Chicks give new hope for tern colony on Chesil Beach

Conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are delighted that little terns nesting along the Fleet have successfully raised a new generation for the first time in four years.

The small, graceful seabirds, which migrate from Africa each spring to breed in small colonies on beaches, were once numerous but over the past 100 years have suffered huge declines nationally.

Their current breeding population is showing signs of recovery, but still only numbers 2,400 pairs in the United Kingdom.

The colony of 10 nests on the Fleet is the only one in South West England and last year’s total lack of nesting resulted in fears it would be lost forever.

John Dadds, RSPB team leader for the Little Tern Colony protection scheme, said: “We’ve all been saddened by the repeated failure of the little terns to raise chicks on Chesil Beach over the past few years.

“A partnership of conservation organisations has worked closely together to do everything we can to safeguard these birds who loyally return every year.

“It’s an arduous job but at last it’s paid off.

“The birds have, to be honest, also been helped by the good weather so far this year.”

The main threats to little tern colonies are predators – hedgehogs, foxes and crows – as well as accidental disturbance from beach users.

Don Moxom, warden at the Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve, said: “Little terns are as fond of beaches and pebbles as we are.

“They nest directly on the shingle and are at risk from predators and trampling.

“A team of wardens, assisted by the Chesil Beach volunteers and our staff, have looked over the birds day and night.

“Temporary fences around the colony also help to keep people and predators away.”

The little terns are now feeding in the shallow waters of the Fleet.

Visitors will be able to watch the little terns until August when they fly to west Africa for the winter, said Sarah Alsbury, RSPB’s operations manager.