Reserve reports bumper breeding year for seabirds

Beacon Lagoons, on the banks of the Humber, is the only remaining little tern colony in Yorkshire, says the RSPB

A nature reserve has celebrated a record-breaking breeding season for one of the UK's rarest seabirds.

Little terns migrate each spring from their wintering grounds in West Africa to nest on our shores.

According to the RSPB, 105 pairs were recorded at Beacon Lagoons - Yorkshire's last remaining breeding colony this summer - up from 59 in 2024.

The organisation labelled it "a remarkable sign of recovery for a species once in serious decline".

The increase in breeding pairs marks the highest numbers of little terns on the Humber Estuary since the early 1970s.

Mike Pilsworth, a conservation officer for the RSPB and chair of the Beacon Lagoons Little Tern Protection Scheme steering group, said: "This year's leap in numbers can be attributed to the young birds now reaching the age when they return to breed.

"This year's success gives us real hope that we can continue to grow the population and see little terns recolonise other beaches around the Humber where they haven't nested for decades."

'Hugely rewarding'

Since the 1980s, wardens and volunteers have been working to protect the seabirds, erecting protective fencing, running 24-hour watches, and using thermal cameras to keep predators such as foxes at bay.

Holly Fox, from Hull, was one of 12 volunteers who helped ensure the birds had the best chance to thrive this year at the site near Kilnsea.

She said: "It's been incredible to see the colony grow year on year. Watching the chicks fledge and knowing you've played a small part in giving them that chance is hugely rewarding.

"The local community here has helped us to protect these precious birds too, helping to ensure the little terns have been given the space they need to nest and breed. Everyone is proud of what's been achieved."

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