A record-breaking breeding year has been achieved on the Northumberland coast for one of the UK’s rarest seabirds.
The Long Nanny site near Beadnell, which is managed by the National Trust, has recorded a minimum of 126 pairs of nesting little terns, compared to the location’s previous record of 57 pairs set in 1994.
At least 82 chicks are known to have fledged from the site, boosting the population of what is the UK’s second rarest breeding seabird.
National Trust rangers and volunteers have worked throughout the breeding season to protect the internationally important seabird colony from disturbance, predators and extreme weather.
Long Nanny is also the largest mainland colony of Arctic terns in the UK and rangers have recorded a minimum of 730 breeding pairs this year, counting 1,346 eggs.
Among the birds was Nigella, an American black tern, completing her seventh consecutive breeding season at Long Nanny.
The chick hatched by Nigella and her Arctic tern partner died shortly after hatching. But her successful pairing and nesting attempt remains a notable wildlife story as she is believed to be the only known American black tern to return to the UK year after year.
James Porteus, lead ranger for the National Trust on the Northumberland Coast, said: “This has been an exceptional season for little terns at Long Nanny and the numbers we’re seeing are hugely encouraging.
“To have more than doubled the previous site record for breeding pairs is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of staff, volunteers and partner organisations who help protect the colony each year.
“Little terns face huge challenges throughout their migration between West Africa and the UK, so every successful nesting attempt is important for the future of this vulnerable species.
“Naturally, we’re disappointed that Nigella’s chick did not survive, but her return and nesting attempt remain extraordinary. She has become something of a celebrity among birdwatchers and conservationists.”
