Natural England

Local dippers, those small, white-throated birds seen along several of the Peak District’s limestone rivers, are currently suffering from too much attention. They are being disturbed by photographers getting too close in an attempt to get the perfect picture.

Natural England, the Government’s champion for nature conservation, manages Lathkill Dale, part of Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve, where staff and volunteers have seen people climbing into the river with their cameras. This behaviour is disturbing the very thing these people are trying to photograph.

In nearby Bradford Dale a concerned local resident reported that a pair of dippers abandoned their nest after a photographer spent three days photographing them and moving rocks around in the river bed close to their nest.

The dipper is a characteristic bird of fast flowing upland rivers. They are a popular sight with visitors to Lathkill Dale – some visitors know the dippers are there, and others discover the little bobbing brown birds and are fascinated by them. They are entertaining to watch and sometimes it’s even possible to see the birds diving to catch food or swimming underwater using their wings.

Phil Bowler, Site Manager for Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve, said ‘We have signs up in Lathkill Dale about nesting water birds. We have had problems in the past with dogs swimming in the river causing birds to abandon their nests. We are surprised to find that people interested in watching a species are adding to this problem. In Lathkill Dale the river itself is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is an important habitat for many other species, all of which could be disturbed by this behaviour.

It's great that people want to spend time watching wildlife and photographing them, and because the dippers are relatively confident, good pictures are fairly easily obtained from the footpaths with a bit of patience. But by getting too close you will be changing the behaviour of the very wildlife you have gone to see in its natural surroundings. The birds may not return to their nests if there is a perceived threat close by. This could cause eggs to get chilled or young to starve.

Professional wildlife photographer Mark Hamblin said ‘It’s sad and disappointing that some people are giving wildlife photographers a bad name. Responsible wildlife photographers would always put the wildlife and the environment first and take every step not to unduly disturb nesting birds. It’s important that all nature photographers have a sound understanding of their subject before attempting this kind of sensitive photography. Patience, absolute respect for the subject and the ability to be inconspicuous are the tools of a wildlife photographer.’

Natural England wants local people to help look after the dippers. If you see anyone behaving in a way you think may be disturbing wildlife, please contact us on 01629 816653.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Photo is copyright of Mark Hamblin.

The Dipper population estimate for England is 2,000 to 6,500 breeding pairs, the large range reflecting lack of good data. This compares with estimates of 3,160 pairs for Barn Owl and 3,000-4,500 pairs for Kingfisher.

Dippers are territorial so anyone getting too close is invading their territory and causing them to be stressed. When any bird is giving all its attention to raising young and defending its nest it will already be stressed. Creating other problems can result in birds abandoning their nests.

Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act it is an offence to damage or destroy any wild birds nest.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

For information on this issue please contact Jon Stewart, Team Leader, Peak District Land Management Team on 01629 816640. For press enquiries please contact Debbie Worland on 01629 816653.