A conservation project set up 40 years ago has been credited with helping protect little terns along the coasts of Norfolk and north Suffolk, where the threatened seabird is now enjoying a record breeding season. The RSPB's Tern Around project reports around 700 ground nests this year, and staff say the species' future looks far brighter than it did in 1986, thanks to volunteers and wardens who monitor breeding sites around the clock.

Little terns migrate roughly 3,000 miles (4,828km) from west Africa to breed on the UK coast, where they face threats including high tides, natural predators, poor summer weather, beach development and disturbance from beachgoers and dogs. So far in 2026, 81 volunteers have donated nearly 2,000 hours patrolling beaches from spring to late summer, checking protective fencing, removing predators such as hedgehogs, and urging visitors and dog walkers to keep their distance. Volunteers such as Mick Davies and Nora Dobson described the rewards of watching the birds nest, feed and teach their chicks to fly, while the RSPB said breeding numbers had remained steady over the years but the birds still face ongoing risks.