Wildlife

UK Roseate Tern Conservation and Colony Management

Conservation of roseate terns, the UK's rarest seabird, and management of breeding colonies.

Key Facts

Fewer than 100 pairs of roseate terns breed in the UK each year
Rockabill in Ireland holds the largest European roseate tern colony
Nest box provision on UK colonies increases breeding success significantly
African wintering grounds are a conservation challenge for migratory populations
Colour-ringing enables individual monitoring and survival rate estimation

Welfare Considerations

Individual roseate terns face welfare risks from predation, human disturbance, and food shortage, with colony management directly affecting breeding welfare.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB roseate tern conservation at Coquet Island
Avoid disturbing seabird colony sites during breeding season
Donate to international roseate tern conservation through the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust