Pair of rare little ringed plovers with “squatters rights” hold up building work for new centre in Cley

Sabah Meddings Sabah.Meddings@Archant.Co.Uk 

Friday, June 20, 2014 

8:15 AM

Work on a wildlife reserve which keeps rare birds safe was delayed after a pair of protected waders with “squatter’s rights” bit back and nested before builders could move in.

The long stretches of picturesque marshes at Cley are a haven for bird enthusiasts, providing a habitat for rare species.

Owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the jewel in the crown of the reserve was to be a new education centre sitting behind the visitors’ centre.

But before work could begin, a pair of little ringed plovers nested on a field next to the building site.

The Schedule One protected birds settled down to lay their eggs, delaying building work on the new Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre.

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