A NATURE group has raised fears over the future of a rare bird species following suspicious activity reported at a conservation site.

It is believed a possible egg snatcher was spotted at Castle Lake, in Bishop Middleham, by members of the Castle Lake Conservation Group.

A man was seen on an area raking around with a stick near to a nest of ringed plover.

The conservation group member alerted ranger John Olley who said he reported the incident to the police and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

He said: “The lake is one of the most important wetlands in the county for schedule one breeding, wintering and passage birds therefore we are very concerned it is being targeted by what we believe is an egg thief.

"We want him to leave our birds alone and respect the area."

According to the RSPB, egg collecting can have serious implications on conservation.

It has been illegal to take the eggs of most wild birds since the Protection of Birds Act 1954 and it's illegal to possess or control any wild birds' eggs taken since that time under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The ringed plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird.

It is brownish grey above and whitish below and has an orange bill, tipped with black, orange legs and a black-and-white pattern on its head and breast.

The Castle Lake area is renowned by outdoor enthusiasts as a prime bird watching location.

Mr Olley said suspects steal bird eggs to keep in a collection causing birds to become extinct.

He said: “It is a collection thing and was quite prolific 30 years ago but has reduced now - birds’ eggs are very variable in size colour and shape hence the fascination."

Mr Olley claims the man in question was seen by himself last year searching near a yellow wagtails nest.

Investigations liaison officer Jenny Shelton at the RSPB said: “We have been made aware of this and it is now with the police to investigate. We will assist in any way possible.

“We encourage people to report suspicious behaviour when visiting nature reserves – please contact the police on 101 and RSPB investigations on 01767-680551.”