Project to help little terns return to Essex coast

The RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust have been working together over the past three years to create an optimum habitat for little terns along their coastal nature reserves.

The project has involved using life-sized decoys and sound recordings in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries to encourage the birds to breed in safe areas.

Last year saw promising signs with six pairs nesting in the estuaries – the highest number for a century.

Wiuldlife trust spokesman Rachel Langley said: “Our joint efforts are having a positive impact on these delightful seabirds, but they’re incredibly sensitive to disturbance from humans.

“Encouraging people to be aware of little tern nesting sites over the summer months will help give these charismatic birds the best chance of breeding successfully and re-establishing healthy populations in Essex.”

The little tern is the UK’s smallest tern and travels more than 5,000km each year to breed on Essex’s shores.

Historically, the Essex coast has supported a healthy population of nesting little terns, but the last few decades have seen catastrophic declines.

Facing the ongoing challenge of finding safe beaches to nest on, the birds now have to factor in rising sea levels, more frequent storm events and human interference.

People are being urged to help turn the tide for little terns, which lay their eggs near the shoreline on sand and shingle beaches, where they are well camouflaged.

People are being urged to respect all signs and roped-off areas at little tern nesting sites as keeping those areas secluded gives the birds the best chance of survival.

Pet owners should keep dogs away from nesting sites to reduce the risk of disturbance.

People can also reduce the risk of disturbance on the water by only landing boats at designated sites, keeping water sports away from the shorelines and minimising noise near breeding sites.

For more information about the little tern project visit essexwt.org.uk.