Four rare species of important seabird have had another successful breeding season in Cumbria this year, due to the dedication of staff and volunteers from the RSPB, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

The RSPB had a record-breaking number of 1,950 pairs of Sandwich terns at their Hodbarrow reserve near Millom. This is an increase from the previous record of 550 pairs last year, and they raised 525 chicks. The site also recorded 11 pairs of little terns, raising 10 chicks and 60 pairs of common terns raising 22 chicks.

On their Foulney Island Nature Reserve off the coast of Barrow, Cumbria Wildlife Trust recorded 49 pairs of little terns which raised 13 chicks and 43 pairs of Arctic terns which raised nine chicks. This was despite storm conditions early in the breeding season which destroyed many of the nests – though some of the terns re-laid eggs to give a surprisingly successful year.

Mhairi Maclauchlan, warden at RSPB Hodbarrow said: “Generally, tern populations like many seabirds, are sadly struggling. Their preference for nesting on beaches means disturbance from human recreation often causes them to abandon their nest sites. They are also susceptible to stormy weather and predation affecting their numbers, as we have seen this year. Staff and volunteers from the partner organisations have worked around the clock to protect these terns, so it is massive thanks to their dedicated efforts that these elegant seabirds have done well.”

Sarah Dalrymple, South Walney warden for Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “It’s been a challenging year for the terns at Foulney Island. Sadly storms early on in the breeding season resulted in many of the nests being destroyed. However, nature is remarkable and several of the adults re-laid their eggs, giving us a surprisingly successful season, despite the weather."

Several of the young terns at Hodbarrow and Foulney Island were ringed with coded, coloured rings – a scientific method whereby birds are fitted with light-weight, coloured, individual identification rings on their legs - to help monitor their movements without the need to re-catch them. These birds spend the winter in Africa, returning to Europe to breed, so the rings provide important information.

This project to help the recovery of little terns will continue to be funded thanks to £20,000 of EU Life money. Along with £33,000 funding from Natural England towards tern conservation in Cumbria, this will enable the RSPB and Cumbria Wildlife Trust to carry out important habitat work this winter, to improve the breeding sites for Cumbrian terns, ready for next season.