bird Wise East Kent are working to reduce bird disturbance from recreational activities on coastline that falls within the SPA (Special Protection Area). 

Disturbance is detrimental because birds are forced to abandon their activities, such as feeding, roosting, or incubating eggs, as well as wasting precious energy by flying away from the potential threat. Wildlife disturbance could be caused by people walking too close to the birds with or without the presence of dogs. Off lead dogs chasing birds, jet skiing, kite surfing and more. Due to the amount of people and their dogs that utilise the beaches regularly in these ways throughout the Thanet Coast SPA, breeding birds are practically non-existent. With the right management, education and cooperation from the public, we could once again have pockets of viable breeding grounds for these birds, with minimal disruption to the general public’s day to day lives. 

Bird Wise East Kent, and Natural England are working to reduce bird disturbance along this particular stretch of coastline. Natural England has funded the implementation of new signage, designed by Bird Wise East Kent, to be placed around the lagoons in the near future. These signs will hopefully provide the public with more information on the area, its history and the importance of these lagoons for the protection and longevity of the wildlife that can be found here. 

Wildlife disturbance is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and some bird species have been awarded extra levels of protection during the breeding season, including Avocets and Little Tern. Under Schedule 1 of the 1981 Act, to be found intentionally or recklessly disturbing an active nest site without a licence is a criminal offence. 

And so, what can you do? We are asking people to avoid walking along the beaches adjacent to plum pudding and cold harbour lagoons, sticking to the path along the sea wall. If you witness any wildlife disturbance please take a video if possible, and please log it on the Bird Wise East Kent website under ‘reporting’ and/or ring 101 and quote Operation Seabird, which will reach the Kent Rural Crime Unit. Pay attention to signage within the area, and make sure to follow us on socials to keep up to date with any information.