Over the last 5 years we have been part of the LIFE+ project for the recovery of the Little Terns . As part of the project we were able to carry out the construction of a new predator fencing and clearance work on the island. Over the last week a contractor has been out on the island carrying out this important habitat management work and species protection with the idea of protecting the seabird colony which has built up over the last few years. Before the LIFE+ project began the seabird totals for Pagham were 11 pairs of Little Tern primarily on the spit and 14 pairs of Common Tern of Tern Island. In 2017 the colony had increased to 300+ pairs Black Headed Gull, 21 pairs of Little Tern, 35 pairs Common Tern, 67 pairs of Sandwich Tern and 1 pair of Med Gull. So it looked as if the habitat suited the birds one little issue yet to over come within our control was mammalian predation and in 2018 the majority of the young terns were predated. Hence the project being carried out this week. it is hoped that the new fence will provide extra protection (if the birds nest inside it of course) but with further improvements to the habitat with he addition of sand patches we are looking forward to a productive season.
contractors hard at work
the area of shingle cleared
the new fence
Tern Island from the harbour
Even the nesting continued to watch undisturbed from her nest.