|
Published:
May 15, 2008
Stert
Island visitors who threaten its fragile wildlife face fines
Boat owners who land on Stert Island, opposite Burnham-On-Sea,
have this week been warned they risk heavy fines by putting wildlife
at risk.
Natural
England - formerly known as English Nature - manages the wildlife
haven and has issued the blunt warning after several groups of
sunbathers were seen on the island in Bridgwater Bay during this
week's hot weather, as
pictured above.
 Robin
Prowse, Natural England's Reserve Manager, told Burnham-On-Sea.com:
"Under the Wildlife Act and Reserve Bye-laws, visiting Stert
Island without a permit is prohibited and is a finable offence."
"While
the number of birds nesting on the island has decreased in recent
years, the area is still a protected site of special scientific
interest."
"At
this time of year we see Ringed Plovers, Oyster Catchers, Shell
Ducks, Sky Larks and many other types of birds there which is
one of the reasons access is restricted." Landing
is only permitted at certain times of the year and only by permit."
His
comments came after several boats were seen landing on the shore
of the eastern side of Stert Island this week, and people stretched
out sunbathing on the beach.
Signs
on Burnham's Esplanade spell out that visiting the island is not
permitted without a permit and a similar warning about fines was
issued two years ago by English Nature. Visitors are welcome to
visit nearby Steart.
|
