RSPB urges public to help protect ground-nesting birds this spring
Charity says simple steps from walkers, dog owners, swimmers and paddlers could make a real difference as vulnerable species begin breeding across the UK.
A risky time of year for birds on the ground
As spring gets underway and more people head outdoors over Easter and beyond, the RSPB is urging the public to take extra care around birds nesting on or near the ground. For many species, the months from March to September are the most vulnerable period of the year, when eggs and chicks can be easily disturbed by people, dogs and other countryside visitors.
More than half of the UK’s most threatened breeding birds nest on or close to the ground, including Curlew, Skylark, Little Tern, Oystercatcher, Nightjar and Lapwing. Many of these species are already on the Red List, with populations under pressure from habitat loss, declining food supplies and climate change.
From beaches to moorland - and even in the garden
Ground-nesting birds are not confined to one sort of habitat. They breed across beaches, moorland, grassland, scrub and woodland, meaning people can encounter them in many different parts of the country without realising it.
Even some familiar garden birds choose to nest low down. Robins, Wrens and Dunnocks often raise their young in hedges, ivy and shrubs, where nests can be difficult to spot. The RSPB says that because so many nests are well hidden, people may disturb birds entirely by accident.
Why disturbance can be so serious
Adult birds will often leave the nest if they feel threatened, even if only for a short time. But that brief absence can be enough for eggs to cool quickly or for chicks to be left exposed.
If disturbance happens repeatedly, the consequences can be severe. Eggs may fail to hatch, chicks can die from cold or hunger, and predators may take advantage of an unattended nest. Species whose young leave the nest soon after hatching, such as Oystercatcher, Curlew and Ringed Plover, can be especially vulnerable because their chicks may be moving about on the ground close to where people and dogs are passing.
Simple steps that can make a difference
The RSPB is asking people to follow a few straightforward measures to reduce the risk to breeding birds this spring and summer.
- Keep to marked paths wherever possible.
- Keep dogs under close control between March and August.
- Give birds plenty of space, staying at least 100 metres away if nests or chicks are visible.
- On the water, keep a steady, predictable course and avoid lingering too long near birds.
According to the charity, these small actions can help protect eggs and chicks at the very time they are most exposed.
Watch for the warning signs
Because nests and chicks are often so well camouflaged, the best clue is usually the behaviour of the adult birds. A parent bird calling in alarm, swooping low, flying repeatedly back and forth, or carrying food or nesting material into one patch of vegetation may all suggest a nest is nearby.
Some species will also try to lure danger away. Lapwings and Ringed Plovers, for example, may feign injury by pretending to drag a broken wing across the ground, drawing attention away from their eggs or young.
Every chick counts
The RSPB’s message is that enjoying the countryside and protecting wildlife should go hand in hand. With many breeding birds already in decline, the charity says giving nesting birds a little more space could help more chicks survive to fledge this year.
At a time when many of the UK’s ground-nesting birds are struggling, that extra care from the public could make a meaningful difference - whether on a beach, a moor, a wetland path or even closer to home.
March 2026
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