Terns return to the Northumberland Coast
- Published:
- 01 July 2026
The sight and sound of the first terns arriving back on the Northumberland Coast after their long migration is always a welcome one, and we're delighted to see them back at their breeding site on the Long Nanny, between Beadnell and High Newton on the Northumberland Coast.
The UK breeding population of little terns is approximately 1600 pairs
Vulnerable nesting sites, combined with it's decline in numbers make this bird an Amber List species. It is also listed as a Schedule 1 species, which means that it is an offence to harm or disturb it.
Courtship begins with a fishy offering
Look out for an aerial display, during which the male will call, whilst carrying a fish, to attract a mate.
Arctic terns have the longest migration of any species
These "swallows of the sea" annually make the journey from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle.
Little terns
The protected seabird colony at Long Nanny is enjoying one of its most successful breeding seasons on record, with exceptional numbers of little terns nesting at the site in 2026.
A minimum of 126 pairs of little terns – the UK’s second rarest breeding seabird – are nesting at Long Nanny this year, comfortably surpassing the previous site record of 57 pairs set in 1994. The birds have made at least 158 nesting attempts, with 127 eggs and rangers have already counted at least 76 little tern chicks.
It could be a record breaking year - numbers of fledglings to be confirmed in a few weeks' time.
Arctic terns
The colony’s Arctic terns are also thriving, with the latest count recording 730 active nests, 153 empty but active scrapes and 1,346 eggs. Chicks are now hatching across the colony, with the oldest Arctic tern chicks already more than two weeks old.
Ringed Plover
These little birds are in decline and each year a small number do breed here. The rangers counted 7 nests with eggs.
Conservation and monitoring work
The dedicated team of National Trust rangers will now continue to spend the next couple of months either camping in tents on site or in our new ranger accomodation at Newton Point, working hard to protect these very special birds around the clock.
They will also continue to carry out vital conservation and monitoring work, including watching to see if the " brash islands" created in the winter by the volunteers to increase nesting habitat are successful.
Getting here:
The Long Nanny site is accessible on foot via the beach from either Beadnell to the north or High Newton to the south. From High Newton, follow signs to Newton Links House. Follow the road to the end and park in the council pay-and-display car park here, then follow the footpath onto the beach. Walk along the beach towards Beadnell for approximately 20 minutes, and then follow the signs into the dunes. You’ll spot the National Trust ranger hut and viewing area. Come and meet the rangers and enjoy close up views of the birds.
Please follow all local signage and diversions, and keep dogs on a short lead at all times to help to protect the birds.
Follow us on Instagram @northumberlandcoastnt for updates.
Little terns at Long Nanny have had the most successful breeding season since 1990 | © David Woodall 
Arctic tern perched on a sign at Long Nanny on the Northumberland coast | © National Trust/Mandy Fall
