Nature reserve sees increase in sandwich tern fledglings

A COASTAL nature reserve has recorded its highest number of fledged sandwich terns in more than half a century after a project to improve the islands where they gather.

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Conservationists at RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk counted at least 205 fledged chicks this summer the most recorded on site since 1974.

It follows work to refresh existing islands in 2023 and the creation of artificial islands as part of a project to encourage more of the birds to breed at the reserve.

There were 295 breeding pairs at the reserve this year, with sandwich terns classed as a vulnerable species in the UK due to declines in population numbers and because they breed at only a few sites.