A WARNING has been given about the potential dangers of unexploded WWII bombs on the region’s shoreline.
Staff at the Mersehead nature reserve near Dumfries were concerned to see visitors using metal detectors during the festive period.
And it prompted RSPB Dumfries and Galloway, who run the site, to send a strong message via social media this week.
They said: “Over the festive period, it has come to our attention that several visitors to the Mersehead nature reserve have been metal detecting on the sandy shoreline.
“Use of metal detectors on this reserve (including foreshore) is not permitted for safety reasons. This is because of the potential danger of unexploded ordnance on the shore, sand dunes and merse. As the site was used for bombing practice during WW2, there is a very real risk of unexploded flares and such being found, which could cause serious harm.”
And they revealed that in the last five years there has been two incidents which required the police explosives division to be called in to detonate found items.
The RSPB hope the message will be widely shared and added: “If you know of anyone that is involved in metal detecting or perhaps got a new detector for Christmas, then please let them know this, so they can enjoy their activity safely.”
