Arctic tern numbers at one of the UK's most important breeding sites have plummeted by nearly a third this year, as climate change and disease continue to devastate the rare seabirds. The dramatic decline at Long Nanny near Beadnell in Northumberland highlights the mounting pressures facing Britain's coastal wildlife.
The National Trust, which manages the site, recorded just 724 occupied Arctic tern nests this year compared to 1,037 in 2024. This represents a stark 30% drop in breeding pairs returning to the protected Northumberland coastline.
Spring tide destroys nests
The decline comes just weeks after a high spring tide swept away nests belonging to both Arctic and little terns at Long Nanny. Rangers had worked tirelessly to protect the breeding sites from extreme weather, but rising seas proved too powerful for their defences.
National Trust conservationists warn that seabirds across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges from climate change. Stronger storms and rising sea levels are combining with devastating outbreaks of bird flu to threaten entire colonies along Britain's coasts.
Red list species under threat
The Arctic tern's plight reflects a broader crisis for UK seabirds. Last year, the species was added to the "red list" of highest conservation concern, recognising the severe threats to its survival.
These remarkable birds undertake one of nature's longest migrations, flying from the Arctic to the UK before continuing to Antarctica. Their annual journey covers between 44,000 and 59,000 miles, making them true champions of endurance.
Climate change impacts mounting
James Porteus, Lead Ranger for the National Trust at Long Nanny, said the decline was deeply concerning. "After several difficult years due to storms washing out nests and then bird flu, we have been saddened by the drop in Arctic tern numbers returning to Long Nanny this year to breed," he explained.
Porteus suspects multiple factors are behind the decline, including climate change, reduced food availability and avian influenza. "Arctic terns have been badly impacted by the disease at their breeding sites here in the UK in recent years, but we don't know how the species has been affected by the disease outside of the nesting season," he added.
Rangers protect fragile colonies
Seven National Trust rangers monitor the breeding birds at Long Nanny throughout the summer months. They rope off around 10 hectares of fragile dunes and beaches, protecting nests from disturbance and predators including foxes, badgers and stoats.
The conservation efforts have shown remarkable success since the Trust began managing the site in 1977. Back then, not a single Arctic tern nested at Long Nanny, with only a handful of little tern pairs present.
Peak numbers now distant memory
Arctic tern numbers reached their peak in 2018, when more than 2,800 nests were recorded at the site. Little terns achieved their highest numbers much earlier, with 57 pairs nesting in 1994.
Despite the rangers' dedication, Porteus acknowledges the limitations of their work. "Despite our best efforts, even the most carefully protected nests can be lost in a single tide," he said. "The changing fortunes of these remarkable coastal birds underscore just how vulnerable our seabird colonies are."
Hope remains for recovery
Some positive signs have emerged from this challenging breeding season. Ten pairs of little terns have made a second nesting attempt at Long Nanny, whilst other birds may have relocated to nearby Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.
A very rare American black tern has also returned to the site for the sixth consecutive year. The bird, which was ringed last year to confirm its identity, made a breeding attempt with an Arctic tern in 2024.
Conservation work continues
Ben McCarthy, head of nature conservation and restoration ecology at the National Trust, praised the dedication of rangers and volunteers. "The importance of Long Nanny is testament to the work of the dedicated rangers and volunteers who work 24/7 to protect our precious seabirds," he said.
The Trust remains committed to protecting the Northumberland coast as a vital refuge for these extraordinary birds. "The Long Nanny and wider Northumberland coast will remain a focus of our conservation work to help these delicate birds continue their extraordinary lives," McCarthy added.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
