Good Practice Guidelines

Severn Estuary European Marine Site Your way to support our estuary The purpose of these guidelines is to encourage the sustainable use of the estuary and its coastline, providing an enhanced and safer environment for recreational users and visitors to enjoy. Individuals and clubs are encouraged to respect, support and promote these guidelines.

Please help us to look after this special estuary. www.asera.org.uk T: 02920 879 111 | E: [email protected] ASERA and the Severn Estuary Management Scheme

Organisations around the Severn Estuary have come together to form the Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (ASERA) to coordinate their statutory duties. ASERA has identified that disturbance from some recreational activities can affect the protected birds, habitats and fish in the estuary.

ASERA aims to raise awareness of the Severn Estuary European Marine Site and to ensure that human activities around the estuary are carried out in a way sympathetic to the nature conservation objectives of the site, making sure it’s protected for our future generations. Our Spectacular Severn

The Severn Estuary is one of the Disturbance is largest coastal plain estuaries in any activity or the UK, its immense tidal range noise that could and classic funnel shape making change behaviours it unique in Britain and rare of an animal (feeding, worldwide. Dynamic and diverse, it resting or breeding) has fascinating natural, cultural and or habitat structure. For geographical features, managed and example, repeated disturbance used by many organisations and can threaten the survival of our individuals. estuary’s birds. It may lead to birds stopping using an area to feed or Our estuary supports nationally and roost, use up vital energy stores by internationally important habitats putting them to flight and cause and species, and is a key migratory delays to arrival at breeding grounds. route for salmon and internationally If they cannot feed enough to rare fish species. The extensive complete their migration, they may mudflats, saltmarshes and coastal not survive the winter. grazing marshes make it one of the most important estuaries in Activities undertaken around the the UK for its numbers of wildfowl estuary and its coastline need to and wading birds, with over 80,000 ensure they are sympathetic to birds visiting every winter. It is a key the needs of wildlife, especially refuelling stop for important spring the thousands of wintering birds and autumn passage birds. Reefs of that visit every year. Our estuary is the tube-forming worm Sabellaria particularly popular for recreational alveolata are also found here. activities and so your actions really can make a difference! Working together we can reduce disturbance to the habitats and Please help keep our coastline species of the Severn Estuary and looking clean, beautiful and full keep our site special. of wildlife. Severn Estuary European Marine Site The Severn Estuary is internationally important for its habitats and species, designated as a:

• Special Protection Area (SPA) The Severn Estuary is part of a Designated under the EU Birds European network of sites known as Directive to protect overwintering Natura 2000 – “your nature” which is and spring/autumn passage special in a European context. These birds and the habitats which sites try to put people at the heart of attract them. nature conservation and are about “people and nature”, not “nature • Special Area of Conservation (SAC) without people”. Designated under the EU Habitats Directive to protect fish species Maps of the sensitive species and and a variety of habitats. habitats found in the Severn Estuary EMS will be available at: • Ramsar Site www.asera.org.uk A wetland of international importance.

…collectively known as a European Marine Site (EMS) Walking, Dog Walking & Cycling

 Observe local byelaws and regulations on rights of access

 Stay on the permitted right of way to avoid impacts such as erosion and trampling of sensitive habitats like saltmarsh and reefs of Sabellaria  Keep your dog under (honeycomb tubeworm) effective control to protect wildlife and marine heritage  Follow the Sustrans Cycling  by avoiding disturbance along Code of Conduct* the coast  Dogs are prohibited from • Make sure your dog stays at your accessing certain stretches side or on a lead where birds are of the Severn Estuary coastline feeding, breeding and resting. during the summer months – • Keep your dog in sight at all look out for local signs for times, confident that it will return further information promptly on command.  Keep the coast enjoyable for all • It is good practice to keep your dog on a lead when around farm • Clean up after your dog to keep the animals and horses. coast safe and clean for others – “bag it and bin it”. • Keep noise down. • Take all of your litter home and recycle or dispose of it responsibly.  Leave gates and property as you find them

*www.sustrans.org.uk/what-you-can-do/cycling/cycling-safety-and-rules Bird Watching

 Protect feeding, roosting and breeding birds by avoiding disturbance • Keep out of sight of flocks of birds  Enjoy the if you can and do not approach estuary’s them if you are visible to them, famous nature particularly when groups of birds reserves gather at high water. High tide is • Take opportunities a critical rest time for birds - with to use facilities like hides repeated disturbances they may provided at sites such as stop using these roost sites. Slimbridge, Steart Marshes • Use binoculars/telescopes to watch and Newport Wetlands. and enjoy birdlife from a distance.  Follow the RSPB • Keep your distance from breeding Birdwatchers’ Code* birds – many estuary birds nest on open ground.  Take all of your litter home • Be patient – let the birds adjust to and recycle or dispose of it you sharing their environment. responsibly

 Protect habitats • Keep to designated routes, avoiding walking on wetter saltmarsh if you can – some of these areas are delicate and easily damaged.

 Be aware that wildfowling occurs around the Severn Estuary

*www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/watching-birds/code/ Recreational Angling

 Be a responsible angler • Make sure you know what species you are allowed to catch and the local size limits- always return undersized fish with care. See minimum sizes here: www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk. • Never gaff a fish to land it. Always use a net.  Handle the fish as little as • If you intend to eat any fish you possible, ideally using wet catch then make sure you dispatch hands or gloves them quickly and humanely. • Be prepared to weigh, photograph • Release or return fish responsibly, and return fish quickly. allowing them time to recover if necessary.  Respect your personal safety and that of others at all times  Protect wildlife and marine heritage by avoiding disturbance • Always check the tide times before you leave – remember how quickly • Approach the estuary using the tide moves in the Severn. established paths. • See guidance on Safety on • Keep your distance from the Estuary. groups of birds. • Walk around saltmarsh and reefs of  Take all of your waste Sabellaria (honeycomb tubeworm). and old tackle home • Keep your dog under effective control to protect breeding, feeding and roosting birds. • Cut line into short lengths before disposal. Bait Digging

 Be a responsible bait digger • Do not take more worms than you can use. • Take limited numbers of lugworm  Check and do not take green spawning permissions worms or king rag. These are the - landowner future supply of bait! permission and • The ragworm population is more other consents may vulnerable to exploitation than be required lugworm – be careful to leave plenty  Follow any local byelaws and of adult worms to enable them to regulations which affect the use recover or consider buying ragworm. of the Severn Estuary  Protect wildlife and marine • Respect private land ownership. heritage by avoiding disturbance • There is no legal right to collect • Approach the estuary using bait commercially without the established paths. permission of the landowner. • Keep your distance from  For your safety groups of birds. • Always check the tide times before • Walk around saltmarsh and reefs of you leave – remember how quickly Sabellaria (honeycomb tubeworm). the tide moves in the Severn. • Report any suspected discovery • Be aware of the mudflats – of archaeological material to your the risk of getting stuck is real. local Finds Liaison Officer: https://finds.org.uk/contacts. • Avoid digging alone or let others know where you are and your  Backfill holes to maintain the expected return time and carry intertidal habitat and for a charged mobile phone. safety of others • See guidance on Safety  Take all of your litter home on the Estuary. and recycle or dispose of it responsibly Recreational Boating

 Protect feeding, roosting and breeding birds, and marine This will mammals by avoiding disturbance help to • Keep your distance and noise to a protect wildlife minimum, particularly near important and vegetation, bird roost sites in sheltered creeks particularly in and rivers. shallow waters and over intertidal habitats. • Certain areas, e.g. Bridgwater Bay, are important for breeding waders  Share the water – be and moulting shelduck who cannot considerate to other coastal and fly and are particularly sensitive to boat users, particularly swimmers disturbance in the summer months. and children in the water • Keep your distance from marine  Never throw litter or waste mammals that sometimes travel overboard – bag it and take further up the estuary. it home with you  Check permissions – slipway  Protect habitats  permits and other consents • Approach the estuary using may be required established paths and use recognised landing and  Follow The Green Blue’s guidance launching points. for boat users and RYA Safe Boating advice* • Observe speed limits and slow down to keep your wake to a minimum  Follow “You, Your Canoe and the near to the shore, particularly in pills, Marine Environment”** creeks and rivers and near mooring  See guidance on INNS and areas. Excessive wash in sheltered Safety on the Estuary areas can damage habitats and disturb birds. *www.thegreenblue.org.uk and www.rya.org.uk//knowledge-advice/ • Choose anchoring sites carefully, safe-boating away from the most sensitive areas **www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/guidance- like eelgrass beds and reefs of resources/waterways-environment/ Sabellaria (honeycomb tubeworm). environmental-good-practice Wildfowling

 Most wildfowling is controlled by local clubs and associations that are affiliated to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) • Go out with  Follow the BASC Codes of an experienced Practice and club rules* guide first.  In severe weather, all shooting • See guidance on of waterbirds may be suspended Safety on the Estuary. in line with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee For more information requirements* and BASC/ and guidance contact Club rules • Consortium of Severn  Check for landowner permission Estuary Wildfowling Clubs where required severnestuarywildfowlers@gmail. com  Wildfowling requires a consent • South Wales Joint Council from either Natural England or of Wildfowling Clubs Natural Resources Wales [email protected]  Keep safe – wildfowling can be dangerous! * www.basc.org.uk/cop • Always check the tide times before * Scheme to reduce disturbance to you leave - remember how quickly waterfowl during severe winter the tide moves in the Severn. weather’ http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ • Be aware of the mudflats – the risk page-2894 of getting stuck is real! • Ensure you keep together and bring a charged mobile phone. • Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Airborne Recreation

Includes activities like kite surfing and model aircraft flying. Drones are covered on the next page.

 Protect wildlife and marine heritage by avoiding disturbance • Approach the estuary using established paths. • Walk around saltmarsh and  Observe local rules Sabellaria reefs (honeycomb and treat other coastal tubeworm). users – particularly swimmers and children in the water - with • Keep your distance from respect groups of birds.

• Keep to designated activity zones  Take all of your litter home identified on information signs and recycle or dispose of it or by the Local Authority to avoid responsibly disturbing birds and habitats.

 See guidance on Drones for  For your safety on the beach No Fly Zones and at sea • Always wear appropriate protective  Check permissions - landowner clothing, depending on activity. permission and other consents • Check local weather forecasts and may be required ensure you have adequate skill to deal with conditions in the estuary. • Fly or sail within your capabilities and only in winds you are comfortable in. • Do not lay lines across the path of other beach users and never operate in crowded areas. Drones  Follow the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) “Dronecode”* • Take time to understand the CAA rules as you are legally responsible for every flight. • Keep your drone in sight at all times and stay below 400 feet. • It is illegal to fly your drone over a congested area. • Never fly a drone close to an airport, helicopters, aircraft and airfields.  Drones with cameras must  Protect wildlife and marine not be flown heritage by avoiding disturbance • Within 50m of a person, • Keep your drone at a distance vehicle or buildings, or from groups of roosting, feeding or breeding birds to avoid putting • Over congested areas or large birds to flight. gatherings e.g. concerts and sports events. • Keep noise to a minimum, particularly in sheltered creeks and • Consider rights of privacy of any rivers where groups of birds are not images you record during flight. easily spotted.  CAA permission is required for all • When flying, walk around sensitive commercial flights and anything habitats such as saltmarsh, and deemed as value added reefs of Sabellaria (honeycomb tubeworm).  Take all of your litter home and  Existing No Fly Zones in the Severn dispose of it responsibly Estuary include areas around Cardiff, Bristol, Bridgwater,  For more information, Hinkley, Berkeley and Oldbury see guidance on Airborne Recreation • Download the recommended Drone Assist app for further information on drone safety at: www.dronesafe.uk/drone-assist. *www.dronesafe.uk Field Study, Data Collection & Educational Fieldtrips

 Protect wildlife and marine heritage by avoiding disturbance • Keep your distance from groups of birds. • Approach the estuary using established paths.  Take all of your litter home • Respect the environment - keep and recycle or dispose of it to the permitted right of way responsibly where possible to avoid trampling of sensitive habitats such as  Keep safe – you are responsible saltmarsh and reefs of Sabellaria for your own safety: (honeycomb tubeworm). • Always check the tide times before • Take photos instead of removing you leave - remember how quickly nature as souvenirs. the tide moves in the Severn. • Leave animals and seaweeds • Be aware of the mudflats – the risk where you find them. of getting stuck is real! • Always replace overturned rocks. • Ensure you keep together and bring a charged mobile phone.  Check permissions - landowner • Be aware of coastal hazards. permission and other consents may be required • See the Safety on the Estuary section.  Follow your organisation’s health and safety protocol for coastal fieldwork Horse Riding

 Protect wildlife and marine heritage by avoiding disturbance • Keep a good distance from groups of roosting, feeding or breeding birds, particularly at high tide. • Keep to the designated bridleways, byways and roads to avoid disturbing wildlife and sensitive habitats, particularly saltmarsh and sand dunes.

 Follow any local time and seasonal restrictions and regulations

 Take care when riding near other beach users and give them a wide berth if possible

 Follow the British Horse Society’s code for riding responsibly and road safety*

 Take all of your litter home and recycle or dispose of it responsibly

*www.bhs.org.uk Safety on the Estuary

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared!

 Check your tide times and  Always wear a weather forecast before lifejacket or suitable you visit the coast* buoyancy aid when on the • Remember how quickly the tide water and make sure you have moves in the Severn. adequate skill and ability to deal • Keep safe on the mudflats – the risk with conditions in the Severn of getting stuck is very real! Estuary • Conditions can change rapidly,  Check how to alert emergency so don’t be afraid to turn back. services before you launch • Be aware of strong currents. • In an emergency phone 999/112 and ask for the ’Coastguard’ or  Always bring a charged mobile ‘Police’ if away from the immediate phone and let others know estuary. where you are and your expected return time

 Observe local beach safety information and byelaws

 Wear suitable clothing – it can be muddy and cold!

*For tide times see: www.ukho.gov.uk/easytide *For local weather see the Met Office website or use the App Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Invasive species are those that have been introduced into an environment outside their native country or natural habitat. INNS can out-compete and prey on native plants and animals, as well as clogging up boat engines, restricting waterways and spreading disease. To help minimise the damaging impact of these species follow the Check, Clean, Dry code:

 Check  Dry • Check your boat, equipment • Dr ain water from every part that and clothing for living plants can hold water, including any that and animals. collects in the bilges. • P ay particular attention to areas that • Mak e sure you don’t transfer are damp or hard to inspect (e.g. water elsewhere. seals of boots and seams of waders). • Clo thing and equipment should be thoroughly dried for as long as  Clean possible before it is used elsewhere. • Cle an and wash all equipment with What to do if you spot an INNS? freshwater (use hot water where If you see or suspect the presence of possible) on site and anti-foul an INNS, please take a photograph boats annually. and record: • Cle an boots and any kit used (e.g. 1) The name of the species fishing nets) after being out on 2) The date of when you spotted it the estuary. 3) The location of where you found it • R emove visible fouling and put it in INNS found in or near the estuary the bin, not back in the water. include zebra mussels, killer shrimp, • W ash off your anchor and chain Chinese mitten crab and Japanese before leaving an anchorage. knot weed. Please report your sightings at: www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/ • U se your boat to prevent fouling. enter-non-native-records Seven Places to Visit on the Severn

1) Enjo y amazing wildlife up-close at Get involved - WWT’s Slimbridge Wetland Centre play your part in 2) F or a wildlife haven on the edge keeping the Severn of the city, visit the Newport Estuary special Wetlands Reserve  Leave no trace of your visit 3) Esc ape to Flatholm for a day of and take your litter home wilderness and explore its fantastic natural and cultural heritage  Join Litter Free Coast & Sea 4) W atch the natural phenomena of Somerset’s regular beach cleans the Severn Bore between Awre and Gloucester  Take part in a #2minutebeachclean: https:// 5) W ander along the English coastline beachclean.net/boardsmap between the two Severn Bridges to spot the many species of waders  Become a volunteer with the and ducks found here Wildlife Trusts, RSPB or the National Trust 6) Explor e a natural pier with dramatic cliffs at the National Trust’s Brean  Join the Marine Conservation Down Society’s “Beachwatch” campaign: www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch 7) F or a wild, wetland landscape visit WWT’s Steart Marshes – it’s one of the UK’s largest wetland reserves The Severn Severn Bore 4 Estuary 1 Lydney Slimbridge Sharpness

Chepstow 5 Newport 2 Between Severn Crossings Newport Wetlands Cardiff

Bristol 3

Flatholm 6 Weston-super-Mare Turn to the back page for details on the Brean Down seven amazing places to visit on the Severn, and how to play your part in keeping our 7 estuary special.

Steart

Bridgwater

Photo credits: Natural Resources Wales, Azmath Jaleel, Adrian Plant, Severn Estuary Partnership, Nigel Phillips, Devon and Severn IFCA, Clevedon Sailing Club, Wentloog Wildfowlers, Luke Maggs, Island Board Shop, John Coleman, Ruth Livingstone, Adrian Plant.