Tipperne & bird life

Ringkøbing Fjord is an important habitat for many water fowl species. Two thirds of the bay and the areas arround it are appointed RAMSAR- and EC bird protection areas – partly because the great beach meadows provide extraordinary living conditions for birds, regarding food as well as breeding places. Guided tours through the area are arranged.

Tipperne is a chapter of its own. The peninsula is one of Denmark’s oldest bird reserves and is situated in the southern part of Ringkøbing Fjord. Since the 1700’s the area has been public property and the first preservation measurements were made in 1898. In 1928 the reserve was founded and since then, birds have been counted every year. On Tipperne, scientific observations of plants and wildlife are made with success. In the 1970’s it was discovered that the meadow birds were getting fewer and a program was initiated to maximize the stock. The area is only open to the public a few hours on Sundays.

To ensure the natural values, the whole of Ringkøbing Fjord was classified in 1985 – then revised in 1996. It includes 29.100 hectares, from which 827 hectares are land areas. The classification limits hunting and traffic, hereunder sailing, to give the birds peace, but most of the bay is still free to use for activities.