Wardens needed ahead of little terns' return
Steve LindsayWardens are needed to help instal fencing and monitor a colony of rare seabirds which are expected to arrive within weeks.
Little terns are currently flying thousands of miles from west Africa to Seaton Carew, their chosen nesting site since 2019.
Protective fencing will be put in place around the nesting ground on 1 April by Tees Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers.
Preparing for the return of the terns, warden Derek Wood called it "a very exciting time of year" and said: "With the right protection and support, we can give them the best possible chance to raise their young successfully."
He said: "The fact that these birds travel thousands of miles and choose to nest here at Seaton Carew is something really special for the area."
This year an additional inner mesh fence is also being installed to add a second line of defence for the seabirds against predators such as foxes.
Wardens and volunteers will be on site from mid to late April to monitor the colony and educate visitors coming to see the birds.
Little terns, the smallest terns in the UK, typically leave Seaton Carew in mid to late August.
The species is currently classed as amber on the UK list of conservation concern.
