Starting on 25 January and running through until June, BARI (pronounced Barry) is organising and hosting wildlife-friendly water sports sessions across Poole Harbour.

First launched in January 2021, the free one-hour sessions are open to anyone and are aimed at helping people enjoy recreational water-based activities in the harbour without causing distress or disruption to the wildlife.

Ria Loveridge, mitigation coordinator at BARI, said: “Most people, who enjoy water sports such as stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing, also really enjoy nature; in fact, a lot of people choose these motor-free ways to access the water because they’re kinder to wildlife.

“What a lot of people don’t realise is just how disruptive their presence is, even if they’re quiet and think they’re being considerate. And that’s what we want to help with, we want people to enjoy the incredible natural harbour that we’re lucky enough to be able to access but without upsetting the wildlife that’s living there.”

For more information about the Wildlife-friendly Water sports Sessions follow BARI on social media or email HELLO@BIRDSOFBARI.ORG.UK and you can see and download the Paddle Power Map on the BARI website www.birdsofbari.org.uk.