A small, rotund wading bird, the little ringed plover nests on bare gravel around flooded gravel pits, sandy riverbanks and reservoirs. It is a migrant species, arriving in this country in mid-March and leaving again in July.
Little ringed plovers are a success story, breeding here as suitable habitats became available. They are not currently declining, but their wetland and coastal homes are under threat from development, drainage and pollution. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities and be helping local wildlife along the way. And don't forget to keep dogs on leads in areas where ground-nesting birds are breeding.
