Protecting Arran's Birds: Arran Wildlife Code
Reports
It is that time of year again when I encourage people to try to avoid disturbing our nesting birds, particularly ground nesting birds which are particularly vulnerable to disturbance by humans and dogs.
This year inside the front cover of the latest annual bird report for Arran is the front cover and QR code for the Arran Wildlife Code. This code produced under the direction of Megan Hamill is clear and sensible and the Arran Natural History Society is pleased to endorse it in its latest publication the Arran Bird Report 2025. The Arran Wildlife Code, launched in 2025, is a guide for residents and visitors to enjoy the island's nature responsibly, promoting, educating, and relieving pressure on local habitats and species. It encourages observing wildlife from a distance, keeping dogs under control, and respecting nesting and breeding seasons.
Key aspects of the code include:
- Responsible Watching: Observe animals quietly from a distance, particularly in sensitive breeding and nesting seasons.
- Wildlife Protection: Do not approach or touch seal pups, as this can lead to abandonment.
- Dog Control: Keep dogs under control, especially around ground-nesting birds and livestock.
- Responsible Tourism: The code promotes, through leaflets and digital resources, education on why actions matter and ensure long-term preservation.
- Key Areas: Focus on reducing disturbance in key spots, such as coastlines and mountain areas.
The initiative, supported by many local organisations is designed to ensure that the island’s unique biodiversity thrives for future generations.
For example familiar birds like Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Common Gull that all nest by our shores are vulnerable to disturbance. A person who had lived all their life on Arran said to me that the first time that she had seen young gulls hatch on her local shore was during COVID restrictions. The absence of human disturbance seemed to have enabled the birds to raise their young. This motivated her to try to help protect her local nesting shore birds.
This year again I am delighted to see a number of initiatives by residents to try to help protect nesting shore birds. People in these coastal areas with the support of landowners and local organisations like the Arran Access Trust, the Arran Natural History Society, Arran Dogs, Arran Geopark, COAST, Visit Arran and local improvement committees are asking dog owners to keep their dogs under control particularly in the bird breeding season. In some places notices encouraging this are on display. This is in line with the legislation in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Arran Wildlife Code. These notices are a genuine attempt to protect our wildlife while giving appropriate access for humans. Hopefully everyone who loves Arran will support these initiatives and help ensure that the shores on Arran retain its wildlife because without it Arran will be a poorer place.
Please remember that under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or used. Take particular care on our shores and beaches and please keep your dogs on a lead at this time. They are a danger to all our ground nesting birds.
