Latest news with #LittleTerns
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Little Tern colony in Denbighshire is ready for arrivals
The Gronant Dunes Little Terns Colony, which has been a sanctuary for the threatened species for more than two decades, is prepared to care for the birds and educate visitors. Denbighshire Countryside Services, the North Wales Little Tern Group, and volunteers have completed the setup. A 3.5km perimeter fence and a 3km electric fence have been installed to protect the birds from predators. These will be removed at the end of the season to maintain the area's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A visitor centre and bird hide have also been set up for the season. Last year, the colony recorded 166 breeding pairs and 158 fledglings, a slight increase from 2023. In 2024, two avocet chicks were successfully bred at Gronant for the first time. North Denbighshire coastal ranger Claudia Smith said: "We have already seen the Little Terns start to arrive here and we are ready to protect and support them throughout this breeding season. "None of what we do here would be possible without also the support of all the volunteers who help us." She added: "Wardens are now on site, operating from the visitors centre who as well as protecting the birds, will be available to talk to visitors to the site and also collect information about this year's colony." Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport and biodiversity champion, said: "For over two decades, countryside teams alongside volunteers have worked very hard to protect this site to make the colony a real area of significance for protecting the future populations of the Little Terns. "Everyone involved can be immensely proud of what they do to maintain this bustling colony on Gronant Dunes." Anyone interested in supporting the colony and other coastal projects can contact Ms Smith at
Leader Live
16-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Little Tern colony in Denbighshire is ready for arrivals
The Gronant Dunes Little Terns Colony, which has been a sanctuary for the threatened species for more than two decades, is prepared to care for the birds and educate visitors. Denbighshire Countryside Services, the North Wales Little Tern Group, and volunteers have completed the setup. A 3.5km perimeter fence and a 3km electric fence have been installed to protect the birds from predators. These will be removed at the end of the season to maintain the area's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A visitor centre and bird hide have also been set up for the season. Last year, the colony recorded 166 breeding pairs and 158 fledglings, a slight increase from 2023. In 2024, two avocet chicks were successfully bred at Gronant for the first time. North Denbighshire coastal ranger Claudia Smith said: "We have already seen the Little Terns start to arrive here and we are ready to protect and support them throughout this breeding season. "None of what we do here would be possible without also the support of all the volunteers who help us." She added: "Wardens are now on site, operating from the visitors centre who as well as protecting the birds, will be available to talk to visitors to the site and also collect information about this year's colony." Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport and biodiversity champion, said: "For over two decades, countryside teams alongside volunteers have worked very hard to protect this site to make the colony a real area of significance for protecting the future populations of the Little Terns. "Everyone involved can be immensely proud of what they do to maintain this bustling colony on Gronant Dunes." Anyone interested in supporting the colony and other coastal projects can contact Ms Smith at
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Odisha's Hirakud islands abuzz with nesting migratory birds
SAMBALPUR: The Hirakud Dam reservoir has come alive this summer with the buzz of thousands of waders, known as shorebirds or water birds, in the 26 islands marking the onset of the breeding season. Over 10 species, including River Terns, Gull-Billed Terns, Little Terns, Oriental Pratincoles, and various egrets have laid thousands of eggs and are actively rearing their chicks. Their courtship displays, nesting rituals, and chick-rearing activities have filled the wetland with life, making it a hub of avian activity. Following the receding of winter waters, the islands began to emerge, attracting birds by mid-April. The absence of human interference and predators such as stray dogs, jackals, hyenas, wild dogs, and wolves makes these islands a sanctuary for nesting birds. In some islands, large breeding colonies of River Terns and Pratincoles are noticeable. The mother birds are seen vigilantly guarding their eggs and chicks from the scorching heat while also engaging in post-fledging care. Their camouflaged nests blend into the sandy terrain, providing natural protection.
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Our beautiful beach loved by Premier League stars is ‘destroyed' by ‘eyesore' 8ft fence – but alternative is even WORSE
It's located just a stone's throw away from a holiday hotspot enjoyed by Wayne Rooney's family SANDS BAD Our beautiful beach loved by Premier League stars is 'destroyed' by 'eyesore' 8ft fence – but alternative is even WORSE Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PICTURESQUE beach loved by Premier League stars is being "destroyed" by an "eyesore" eight-foot fence. Disgruntled locals have slammed the "nuisance" two-mile electric fence wreaking havoc in Gronant, North Wales. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Harry Maguire's wife Fern Hawkins and their family have also recently visited Presthaven Sands Credit: BackGrid 10 A two-mile electric fence has sparked some backlash at a popular North Wales holiday spot Credit: 10 The barrier is in place to protect rare wildlife Credit: The boundary has been erected by council staff and wildlife experts to protect rare birds from foxes, crows, dogs and tourists. It's located just a stone's throw away from a holiday hotspot enjoyed by former England striker Wayne Rooney, wife Coleen Rooney and children. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Fern Hawkins have also recently visited Presthaven Sands with their family. And, ex-Three Lions Rio Ferdinand has stayed there too with wife Kate. But residents say the area could be blighted by the massive border, which is set to go up over the sand dunes. Council officials maintain it is necessary to keep Little Terns, which which fly to the UK from west Africa at the end of April, safe. The fence will stay until the end of August. Dog walker Rhodri Jones, 67, told The Sun: 'It's there for a good reason but it is a bit of an odd eyesore on such a beautiful beach. 'It can be a bit of a nuisance if the tide is in and you have to make a detour but the birds do need protecting.' Coastal ranger Rick Masson said: 'When you first come across it, it can seem pretty odd. 'I thought that myself. But it's vital and is doing a real good job for the birds. 'We've had a steady increase in the number of Little Terns and this is one of the few places they come to breed. 'People come from all over the country and even Europe to come and see them and there's always a ranger here. Looking over the sand dunes, he added: 'I haven't heard people grumble about the fence but you do get the odd one. 10 E x-Three Lions Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have stayed there too Credit: Instagram 10 The beach is a stone's throw away from a caravan site loved by Wayne and Coleen Rooney Credit: instagram 10 A dog walker dubbed the fence 'a nuisance' Credit: 'Most people understand why it's here and they just have to go round it.' The Little Tern arrives back in Britain from West Africa at the end of April to breed on sand or shingle beaches, spits or small inshore islands. The beach at Gronant offers good nesting habitat as it is made up of a perfect mix of shingle and sand in areas. It is the only breeding ground in Wales. Last year, 166 breeding pairs were recorded and 158 fledglings were counted - a small increase on the previous year. However crows managed to snatch 60 eggs in 2005, while a fox got inside in 2017 resulting in the loss of 160 eggs after a storm blew away sand under a fence. Retired teacher Denis Pithon, 77, said: "It's a good thing the fence is there to protect them. 'Most people are in favour of it and everyone understands the birds need protecting. 'Their main danger is the North Wales weather especially if there is a storm and then a fox gets in.' This comes as locals from another seaside resort say their town is being ruined by millions of day-trippers who fight, drink and use drugs in the street. Weymouth in Dorset is famous for its sandy beaches, which attracts two million day trips a year and millions of holidaymakers' money annually. But recently, some locals and BnB and hotel owners have been left fuming following reports of fights, drinking and even drug deals in their streets. Elsewhere, fuming residents say their town has been destroyed by "scumbag" social media tourists who bring "vomiting drunks" to the area. Whitby in North Yorkshire is famous for its towering cliffs, unspoilt beaches and award-winning fish and chips. But locals are fed-up with "talentless" influencers wreaking havoc in the seaside town. Our beautiful seaside town is ruined by NUDISTS who openly have sex all over our beach By Summer Raemason FUMING locals have blasted nudists who openly have sex on a popular UK holiday beach. Disgruntled residents have slammed beachgoers who strip off at Corton beach, near Lowestoft in Suffolk. An official warning sign was put up just weeks ago on the sands but has since been mysteriously taken down. The holiday hotspot fronts a retirement village - but people living there say they are fed-up. Local Steve Shepherd, 68, a retired newspaper executive, told The Sun: "It's no longer safe to take children there to play on their beach. "It started about three years ago and has got worse every year since since – I was with my two and three-year-old grandchildren last summer and there were naked men deliberately showing off and flaunting themselves. 'It is so offensive that we can no longer take our grandchildren to play on the beach. Unfortunately the beach is now getting a reputation – and becoming famous - so the problem will only get worse. 'Apart from the holidaymakers here there are people who live her all the time and now in the summer they can't go down to the sea.' The Azure Seas village, which has more than 100 holiday and permanent cabins and homes which cost up to £200,000, is set in 15 acres of woodland on the cliffs overlooking the controversial beach and has its own direct access to the sea. Sales manager Duncan Gooch said: 'It's got nothing to do with nudity what so ever – it is the behaviour of some who go there, a group who think it is OK to indulge in lewd and sexual behaviour on the beach, openly in front of other people. 'It is blatant and deliberate – some are clearly exhibitionists and we take offence – as does everyone living or staying here – at their behaviour. 'Things have got worse over recent so year and are now so bad that a lot of people simply won't go onto the beach because it is full of naked exhibitionists parading up and down and having sex. "We have complained to the police and they say they will look into it. 'But they told us there was nothing we could do about it. Callers who complain are simply give a reference number. "We have 100 holiday and permanent homes here but this perverted sexual activity – which goes on from dawn until after dusk – is not what they want to see.' 10 It has been erected by the council and wildlife conservation experts Credit: 10 Little Terns fly to the UK from west Africa at the end of April Credit: 10 Nick Morran, Wildlife warden for Denbighshire council Credit:
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Our beautiful beach loved by Premier League stars is ‘destroyed' by ‘eyesore' 8ft fence – but alternative is even WORSE
A PICTURESQUE beach loved by Premier League stars is being "destroyed" by an "eyesore" eight-foot fence. Disgruntled locals have slammed the "nuisance" two-mile electric fence wreaking havoc in Gronant, North Wales. Advertisement 10 Harry Maguire's wife Fern Hawkins and their family have also recently visited Presthaven Sands Credit: BackGrid 10 A two-mile electric fence has sparked some backlash at a popular North Wales holiday spot Credit: 10 The barrier is in place to protect rare wildlife Credit: The boundary has been erected by council staff and wildlife experts to protect rare birds from foxes, crows, dogs and tourists. It's located just a stone's throw away from a holiday hotspot enjoyed by former England striker Wayne Rooney, wife Manchester United defender And, ex-Three Lions Rio Ferdinand has stayed there too with wife Advertisement Read More But residents say the area could be blighted by the massive border, which is set to go up over the sand dunes. Council officials maintain it is necessary to keep Little Terns, which which fly to the UK from west Africa at the end of April, safe. The fence will stay until the end of August. Dog walker Rhodri Jones, 67, told The Sun: 'It's there for a good reason but it is a bit of an odd eyesore on such a beautiful beach. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Exclusive Breaking 'It can be a bit of a nuisance if the tide is in and you have to make a detour but the birds do need protecting.' Coastal ranger Rick Masson said: 'When you first come across it, it can seem pretty odd. 'I thought that myself. But it's vital and is doing a real good job for the birds. 'We've had a steady increase in the number of Little Terns and this is one of the few places they come to breed. Advertisement 'People come from all over the country and even Europe to come and see them and there's always a ranger here. Looking over the sand dunes, he added: 'I haven't heard people grumble about the fence but you do get the odd one. 10 E x-Three Lions Rio Ferdinand and his wife Kate have stayed there too Credit: Instagram 10 The beach is a stone's throw away from a caravan site loved by Wayne and Coleen Rooney Credit: instagram Advertisement 10 A dog walker dubbed the fence 'a nuisance' Credit: 'Most people understand why it's here and they just have to go round it.' The Little Tern arrives back in Britain from West Africa at the end of April to breed on sand or shingle beaches, spits or small inshore islands. The beach at Gronant offers good nesting habitat as it is made up of a perfect mix of shingle and sand in areas. Advertisement It is the only breeding ground in Wales. Last year, 166 breeding pairs were recorded and 158 fledglings were counted - a small increase on the previous year. However crows managed to snatch 60 eggs in 2005, while a fox got inside in 2017 resulting in the loss of 160 eggs after a storm blew away sand under a fence. Retired teacher Denis Pithon, 77, said: "It's a good thing the fence is there to protect them. Advertisement 'Most people are in favour of it and everyone understands the birds need protecting. 'Their main danger is the North Wales weather especially if there is a storm and then a fox gets in.' This comes as locals from another seaside resort say their town is being ruined by millions of Weymouth in Dorset is famous for its sandy beaches, which attracts two million day trips a year and millions of holidaymakers' money annually. Advertisement But recently, some locals and BnB and hotel owners have been left fuming following reports of fights, drinking and even Elsewhere, fuming residents say their town has been destroyed by "scumbag" social media tourists who bring Whitby in North Yorkshire is famous for its towering cliffs, unspoilt beaches and award-winning fish and chips. But locals are fed-up with "talentless" influencers wreaking havoc in the seaside town. Advertisement Our beautiful seaside town is ruined by NUDISTS who openly have sex all over our beach By Summer Raemason FUMING locals have blasted nudists who openly have sex on a popular UK holiday beach. Disgruntled residents have slammed beachgoers who An official The Local Steve Shepherd, 68, a retired newspaper executive, told The Sun: "It's no longer safe to take children there to play on their beach. "It started about three years ago and has got worse every year since since – I was with my two and three-year-old grandchildren last summer and there were naked men deliberately showing off and flaunting themselves. 'It is so offensive that we can no longer take our grandchildren to play on the beach. Unfortunately the 'Apart from the The Azure Seas village, which has more than 100 holiday and permanent cabins and homes which cost up to £200,000, is set in 15 acres of woodland on the cliffs overlooking the controversial beach and has its own direct access to the sea. Sales manager Duncan Gooch said: 'It's got nothing to do with nudity what so ever – it is the behaviour of some who go there, a group who think it is OK to indulge in lewd and sexual behaviour on the beach, openly in front of other people. 'It is blatant and deliberate – some are clearly exhibitionists and we take offence – as does everyone living or staying here – at their behaviour. 'Things have got worse over recent so year and are now so bad that a lot of people simply won't go onto the beach because it is full of naked exhibitionists parading up and down and having sex. "We have complained to the police and they say they will look into it. 'But they told us there was nothing we could do about it. Callers who complain are simply give a reference number. "We have 100 holiday and permanent homes here but this perverted sexual activity – which goes on from dawn until after dusk – is not what they want to see.' 10 It has been erected by the council and wildlife conservation experts Credit: 10 Little Terns fly to the UK from west Africa at the end of April Credit: 10 Nick Morran, Wildlife warden for Denbighshire council Credit: 10 The beach is located just a stone's throw away from a holiday hotspot Credit: Alamy Advertisement
