Volunteers prepare for return of rare bird

Conservationists in East Durham have been making preparations for the arrival of some special visitors.

An internationally important colony of little terns is once again expected to travel from West Africa to District of Easington to breed.

The rare birds nest at Crimdon beach from May to September, and to prevent them being disturbed a fence is usually erected around the area.

District of Easington Council’s Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers, Hartlepool Countryside Wardens and volunteers from Natural England, the National Trust and the Industry Nature Conservation Association carried out the preparation work earlier this month.

The volunteers have already constructed a hide, which they will use to monitor the birds and ensure they are not disturbed by predators.

Mark Frain, Coast and Countryside Ranger, said: “Our volunteers are on site seven days a week for eight or more hours a day and their efforts have had a massive impact.

“Last year the colony was the most successful in Britain and Ireland when it produced 110 healthy fledglings compared to 47 the year before.”

Volunteers will be on hand to talk to visitors about the little terns and hand out information about wider work to maintain and conserve the district’s beauty spots.