The Brent goose is a small goose about the same size as a Mallard duck. It has a black head and neck and dark back.
Brent geese tend to fly in loose flocks along the coast often in a V formation.
Brent geese migrate to the UK in the autumn from colder European climates. They are found around the estuaries and salt marshes of the National Park from October to March.
Brent geese build up their weight from around 1300 grams to 2000 grams in preparation for their long migration from northern Russia to the UK. This gives them all the fuel they need for their long journey!
Herbivore: the geese eat vegetation on the marshes and particularly like eel grass, a type of plant found on salt marshes.
Brent geese are a protected species because of the important numbers found at just a few sites. To help protect them avoid disturbing the wintering waterfowl during the autumn/winter period.
Rising sea levels represent a big threat to coastal habitats and species. Within the National Park saline lagoons and salt marshes are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and could be lost completely. Why not help make a difference to global warming: reduce, re-use and recycle!