Wildlife

UK Little Ringed Plover Conservation

Conservation and welfare of little ringed plovers in UK gravel pit and river habitat.

Key Facts

Little ringed plovers colonised the UK in 1938 and have expanded to hundreds of pairs
They breed on bare shingle and sand at gravel pits, quarries, and river shingle
UK population has expanded alongside gravel extraction creating habitat
Both parents share incubation of eggs laid in simple scrapes on bare ground
Little ringed plovers winter in Africa and return in March each year

Welfare Considerations

Little ringed plover chicks face welfare risks from flooding and human disturbance of bare ground nest sites, with habitat management and wardening delivering welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support Wildlife Trust gravel pit nature reserve management
Record little ringed plover breeding sightings to assist population monitoring
Respect bare ground areas at gravel pits during breeding season