Leave Only Footprints

07/08/2026

Ever had a moth stop you in your tracks? ✨

Having flipped back to a normal day shift I got to walk around Gibraltar Point for the first time in a month and was lucky enough to have seen these little beauts 🥰

The Hummingbird Hawk-moth is one of nature’s stunning illusions. Hovering effortlessly in front of flowers with rapidly beating wings and a long proboscis, it’s often mistaken for a tiny hummingbird. Unlike most moths, this remarkable species flies during the day, darting from bloom to bloom while helping to pollinate a wide variety of wildflowers.

Although still regularly seen across much of southern Britain during summer, numbers can vary greatly from year to year as many individuals migrate from mainland Europe. Every sighting is a reminder of just how incredible our wildlife can be.

22/07/2026

Well this was a lovely way to round off a night on the beach 😍

For just a few fleeting seconds, this beautiful Roe Deer crossed the saltmarsh, weaving effortlessly through the vibrant blooms before disappearing as quickly as it arrived. Moments like these can never be planned—they’re simply gifts that nature occasionally offers and wow did it make my day 😊

The sea lavender provides a stunning splash of colour across the marsh at this time of year, creating the perfect backdrop for one of Britain’s most elegant mammals.

It’s these unexpected encounters that make every day spent in the nature so special.

18/07/2026

All this life on the same short fragile stretch of beach that is our Shorebird Sanctuary.

Life on an open beach isn’t easy. Tides, weather, predators, and human disturbance all test their chances. But, despite these challenges, our two key species, Little Terns and Ringed Plovers return year after year.
Here are a few of my most recent pics of chicks and adults from the last few days plus some of our other visitors, Sanderling and Knot.
If you visit the beach at Gibraltar Point, please respect fenced areas and give these birds space. Together, we can help them thrive.

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12/07/2026

And this is why we do what we do.

Protecting Little Tern chicks is what it’s all about. Giving these rare birds the very best chance possible .

From day one they face an uphill struggle. Risks from foxes, badgers, stoats, crows, birds of prey, dogs, being trampled on by humans, high tides and strong winds make being a young Little Tern a very hazardous occupation , and that’s before they even start there thousands of miles journey home at approximately 4-6 weeks old.

Remarkable, beautiful yet sadly so rare due mostly to development of coastland and unprotected beaches.

50 years ago there was 9 breeding colonies in Lincolnshire, now there is only one, here at Gibraltar Point.

These pictures were all taken in the last two weeks, under special license. For want of a better term, they are Gibraltar Points Class of 26 :) .

Take care little ones , we hope to see you back here in the years to come 💚

06/07/2026

30/06/2026

Time to meet our little Ringed Plover chicks 😍

Tiny feet. Massive challenge. 🐣

A newly hatched Ringed Plover chick weighs little more than a few coins, yet within hours it is running across the beach in search of food. Unlike many young birds, these chicks leave the nest almost immediately, relying on their remarkable camouflage and the constant vigilance of their parents to survive.

Sadly, Ringed Plovers have declined across much of the UK over recent decades. Disturbance from people and dogs, habitat loss, and increasing predation all make raising a family a real challenge. Every chick that fledges is a small but important victory for this beautiful coastal species.

If you ever spot fenced-off nesting areas, giving these tiny birds a little extra space can make all the difference.

20/06/2026

Was asked to put together a video as part on an international effort to raise awareness about the plight of the Ringed Plover after it’s suffered such a huge loss in numbers .
This video briefly touches on our efforts at Gibraltar Point to protect this gorgeous Red Listed little bird .

11/06/2026

Just wanted to quickly share this - volume up and apologies for the noise of the wind 🙂.
We were just completing the morning monitoring and nest checks in the sanctuary area and heard chirping coming from one of our Oystercatcher platforms. Expecting to see chicks we chanced a quick look, but no, just the four eggs that have been there this past few weeks.
However the chirping continued and looking closer I could see one of them ( top left) had a small hole and was beginning to hatch. Another also had a small crack in it. The chirping was actually coming from the chicks whilst still inside the eggs calling to their mum 😮. There is no adult bird calling in this clip - all you can here is the calling from the chicks. Rest assured we left them to it and will check in on them tomorrow.

A beautiful moment thats had me smiling all day 😊

11/06/2026