The Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine (FoHP Bellarine) have been working to protect the Hooded Plovers along the Point Lonsdale to Breamlea stretch of coastline since Birdlife Australia's Beach-Nesting Birds Project began in 2006.

The Hooded Plover is listed as "vulnerable" under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

Trained Birdlife volunteers monitor "Hoodies" and log field observations and bird sightings into the official MyBeachbirdbird portal to aid state and national conservation strategies. We walk the local beaches to locate breeding pairs, track new activity, and check the status of nests and newly hatched chicks. Recording and reporting any threats that impact hooded plover breeding sites is essential also.

Over the breeding season (August to April) volunteers act as "guardians" on the beach. Engaging and educating beach walkers and dog owners to explain how to share the shore safely with the birds. Providing information about the needs of the birds, their need for space to protect their nests and vulnerable chicks when they hatch.

This year, we celebrate 20 years of conservation and vital citizen science provided by dedicated volunteers that has contributed to the success of the Beach Nesting Birds Project.

We invite new volunteers to join us. Community Stewardship in Hooded Plover Conservation is vital for the continuing success of increasing the population of "Hoodies".