This summer, The Green Blue is focusing its attention on appreciating wildlife. Many of our inland and coastal waters are adjacent to or incorporate areas that are designated as Sites of Special Scentific Interest (SSSI's). This does not mean that sailing and boating should not take place here but that the area has a special value which should be conserved and is an offence to actively damage or destroy.
Britain's waters are home to a huge variety of wildlife both inland and coastal.
Some simple steps are given below to help you start appreciating and getting the most out of wildlife watching.
Discover more about the Local Nature Reserves, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Area sites near you. They are the country's very best wildlife and geological sites, often standing out as the last remaining areas of natural habitat and include some of our most beautiful and spectacular sites. Because they have environmental features which are important to preserve, it is essential to take extra care when visiting or anchoring in these places.
Sailing and boating in these sites however can be a very rewarding experience so it is worth taking the time to learn more about them, why they are protected and what environments and birds, mammals or fish you may encounter and then enjoy!
Map of UK Special Areas of Conservation
Does your club, marina or training centre fall within a protected area? Advice from the RYA
Environment Agency's 'What's in your backyard?'
Download DEFRA's SSSI guidance
By keeping a good pair of binoculars to hand it allows you to keep a good look out for wildlife. It also means that it is not necessary to get up close to the animals thus minimising the risk of disturbance. If you do have to approach wildlife for any reason, make sure that movements are slow and predictable and they are not approached directly.
Look up what birds can be spotted where you sail with the RSPB
If you run a charter company operating in the British Isles, if you are interested in offering specialized wildlife watching trips to your customers, or just want to understand the best way to watch wildlife you may want to consider wildlife awareness training to ensure that you fully understand the implications of your actions on the local environment. The WISE Scheme is extremely affordable (£50 per person) and WISE accreditation demonstrates to your customers that they can view marine life responsibly from on board your vessels.
List of local WiSe accredited operators
Many organisations now invite people to record sightings of wildlife they encounter while out on their boat. This not only provides valuable information to help complete surveys and produce accurate records but also adds to the enjoyment and experience of seeing birds, mammals and fish whilst out on the water.
British Waterways Wildlife Survey
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Life Recording Sheet
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
All species which are non-indigenous to a discrete eco-system are potentially harmful, both to biodiversity and to social and economic interests. Therefore precautionary action is essential to limit the spread of alien species by small recreational and other craft.
Download our information sheet giving advice to boat users
Search our online database for more details about alien species
Please look at either our online How To guide or request a copy of our Scottish or inland version to be sent to you free of charge
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