Chesil Beach sees record number of threatened little tern chicks

Just three little tern fledgling chicks were recorded in 2021 compared to more than 55 last year

One of the UK's smallest seabirds has seen a rise in population after conservation work on a Dorset beach.

The little tern is a threatened species of seabird, with its population in decline since the 1980s.

But volunteers working along Chesil Beach saw a record numbers of fledgling chicks last year.

In 2021 the Chesil Beach Little Tern Recovery Project recorded three surviving fledglings, but in 2022 they counted more than 55.

Little terns are one of the UK's smallest seabirds and are protected by volunteers at Chesil Beach

Dwindling numbers of the species have been put down to varying factors, including persistent kestrel predation and hedgehogs eating eggs.

Conservationists believe the new increase in fledgling numbers could lead to growth in the breeding colony at Chesil Beach.

Tara Watson, from RSPB Chesil Beach Little Tern Project, said: "It's important to remember that whilst the impact of predators is a risk, kestrels and hedgehogs are also protected species experiencing population declines, and we want to work to help protect them too.

"Our volunteer warden team are what makes the project flourish - with their commitment to protecting the birds, their insightful ideas, their vast array of skills and their kindness."

The RSPB is appealing for more volunteers to help protect little terns in the spring

The project is led by the RSPB, in partnership with the Fleet & Chesil Nature Reserve, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Crown Estate, Portland Court Leet and Natural England.

Joe Kaplonek, who has been part of the team for eight years, said: "I look forward to the sound of Little Terns returning in spring with their burry calls.

"Each year has been different with its own challenges and delights. No prior experience is necessary to become a volunteer, just being able to spend a little of your spare time to give nature a hand."