THE global importance of the Solent coastline, including the Isle of Wight, for wild bird migration has led to a new initiative to protect vulnerable populations.
The Bird Aware Solent campaign has been created by the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership of local authorities and conservation bodies.
It is aimed at helping coastal visitors be aware of the vulnerability of migrating birds.
The campaign's website features details of the many species that visit the Isle of Wight and other parts of the Solent region. There are also details of how to protect them.
More than 90,000 waders and wildfowl migrate to the Solent each winter from as far away as Siberia, according to the partnership.
"This makes the Solent coastline of worldwide importance for birds. When people visit the coast, they may prevent the birds from feeding if they disturb them. This can mean the birds do not have enough energy to survive the winter and fly back to breed at their summer habitats," said a spokesman.
Partnership chairman Cllr Seán Woodward said: "I would encourage everyone to look at this bright new website which contains lots of interesting facts. It&a mp;#39;s good news too, as these initiatives, including the ranger service, are funded by housebuilders at no cost to council taxpayers."

Bird Aware Solent by IWCPOnline on Scribd