Rising levels of harm to animals within a safeguarded area along the Anglesey coastline have resulted in the implementation of a fresh restricted zone.

The RSPB, which rents a piece of land called the Range near South Stack Lighthouse, has been granted specific authorities to safeguard endangered birds and the ecosystem.

Although the coastal trail stays accessible throughout the 1.8-mile (2.9-km) restricted area, interim limitations have been imposed to minimize the harm from an increasing number of individuals engaging in activities like coasteering during the birds’ nesting period.

“One of the most significant locations for habitats and species, often from an international perspective, it stands out as very special and essential,” clarified Alun Prichard, who serves as the director of RSPB Cymru.

The limitations are currently active and will stay enforced until at least September 15th.

“The exclusion zone is meant to ensure that we protect nature, basically looking after it for the benefit of the entire country,” Mr Prichard said additionally.

The sea cliffs within the Range serve as an important breeding site for the chough, which is classified under Schedule One. Additionally, these cliffs provide habitat for peregrine falcons along with rare plant species and lichens.

Under Schedule One protections, certain species receive enhanced safeguards, particularly during mating periods. Intentionally causing harm or disruption to these creatures, along with their nests, eggs, or hatchlings, may lead to penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment, as stated by the RSPB.

“Recently, we have observed choughs exploring potential nesting sites, but they get deterred due to the disruption. Therefore, our aim is to minimize this disturbance,” explained Mr. Prichard.

It boils down to a basic issue of respect.

The trail along the coast is located outside of the exclusion area and has not been impacted.

To officially keep the public away from the location necessitated intervention from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). They took the uncommon measure of establishing an exclusion area, as they stated.

The individuals who have been approaching the cliff area up till now, or even reaching the cliffs themselves, have done so without obtaining consent from either the landowner or the RSPB and NRW, according to their statement.

Euros Jones, who serves as the operations manager for North West Wales at NRW, stated that the organization considered the request reasonable due to the effects of activities such as coasteering and sea cliff traversing on local wildlife and the resulting harm to the geological features within the Site of Special Scientific Interest.

This involves disruption to safeguarded lichens as well as the rerouting of paths through this part of the coastal area.

Coasteering entails navigating rocky shorelines through activities such as climbing, leaping, and swimming.

Mr. Jones stated that they would keep an eye on the activity during the exclusion phase and reassess the circumstances after the six-month duration.

The RSPB wardens in the region will inform visitors about the newly implemented restrictions. These rules are also prominently displayed on signboards near the restricted areas to enhance public understanding of both the problem at hand and the new measures being enforced.

This review will take place once restrictions conclude in September; however, legal action may be pursued if deemed essential.

The RSPB, NRW, and Anglesey Council all stated that the restricted area aimed at safeguarding a crucial natural habitat and was not intended to prevent public access to the coastline and rural areas.

“Andy Godber, who serves as the manager for visitor economy and coastal areas at Anglesey Council, acknowledged the necessity of finding a balance between protecting wildlife and allowing recreational activities outdoors,” he stated.

Although the lease permits the RSPB to make these decisions autonomously, we recommend engaging more closely with the outdoor community throughout and following the trial phase to explore whether a viable resolution can be found.

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