NATURE conservation bodies are calling on birdwatchers, walkers, anglers and water sports enthusiasts to minimise disturbance to groups of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds.

The RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Natural England have warned that the freezing temperatures mean the birds use far more energy than usual keeping warm so need to eat more to fatten themselves up.

Dr Mark Avery, RSPB’s director of conservation, said: “Disturbance causes them to expend their energy needlessly and if they can’t find sufficient food to replace their energy levels then these birds are existing on borrowed time.”

The temporary ban on the shooting of ducks, geese and wading birds in Scotland was due to be reviewed this week.