A little tern colony near Hartlepool has recorded its toughest breeding season since establishing itself at Seaton Carew in 2019. The seabirds, which travel approximately 3,000 miles (4,828km) from West Africa, saw 83 nesting pairs produce just 17 fledglings this year, a significant decrease from 67 in 2025.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust attributed the difficult conditions to flooding and damage to the colony's perimeter fence, which was washed away by high tides earlier in the year. Lead warden Derek Wood also cited a late arrival of their inshore food supply and predation as contributing factors. In June, a 50% reduction in numbers was reported, which the team linked to dogs entering the exclusion zone.
Despite the challenges, plans are under way to improve the site and further protect the birds for their return from Africa in spring 2027. Little Terns are currently listed as amber on the UK list of conservation concern.