Terns return to the Northumberland Coast
- Published:
- 20 May 2025
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.
Arctic terns
The Arctic terns are back at the Long Nanny site and the ranger team have spotted the first egg. The team will be carrying out nest counts soon to get a picture of how the population here is looking.
Little terns
The site is nationally significant for these birds and the rangers are delighted to see them back here in good numbers. As with the Arctic terns, the rangers will soon be carrying out nest counts.
Ringed Plover
These little birds are in decline and each year a small number do breed here. Some are now on eggs and the team have roped off a scrape that is in a particularly high risk area to protect it.
Conservation and monitoring work
The dedicated team of National Trust rangers will now spend the next 3 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 be carrying out vital conservation and monitoring work, including watching to see if the " brash islands" created 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.
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
