Tern colony recovery in England after bird

England’s most important tern colonies are showing signs of recovery after years of decline from bird flu, flooding and unpredictable weather. New figures from the National Trust reveal the encouraging signs, offering rare positive news for seabird conservation.

Long Nanny progress

The most notable results were recorded at Long Nanny in Northumberland, one of the UK’s important breeding sites for little terns. Rangers confirmed a remarkable turnaround, with at least 126 pairs nesting this year. This count is twice the previous record for the site. At least 82 chicks fledged, and rangers believe the final number could exceed one hundred.

Little terns migrate from West Africa to nest on open sandy beaches. In other recent seasons, nests at Long Nanny were lost to high spring tides and extreme weather.

Arctic tern update

Arctic tern numbers at the site were slightly up, a sign of numbers holding steady after a torrid past few years. The colony consisted of at least 730 breeding pairs this year, with 1,346 eggs counted in their nests.

This follows a devastating 2023 season. The arctic tern colony at Long Nanny suffered major losses due to bird flu, with rangers finding more than 600 dead chicks.

Norfolk success

In Norfolk, more than 1,100 pairs of sandwich terns returned to breed at Blakeney Point. This followed a two-year absence. Ben McCarthy, the National Trust’s head of nature conservation, said the figures showed what can be achieved when internationally important breeding sites are carefully protected and managed.

Ranger insights

James Porteus, the trust’s lead ranger for the Northumberland coast, called it an exceptional season after several years dominated by bird flu outbreaks, flooded nests and concerns about declining numbers. He said it was incredibly encouraging to see little terns doing so well.

Doubling the previous site record for breeding pairs is a remarkable achievement. Porteus called it a sign of staff, volunteers and partner organisations. He said it is especially exciting to see so many chicks hatching and fledging.

Little terns face huge challenges throughout their migration and breeding cycle. Every successful nesting attempt matters.

McCarthy stressed there was no room for complacency. He said the results are particularly encouraging given challenges seabirds have faced in recent years, from avian flu and extreme weather to wider pressures on the marine environment. He urged people not to let their guard down despite positive signs. Continued protection and management of internationally important breeding sites is essential to sustain these recovery signs.