Hope for Britain's tern recovery at Blakeney Point

One of England's most important tern colonies at Blakeney Point is showing encouraging signs of recovery after years of challenges from avian flu, flooding and increasingly unpredictable weather.

New figures from National Trust breeding sites reveal that more than 1,100 pairs of Sandwich terns returned to Blakeney Point after a two-year absence.

Across National Trust sites, teams of rangers and volunteers work throughout the breeding season to protect vulnerable colonies from disturbance, predators and extreme weather. At Blakeney Point measures such as predator-exclusion fencing, nest protection and seasonal visitor restrictions help create safer breeding conditions. There has also been tighter seasonal restrictions on dogs during the nesting season.

National Trust conservationists believe these long-term efforts have played an important role in this year's encouraging results.

Terns are among the world's most remarkable migratory birds. Little terns and Sandwich terns travel thousands of miles between the UK and wintering grounds in West Africa before returning each spring to breed.

At Blakeney Point, part of Blakeney National Nature Reserve, 1,164 pairs of Sandwich terns, a species which had failed to nest at the site during either of the previous two breeding seasons were recorded. Rangers also noted increases in Common and Arctic terns, alongside rising numbers of black-headed gulls, a species whose presence can help provide additional protection for nesting tern colonies.

Edward Stubbings, National Trust Area Ranger at Blakeney Point, said, 'We're particularly pleased to see Sandwich terns return to Blakeney Point in such large numbers this year. The range of protection measures introduced over recent years appears to be making a real difference, not only for terns but also for other breeding birds including oystercatchers, ringed plovers and redshank.'

Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation for the National Trust said: 'The return of Sandwich terns to Blakeney Point show what can be achieved when internationally important breeding sites are carefully protected and managed. These results are particularly encouraging given the challenges seabirds have faced in recent years, from avian flu and extreme weather to wider pressures on the marine environment.

'But there is no room for complacency. Species such as the Arctic tern, which was recently added to the UK's Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern, continue to face significant threats from rising sea levels, increasingly unpredictable weather, disease outbreaks and changing marine conditions.'

'This year's results show that conservation efforts can make a real difference, and underline why continuing to protect and restore our coasts for nature has never been more important.'

To support National Trust nature recovery projects, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/everyone-needs-nature-appeal