Local organisations are coming together to celebrate and support one of the Isle of Wight’s most extraordinary natural spectacles: the annual arrival of sanderlings on the beaches of Ryde and Seaview.
Arctic travellers arrive on the Island
Every autumn, from late September onwards, these small, energetic shorebirds travel thousands of miles from their Arctic breeding grounds in Siberia and Greenland to spend the winter on the Isle of Wight’s sandy shores.
The stretch of coastline between Ryde and Seaview has long been recognised as an outstanding location for the sanderlings, with large numbers choosing to spend the colder months here. Their arrival has become a cherished part of the local natural calendar and a source of pride for the community.
Why the coastline matters
The importance of this coastline for birds is reflected in its status as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), with sanderlings among the species for which it is recognised internationally.
Each winter, sanderlings can be seen running along the tide line, feeding on tiny crabs and worms exposed by the waves. After feeding, they need quiet places to rest. Without undisturbed roosting areas, they may not survive the winter, or be able to complete the long migration back to the Arctic to breed and to return to the island’s shores next year.
Numbers in decline
Sadly the number of sanderlings using this stretch of coastline has been declining. Repeated disturbance from people and dogs getting too close has been discouraging birds from spending time at Ryde and Seaview.
As a result, an area that once supported nationally significant numbers of sanderlings has recently been downgraded.
Partners join forces
In response, local authorities, conservation organisations, community groups and Natural England have joined forces to help ensure that Ryde and Seaview remain welcoming places for these remarkable visitors.
By creating more opportunities for birds to feed and rest undisturbed, partners hope to encourage greater numbers of sanderlings to return in the years ahead, while also benefiting the wider range of protected birds that rely on this coastline.
New bird protection area at Ryde
A voluntary bird protection area has been introduced on the beach at Ryde near the Hovertravel terminal. Visitors are being asked to avoid entering the area between September and April, when sanderlings are most likely to be present.
Interestingly, the birds are far less troubled by the regular arrivals and departures of the hovercraft than by people and dogs approaching them closely. Because the hovercraft follows a predictable route and schedule, the birds have become accustomed to its presence, whereas people and dogs can be less predictable and may be perceived as a threat.
Information boards, leaflets and a booklet
To help residents and visitors learn more about the species, a range of resources is being introduced across the area, including information boards, signs and posters, a new leaflet with practical advice on helping sanderlings, and a beautifully illustrated booklet telling the story of their extraordinary migrations from Arctic breeding grounds to the Isle of Wight.
Together, they showcase the birds’ remarkable journeys and explain simple ways that everyone can help them thrive.
A partnership initiative, The Sanderling Recovery Project, led by The Common Space, together with Bird Aware Solent, Ryde Town Council, the Isle of Wight Council, and Natural England, is working to protect local populations of coastal migratory birds on the Isle of Wight.
A haven for other protected birds
The beaches and intertidal areas around Ryde and Seaview are also an important haven for a range of protected coastal birds, including dark-bellied brent geese, curlews, oystercatchers and ringed plovers.
Together, these species rely on the area’s rich feeding grounds and relatively undisturbed spaces to rest and refuel during the winter months. Sanderlings are also identified as a priority ‘Champion Species’ in the Isle of Wight Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
What the partners say
Charlotte Goswell, Senior Ranger at Bird Aware Solent, said,
“Sanderlings are truly remarkable birds. Every year they travel thousands of miles to spend the winter on the beaches of Ryde and Seaview, making this coastline an internationally important place for wildlife. The area is also a vital refuge for birds such as dark-bellied brent geese, curlews, oystercatchers and ringed plovers.
“By giving these birds a little space to feed and rest, local people and visitors can play a direct role in supporting one of the Isle of Wight’s most special natural assets. We’re grateful to everyone who supports the voluntary protection measures and helps make this area a welcoming home for sanderlings.”
Daneen Cowling, Director at The Common Space said,
“The story of the sanderlings is a story that belongs to the whole community. These birds connect the Isle of Wight to some of the most remote places on Earth, travelling from Greenland and Siberia to our shores each year.
“Through the Sanderling Recovery Project, and with the support of residents, visitors and local organisations, it’s inspiring to see the power of partnerships and people coming together to celebrate them and help protect one of Ryde’s most distinctive winter visitors and make a difference to the safe space the Solent can offer roosting birds.”
Chris Turvey, Community Planning Officer at Ryde Town Council said,
“We’re incredibly proud that so many sanderlings choose the beaches of Ryde and Seaview as their winter home. They are part of what makes our coastline so special, and we’re delighted to play our part in protecting them.
“From displaying information boards and supporting the deployment of protective buoys near Ryde Marina, we’re pleased to be contributing in practical ways that help safeguard these important areas.
“This partnership shows what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared goal, and we encourage everyone to get involved in helping these remarkable birds continue to thrive here for many years to come.”
How you can help
People can help by:
- Looking out for sanderlings and other coastal birds and enjoying watching them from a respectful distance.
- Keeping out of the Bird Protection Area at Ryde between September and April.
- Sharing sightings with Bird Aware Solent.
- Telling friends and family about these remarkable birds and the important role Ryde and Seaview play in their survival.
By working together, the community hopes to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the sight of flocks of sanderlings racing along the shoreline and that increasing numbers of these much-loved winter visitors will return to the Isle of Wight in years to come.
News shared by Kate on behalf of Bird Aware Solent. Ed
