Kitesurfers are expressing their devastation after being banned from a Kent coastal beauty spot they had used for over 20 years due to concerns about “disturbing birds.”
An agreement between Natural England, Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT), and watersport enthusiasts had previously allowed kitesurfing at Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate. However, the agreement was not renewed after concerns were raised about the impact on local wildlife.
Graeme Rolbiecki, who runs Kite Pirates at Pegwell Bay, said: “It’s personally devastating for me, the students, and the kitesurfing community. It’s a huge loss for Thanet and East Kent.”
KWT explained that the bay is home to rare and endangered bird species, which are disturbed by activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing. Pegwell Bay is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve, opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1999.
Following concerns about the effect on wildlife, the voluntary agreement was not renewed in November. Now, kitesurfers could face a £100 fine from Thanet District Council (TDC) under the area’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
Stefano Biagini, a kitesurfer from Whitstable, said he wished authorities had “worked with us” rather than taking the “draconian” step of banning the sport completely.
A KWT report noted that there were 25 reports of violations of the kitesurfing agreement in 2022, which increased to 60 in the following year. A TDC spokesperson stated that the PSPO covers the entire Thanet coastline and prohibits activities that disturb wildlife.
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