Since the 1980s, the population of little terns in Britain has declined by 50% due to the development of coastal breeding habitat, human disturbance and high levels of predation. Consequently, many colonies are extensively managed in order to protect little tern numbers across Britain.
Gronant is the only breeding colony of little tern in Wales. Due to hard work by wardens and local volunteers, it has become one of the most successful colonies in the British Isles.
Denbighshire Countryside Services, along with the help of dedicated volunteers and bird specialists, construct the protective fencing around the colony, warden the site every day, scare away predators and keep disturbance levels down, talk to visitors and beach users, and ring and monitor the birds to keep a track of what’s going on. This is done every year for the breeding season, lasting from April to August.
Learn about these special little birds and their home at Gronant with these fun and engaging KS2 classroom activity packs. Enjoy!
