New home for rare birds at Normandy Lagoon in Lymington

Small islands have been created to provide homes for vulnerable birds to nest and raise their chicks on.

And they had to be created in a strict time frame while social distancing.

Birds such as terns and ringed plover lay their eggs directly onto the beach. These nests are little more than shallow scrapes, with heavily camouflaged eggs helping them to stay hidden from predators like gulls.

This also makes it hard for people to spot the nests and accidental human disturbance can result in multiple nests being destroyed each year. Nests on beaches are also at risk from extreme weather and high tides, which can wash them away.

Due to the risks associated with nesting on the beach, many beach-nesting species are struggling to survive in the UK and new methods are being explored to protect these birds. One of these methods is creating new spaces for them to nest, in areas sheltered from the weather and potential disturbance.

The new and re-profiled islands in Normandy Lagoon are an example of this technique and its success. They provide the perfect refuge for beach-nesting birds, because the seawall shelters them from storms and high tides, meaning nests are less likely to be washed away.

Local volunteers have also helped erect new fences around the islands, to help protect the nests from predators. This work was made possible by the EU LIFE+ Programme funding and the hard work of local volunteers and staff.

Pete Durnell, Hampshire County Council Site Manager, said: "It was hard working in the rain but it’s worth it to know we’re helping create a safe home for these vulnerable birds. We can now look out at the new nests on the islands, and know we’ve had a part to play in saving beach nesting birds in the Solent."

Mark Appleton, Tern ranger, said: "Creating the fence came with a lot of challenges, as it could only be done in a very short time span when there are no risk to birds. In the summer we have nesting birds raising chicks and in the winter we have waders and ducks feeding. We managed to erect the fence at the end of the winter, with minimal impact on birds, although it did mean the weather was awful."

The islands are a clear success, as already wading birds such as avocets, redshank, little ringed plover and oyster catcher, as well as little terns and common terns have all successfully nested on the islands this summer.

Mark added: "2020 has been the first year that terns have really taken advantage of the islands on Normandy Lagoon. These islands are tailor-made for breeding birds, complete with shelters to protect chicks from predators and extreme weather. It’s wonderful to see all our hard work paying off."