AN AREA of Ynyslas beach has been cordoned off to protect a vulnerable bird during nesting season.

People are being asked to help protect the rare ringed plovers nesting at Dyfi Ynyslas National Nature Reserve by keeping out of the roped off area on the beach. 

Many bird species make their nests on the ground which makes them vulnerable to being destroyed or disturbed, and the ringed plover is one such bird that due to low numbers is of “conservation concern”, Natural Resources Wales said.

A few pairs of ringed plovers bred every year at Dyfi Ynyslas until 2008, but the changing nature of the beach meant the area became unsuitable for them to nest in the following years.

However, last year, three ringed plover nests were found in a new area of the beach.

Unfortunately, none of the eggs in these nests hatched successfully - two were taken by the elements and one nest was disturbed.

To help give ringed plover the best possible chance to breed this year, the area of beach where they are expected to nest has been closed off, using a rope.

And beachgoers are being asked to avoid walking in the cordoned off area during the breeding season to avoid disturbing or destroying the nests.

The rope and signs will be taken down at the end of breeding season, towards the end of August.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday