Be Wildlife Aware!

Sea and shorebirds cover thousands of miles migrating to the Lofoten Islands to nest and raise their young. Many species build nests and lay eggs on the ground, which means they are super vulnerable to disturbance. An off leash dog can destroy a nest or kill young birds in a matter of seconds. And a simple drive through a field or hastily set up camp site can cause serious harm to these birds who are working hard to protect their nests and raise their young.

A rule of thumb is to camp in established camping areas, and if you're camping in the wild take a good look around before you make camp. Do you see or hear any birds sounding alarm, flying overhead and calling loudly? If so, then you're likely too close to their young or nest sites, and it would be best if you moved to a new spot.

By giving these birds a little more space you can help ensure their populations continue to exist into the future. Sadly, many of these species are in decline due to habitat loss, climate factors and shifting conditions in the environment. We can all do them a big favor by camping and recreating mindfully so that they can have a safe and successful breeding season!

Also, keep in mind it's illegal to disturb nesting birds, so it's worth keeping this in mind when you're exploring Lofoten this summer.

Thanks for the consideration!