Thursday 8 July 2021

Police are taking a high profile with their newly formed Rural Taskforce to help protect rare local wildlife and stamp out countryside crime. They’re asking kayakers not to disturb the nests of Gannets following an incident at Bempton Cliffs. Officials told Beverley FM the species is the UK’s largest Seabird which rears just one chick a year. Disturbance can cause chicks to leave the cliff face before they’re ready, reducing their chances of survival and impacting on successful breeding seasons for these protected sea birds. Police said that no one should approach closer than 100 metres and if any seabirds react, they should move away quietly.

The warning comes just days after the rare appearance of a Black-browed Albatross at the same location. The RSPB said it spent much of the time cruising at close range along the clifftops, providing some of the best-ever views of the species in Britain.

Local MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart is also supporting the specialist Rural Taskforce after joining a police patrol. He told us that he wanted to congratulate the police for the progress they’ve made in tackling rural crime.

If you need help with any wildlife issues there’s a special online session tomorrow at 10.30am, with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, organised by the Neighbourhood Watch Network. To register e-mail office@nnetwork.org.uk and they’ll send over the zoom link before the session takes place.