The Groene Strand of the island of Ameland will remain inaccessible this weekend, at least in part, because a protected species of birds has decided to nest in the area, says NOS. Ringed plovers have appeared and are reproducing. Rijkswaterstaat then closed the area to visitors until August 1st.
Ringed plovers nest in a small hole in the sand and due to their small size, they could be missed and trampled on by those walking on the beach, NOS explains.
Together with other species such as the plover and little tern they are the most vulnerable breeding birds in the Netherlands. By closing part of the beach, the birds are protected from walkers and stray dogs. Maintenance of the west coast of Ameland is also planned during the breeding season.
Easter! ???????? A nice moment to go out. On (among others) the Green Beach of #Ameland #Wadden breed rare and fragile #birds ???? That’s why a part is not accessible right now. Rest is important. Will you help too? ????https://t.co/cngR0nirqY pic.twitter.com/h0hhhRBe2x
— Rijkswaterstaat Northern Netherlands (@RWS_NN) April 7, 2023