LEADER Coast and Lowlands News

Marsh Harriers set to nest in Northumberland

Release Date 31st March 2010

The first recorded breeding of Marsh Harriers in Northumberland for 130 years has led to a community project being set up to encourage local people to volunteer in the ‘watch’.

The chicks fledged at Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s (NWT) reserve at East Chevington last summer and as with most birds of prey, Marsh Harriers are nest site loyal so it is extremely likely that they will return this year. 

In preparation, a ‘watch’ project is being established including a warden who will manage a team of volunteers during the breeding season to provide a high level of security for the nesting birds.

Funding of around £32,000 has been approved through the Coast and Lowlands Local Action Group, which delivers money through the LEADER approach, funded by One North East’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

A public viewing point will be created containing interpretive panels and a live link camera for educational activities and viewing events.

One North East’s Rural Board member Ian Brown, said: “Marsh Harriers breeding at this site is testament to the success of NWT’s development of this former open cast mine into a reedbed habitat. 

“Aside from the obvious benefits to this rare breed, this project also offers benefits to local schoolchildren who will be given the opportunity to take part in watch activities and learn about wildlife issues. 

“It offers benefits to volunteers and the general public who can be educated about birds of prey and wildlife crime issues. It also promotes nature tourism in Northumberland and Druridge Bay itself as a nature reserve bringing wider benefits for the region through tourism.” The project will cover the area of the Northumberland Coast and Lowlands, particularly communities around Druridge Bay including Red Row, Widdrington, Hadston, Amble, Stobswood, Ellington, Cresswell and Lynemouth. 

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is managing the project which has also received £4,000 from UK Coal.  Alex Lister from the Trust is leading the project and said: “It will be wonderful for the Marsh Harriers to return to East Chevington, a key species that we were hoping to attract so I’m looking forward to managing this project and helping educate people.”

As well as providing security and managing the volunteers, the warden will also deliver talks to schools and community groups and mange educational activities on the site.

Ivan Hewitt, Local Action Group Coordinator, added: “Due to the ongoing threat of egg thieves it is essential that we give our backing to this worthwhile project to give the Marsh Harriers the best chance of successfully breeding on the reedbeds as well as increasing the likelihood of their return year after year.

“As a one-off funding this project has the potential to ensue long term summer presence of this charismatic species along Northumberland’s coast for years to come.”

Rob Aubrook, Natural England’s Director for the North East, added:  “Old records show that these agile and attractive birds of prey once nested on many of the Northumbrian mosses, but sadly they became extinct as a breeding species in the North East by the early 1880s. 
“It’s great news that they are now back nesting in the region and it would be fantastic to see more North East born marsh harriers fledging from Druridge Bay and re-colonising their former haunts.  Everyone involved in this exciting scheme is to be congratulated on a great result – this is one of those inspired projects that is both good for wildlife and good for people.”