The theme of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day this Saturday May 9 is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!” This is to highlight the important role community science (also known as citizen science) plays in the conservation of migratory birds.
Our coast in Cleethorpes forms part of a global bird migration route known as the East Atlantic Flyway (find out more here in our Storymap: Life on the Saltmarsh). The habitats we have provide food and rest for birds in winter and nesting sites for birds in summer. This epic journey is undertaken each year and can be witnessed right here in North East Lincolnshire!
Click here to find out more about World Migratory Bird Day.
Would you like to take part in community science in our area? Why not consider the following:
- Birds in Greenspaces: The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is running a project from 1 April to 30 June 2026 to find out just how important our greenspaces are for UK birds. These open spaces provide resources and shelter for birds as well as exercise, cultural activities and spaces for well-being for people.
To find out more, check out the project website here: Birds in Greenspaces | BTO
- Other Citizen Science projects: We have pulled together a list of projects that anyone can sign up to and help connect with and monitor wildlife in our local area.
Check out our resource pack here: Citizen Science Projects
We have many parks and open spaces across the borough. Could you find something as yet unrecorded in your local greenspace? Parks and open spaces | NELC
Guided Nature Walks
To celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, join Josh the Coastal Ranger for a guided nature walk. As part of the Cleethorpes DUNE Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we aim to better connect people with their local natural heritage.
Both walks are free but spaces are limited. Please sign up via our EventBrite page for further information.
Guided Nature Walk – World Migratory Bird Day
- When: Monday 11th May, 10:00 – 12:00
- Where: Cleethorpes Country Park (meet near to building)
- What3Words: joke.fields.commented
Guided Nature Walk – World Migratory Bird Day (Spring)
- When: Friday 15th May, 10:00 – 12:00
- Where: Cleethorpes Local Nature Reserve (meet in carpark at back of Cleethorpes Leisure Centre)
- What3Words: snake.spell.tune
Recreational Disturbance
Our stretch of coastline forms part of the Humber Estuary European Marine Site. It is hugely important for hundreds of thousands of wading birds that visit each winter. These birds are now preparing to return to their breeding grounds in the Arctic Circle!
You can help to give these birds the best chance of success by following these simple steps when enjoying our coastline – whether that be the beach, the sand dunes or the saltmarsh.
Please keep dogs on a short lead or under close control in our sand dunes and near the saltmarsh during nesting season.
- Be aware of the birds.
- Give them plenty of space to feed and rest.
- Keep your dog under close control, especially near the tideline or where birds are roosting. Please never allow your dog to chase birds.
If you notice recreational activities causing disturbance along our coastline, please report this via the Humber Nature Partnership’s website: Humber Nature Partnership – Report wildlife disturbance
If you’d like to find out more about the DUNE project, sign up for our monthly newsletter or find out about more events, please visit our webpage: Cleethorpes DUNE project | NELC
Picture caption: Despite weighing only 17–30 grams, Wheatears undertake this extraordinary Arctic-to-Africa migration in autumn and back again in spring, which is one of the longest migrations of any songbird. This Wheatear is pictured resting in North East Lincolnshire.
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