hosted by Thanet District Council

Turn on to help Turnstone
in North East Kent

 

Turnstone feed and rest along the North East Kent shores in internationally important numbers during the winter months (October to March), but they are not doing as well as they should be. Turnstone can be scared of fast movements and people and dogs that get too close - and will run or fly away. This disturbance stops them from feeding or resting, and can prevent them from putting on enough body fat to survive harsh weather or migration.

Faithful

Turnstone are ‘faithful’ to a particular bay, and return each winter from Canada to feed along these rocky shores. They feed on small marine life such as crabs and shrimps by turning over loose stones and seaweed with their bills.

Peace ‘at night’ and ‘high tide’!

Turnstone need to be left alone to rest - or ‘roost’. They gather in groups at night and high tide, and tend to rest in undisturbed sheltered locations, close to their feeding grounds. But because of disturbance, fewer birds are using these roost sites and are flying further away - using valuable energy.

Action speaks louder than birds!

There are simple actions that everyone can do to reduce disturbance and not put the Turnstone to flight, such as:

  • keeping your distance from the resting or feeding birds,
  • slowing your movement, and also
  • keeping your dog on a lead when near them.

More information

Research:

Natural England commissions research surveys to monitor the Turnstone every two years. The Thanet Coastal Wardens also help to monitor numbers and disturbance. More information is available on request.

Local Action:

Every autumn, Turnstone signs have been put up close to the main winter roost sites, and are taken down in the spring. These have recently been reviewed with help from the Thanet Coastal Wardens and new signs will be put up in the autumn of 2009. Information posters are also available to download.