How a 40-year project helped save little terns

A record 700 little tern nests have been recorded on Norfolk beaches this year, thanks to a conservation project that has protected the threatened species for 40 years.

Little terns travel 3,000 miles from west Africa to breed on the UK coast, but face risks from high tides, natural predators and beachgoers with dogs. The RSPB Tern Around project in Norfolk and north Suffolk uses volunteers and wardens who monitor breeding sites around the clock.

So far in 2026, 81 volunteers have donated nearly 2,000 hours, patrolling beaches, checking protective fencing and removing predators such as hedgehogs. Crucially, they speak to visitors and dog walkers about keeping their distance from the ground-nesting birds.

Finn Duncan, community and volunteering officer on the project, said without the concerted effort of many people, the increasing numbers would not be possible. Year by year, more little tern fledglings are making it back to Africa.

The future for these small seabirds looks much brighter than it did in 1986.

Gilbert