Preventing The Spread of Bird Flu

There have been several local outbreaks of Bird Flu (Avian Influenza). It is spread by direct contact between birds, and through contamination in the environment. The virus can survive for up to a month on the ground in a bird dropping! As a precaution, bird ringing activities have been temporarily suspended at the reserve.

There have been no cases at Foxglove so far but to help prevent this virus from spreading we have introduced some biosecurity and safety measures. Please disinfect your footwear on arrival and on departure using the special orange mats provided; there is one outside the Field Centre and one at the Information Shelter.

If you find any dead waterfowl (swans, ducks or geese) or other dead birds such as gulls or birds of prey, you should not touch them. 

Please report them to the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980.