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.