Codes of Conduct
General
- Consider only using those footpaths on the edges of the river.
- On the East bank the paved Downs-Link path, and on the Western side, the raised embankment.
- Using some of those unofficial ‘paths’ through the salt-marsh can result in disturbance of birds, damage to delicate plantlife and erosion. Compaction of the mud in pathways is preventing plants colonising to increase the salt marsh.
- The photo here is an example of an unofficial path to avoid.
Dog Walking
- Keep your dog on a lead or under close control (e.g. not running towards birds resting and feeding) and keep to the official footpaths while walking along the river and estuary.
- Please scoop that poop, and bin it – bagged and abandoned is just as bad!
- Please avoid letting your dog enter the water, particularly if they are medicated or carrying flea treatment.
We work closely with the Adur River Recovery Project - find out more here about how your dog can become an ambassador for the river: https://www.adur-river-recovery.org/news-stories/river-recovery-dogs
Wingfoiling
- Protect the saltmarsh, always rig and derig above the high tide mark
- Launch around high tide to reduce mudflat & saltmarsh damage
- Always enter and exit by the existing mud channel
- Always paddle back to the mud channel when exiting the water
- Consider avoiding December to March to protect over-wintering birds.
- Clean, Check and Dry your equipment to prevent the spread of non-native species. https://www.nonnativespecies.org/what-can-i-do/check-clean-dry/
Paddling (Kayaking, Paddleboarding)
- Stay in the main river channel
- Launch at designated slip ways rather than over the salt marsh or mudflats.
- Enjoy wildlife—look, don’t linger and if necessary try to get low on your paddleboard.
- Keep your distance, especially at low tide
- Avoid frightening-off birds, as this stops them eating and resting.
- Consider avoiding avoiding December to March to protect overwintering birds in the most difficult months for them.
- Clean, Check and Dry your equipment to prevent the spread of non-native species. https://www.nonnativespecies.org/what-can-i-do/check-clean-dry/
Baitdigging
- Observe local byelaws, regulations and access arrangements which affect the use of the coast, or access to permanently and seasonally closed areas
- Collect bait sustainably
- Back fill holes for safety, and to maintain the intertidal habitat
- Be aware of local hazards and conditions
- Avoid disturbing wildlife wherever possible
- Replace all rocks and stones as you found them, seaweed side up
- Don’t dig around moorings, slipways and sea walls
- Take all your litter home.
- Clean, Check and Dry your equipment to prevent the spread of non-native species. https://www.nonnativespecies.org/what-can-i-do/check-clean-dry/
Birdwatching
- Sick to footpaths. No matter how tempting to get a better look or photograph, do not enter the salt marsh and trample the mudflats which causes damage and disturbance.
- Avoid disturbing birds even when on a footpath. Sometimes pointng a lens or telescope at a bird is enough to make it become alarmed. Look for signs of birds stopping feeding or other signs of distress such as increased alarm calling, moving away or freezing. If in doubt back-off.
- Consider recording your bird sightings on Birdtrack or eBird so that the different species and their trends can be monitored.
- Recognise that others have legitimate rights to use the Adur Estuary within the laws of its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation and the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
- For more information on the birds of the Adur SSSI please visit Shoreham District Ornithological Society at www.sdos.org