Seasonal Fishing Only

Fishing Restrictions

Angling is permitted at Landguard Nature Reserve, however there are some seasonal restrictions to note.

From April 1st to September 30th each year, Angling is not permitted on the beach and foreshore in front of the bird nesting cordons.

Some of the issues experienced with angling activities that have influenced the restrictions in this area include:

  • Disturbance of the tidal zone. Prior to egg laying the birds need to feed to build their condition in readiness for breeding. During and after brooding the birds continue to feed to regain their strength and the chicks also begin feeding on the shoreline. Ringed plover will avoid feeding in these areas if fishermen are present as they are naturally hypervigilant, sometimes resulting in them not feeding enough.
  • Trollies being pulled through the cordons , which is greatly disturbing for the nesting birds and can damage nests.
  • Cordons being used to hang equipment and clothing from causing disturbance to the birds within the cordons.
  • Fires on the beach when fishing conditions are cold, which creates disturbance and isn’t permitted as part of the PSPO. Material to burn is often collected onsite and taken from the small number of trees we have and sometimes posts from the cordons are even burned.
  • Bait (dead and alive) being discarded on the beach which then attracts predators like gulls, crows and foxes.
  • As the tide comes in, fishing activities retreat closer to the cordons which causes disturbance.
  • Litter left behind by anglers (often buried in plastic bags) (including human waste).
  • Broken line, hooks, weights and floats left of the beach create hazards for wildlife and people.

Of course, these behaviours are not true of all people who participate in angling activities, but they are none the less a problem.

The Landguard Trust do not wish to exclude angling entirely and the activity is still welcome at Landguard. In summary, only 0.6 mile of coastline is restricted from April 1st to September 30th During this time almost a mile of coastline is still accessible from Manor Terrace to the end of the sea wall and on the riverside.

From April 1st to September 30th each year, Angling is not permitted on the beach and foreshore in front of the bird nesting cordons.