Burntwick Island lies in the Medway estuary, nestled between Chatham Docks and the Isle of Sheppey. For the last 25 years, this shingled rump off the north Kent coast has been home to one of the largest colonies of Sandwich terns on the east coast of England.
At its peak in 2003, this amazing colony supported 700 breeding pairs of these impressive seabirds. With just 12,000 pairs in the UK, the colony is hugely important. Sadly, it is at risk. In June last year, during lockdown, someone camped overnight where the birds were nesting, and the colony abandoned the site.
The RSPB knows the value of our great outdoors is very important for people’s wellbeing. We want people to experience the beauty of nature and immerse themselves in the joy that it brings. But we need people to do so without putting it at risk.
Islands like Burntwick and other beaches are home to nesting terns, gulls and waders such as ringed plover and oystercatcher. They are extremely vulnerable to people disturbing them. Adult birds can fly off, but chicks and eggs are left exposed to the weather and any passing creature looking for an easy meal.
People do not set out to disturb wildlife when out enjoying themselves, but we know that last year many beach-nesting birds came under intense pressure and often failed to produce any young.
We ask everyone visiting the coast this spring and summer to play their part to help these amazing beach-nesting birds by following a few simple steps:
For the Burntwick Sandwich terns, a host of different organisations will be doing their bit this coming season. With the permission of the island’s owners, Peel Ports, and the support of Natural England, signs and a rope cordon will be put in place asking people not to land.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, Birdwise North Kent, Kent Police Marine Unit and the Kent Ornithological Society for their support with this project.
Mark Nowers March 2021
RSPB Conservation Officer