Every summer, teams of volunteer little tern wardens support the EU LIFE Little Tern Project by monitoring the beaches at sites around the UK where these special birds make their homes.
Volunteering at a little tern colony provides an opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team working on some of the most beautiful beaches around the UK.
Today we hear from guest blogger, Christine Maresma Pares, Little Tern Volunteer, Gronant, Denbighshire, about her experiences.
I started volunteering for the Little Tern Project in 2015, after reading an article in the local press asking for volunteers to help monitor and protect the last little tern colony in Wales. I’ve always loved birds and thought it was something I could get involved with during the summer months, especially as it was quite local to me. So I went along one day and introduced myself to the wardens at Gronant Dunes. That summer I went at least twice weekly and assisted in anyway I could, be it ‘scaring’ away predators, or litter picking on the beach. Last year I was ‘in at the beginning’ of the season and so was able to help with the construction of the electric fences put up around the little tern colony to deter predators such as foxes and stoats. Volunteers can always find something to do, and removing litter from the electric fence after high tides is another task that needs tackling.
Little terns will soon be arriving on our shores to nest Photo credit: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
At the end of the season I attended the AGM organised by Denbighshire Countryside Services/Denbighshire County Council and along with a few other regular volunteers decided to set up the North Wales Little Tern Group, of which I became secretary, to help raise awareness of the little terns’ situation. We’ve managed to recruit more volunteers and raised some funds for equipment. Word is spreading and the group is gathering momentum. I’m really pleased with the progress we’ve made, and proud to be a part of it.
I might not have been a volunteer for long but I thoroughly enjoy getting out and about in all weathers and meeting like-minded people who have become friends. In the winter months I am still occupied attending meetings and writing up minutes, dealing with correspondence, and commenting on social media. Since getting involved I have increased my knowledge of little terns and other wildlife, and really appreciate the fact that I’m still learning – ‘after all these years!
As well as belonging to the Little Tern Group, I also volunteer for the North Wales Wildlife Trust. I think there are lots of volunteering opportunities to suit all types of people and it’s great to be a part of something like this. If anyone is considering volunteering I’d say go ahead, the benefits are undeniable.
If you’d like to find out about little tern volunteering opportunities please click on this link.