Timely intervention at Langstone Harbour Nature Reserve on Hayling Island has not only saved a key breeding ground for birds from adverse weather but also led to a bumper breeding season this year.
Through close partnership working Havant Borough Council, the RSPB and the Blue Marine Foundation, have not only restored part of the reserve for birds but also created opportunity for additional nature recovery on site.
At the beginning of the year, two lagoon islands at the heart of the site were raised and reshaped with 400 tonnes of shingle, restoring them to a perfect nesting location for terns, gulls & other shore nesting birds. The restored islands have proved an immediate success, with a marked increase in numbers nesting on the site this year.
The improvements proved timely; thanks to the newly increased height of the rebuilt islands a significant surge tide on Tuesday 27 May – which previously would have washed away almost all of the nests on site – instead led to a limited number of losses, with the vast majority of nests remaining safe and dry.
Successful breeding
This year saw 501 pairs of Black-headed Gulls nest – a hundred more than last year – whilst over 30 pairs of Common Terns nested on the newly restored islands and nesting rafts. This marks a great start to further nature recovery efforts at this site, which is one of the most important for breeding seabirds in the Solent region and of vital importance in southern England.
Throughout the year, the RSPB have been monitoring the progress of the restored islands at the reserve. Higher numbers of Common Terns have been recorded breeding on site, as have Black-headed Gulls.
For the first time in recent years, Sandwich Terns & Little Terns have also been using the islands with their fledged young once the breeding season was over. Visitors have been able to watch chicks being fed by their busy parents and take to the sky at the reserve.
Working together to help nature
The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Phil Munday said “I’m delighted to see the benefits of our partnership working at Langstone Harbour Nature Reserve, and that our efforts together have had immediate impact. The reserve is a wonderful asset and I’m pleased to see our investment provide real dividends for nature.”
Wez Smith, RSPB Senior Project Manager for Coastal and Wetland Species Recovery said “It’s great to see the seabird numbers recover at the old oyster beds after the significant habitat restoration that has been carried out as part of the LIFE on the Edge Project. This site is one of the most amazing on the English south coast and a real gem here on the shores of Langstone Harbour. There’s a great potential for a future richer in nature here for new generations of wildlife and people, and we’re happy to be working in partnership as part of our joint Solent Seascape ambition to see that take place”.
Dr Luke Helmer, Restoration Science Manager for Blue Marine Foundation said “It’s amazing to see the nature restoration work taking place at this site, and we are really hoping that the area could become a hub for our native oyster restoration efforts as well. If we get more oysters back in the Solent, they can start to filter the water and provide essential habitat for a variety of fish species, some of which are a vital food source for the seabirds in the area.”
