Establishing Exclusion Zones: Protecting Rare Birds and Habitats on Anglesey

A coastal reserve on Anglesey known as RSPB South stack implemented the 1st UK exclusion zone. We will look at the reserve, its key species and designations. What caused concerns that lead to the exclusion and how it was implemented. What plans we have for the future.

Natural habitats are so important for wildlife and people. Places for wildlife to have a home and the opportunity for people to see rare species in beautiful places. Balancing the needs of people against the needs of the wildlife can be a challenge. Looking at land managed by the RSPB and how this balance changed and what went into deciding limiting access was necessary. Working with people how do we create the right balance so that nature and people can benefit together.

RSPB manage designated land on Anglesey known as RSPB South stack. It is a popular tourist destination with visitors coming from all over the world to see the spectacular sea views, lighthouse, 10.000 breeding seabirds including Puffins. The area of land is known locally as Holyhead mountain and The Range/Penrhosfeilw. They are areas of lowland coastal heathland, with rare plants like the South stack fleawort and county flower spotted rock-rose. Silver-studded blue butterflies and Chough a rare member of the crow family. Designated as SSSI, SAC, SPA, UNESC Geo Park and within a National Landscape.

Walkers use the Anglesey coast path which goes around the reserve. There are 5 Welsh scheduled monuments on the reserve telling stories about the people who once lived there thousands of years ago. Climbers come from across the UK to climb iconic routes such as Dream of white horses. Over the years the site has become popular for commercial users too. Running outdoor activities with groups such as climbing, sea-traversing and coasteering. Over 200 people had been observed in the morning and afternoon during the spring and summer months using the cliff line on The Range/Penrhosfeilw. Helicopter training including landing in the summer months. What impact does this have on the natural environment? The RSPB have been recording breeding birds, surveying silver-studded blue butterflies and south stack fleawort since the late 1970’s. Looking at data do people have an impact on an area with increased usage?

We will look at the designations of the site, key species and the activities that occurred at the site. What measures were tried to limit the impact, this includes the first UK exclusion zone. What this is, how it was implemented and what we observed as a result. What we are working on going forward to manage for wildlife and access for people.

Laura Kudelska is Senior site manager at RSPB South stack, having worked here for 11 years. She studied Environmental Biology in university before starting a career in the outdoor education industry, as an instructor and manager of an outdoor education centre in North Wales. Leading her into management of a tourist site before working at South stack.