Sandwich tern success at Forvie National Nature Reserve - NatureScot

Sandwich terns at NatureScot’s Forvie National Nature Reserve (NNR) have had their best breeding season for decades.

This is particularly good news after colonies were devastated by avian flu two years ago. The peak count of 1,102 fledged young was the highest recorded at the reserve since at least the mid-1980s.

Forvie is hugely important for the species, a summer visitor to our coastline, with up to 10% of the UK population breeding there some years.

Each year, staff and volunteers erect a special enclosure on the south of the reserve to help protect the nests of this species, as well as other terns, gulls and eiders, from disturbance. Efforts with fencing and monitoring appear to have paid off this year.

NatureScot Reserve Manager Catriona Reid said: “Two years ago, the Sandwich tern colony at the reserve was devastated by avian flu, with more than 800 fledglings found dead. So, when it comes to seabirds and all the challenges they face, it’s rare good news that this year we had a strong colony of 1,010 pairs. Even better, the peak count of 1,102 fledged young was a record in the 25 years I’ve worked for NatureScot, and going back even further to the 1980s. It’s been great to see the species bounce back here. As a special place for wildlife, much of which rates as nationally or even internationally important, our thanks go to all the visitors who respect the closure of south Forvie during the breeding season, minimising disturbance and allowing the birds the best possible chance of success.”