Terns return to the Northumberland Coast
- Published:
- 19 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.
Visit
Visitors are welcome to walk along the beach from High Newton or Beadnell to get a close up look at birds and to find out more from the rangers and volunteers.
Disturbance has a devastating on these birds. To help us to protect the birds please keep dogs on a short lead at all times and follow all local signage and diversions.
We will be sharing regular updates here, and also via our Instagram account, you can follow us @northumberlandcoastnt.
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
