Fears dogs to blame for drop in little tern numbers
It has been the worst year for dogs getting too close to the nesting birds, a wildlife trust says.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Total dog count in the exclusion zone for May was 427 and that is only from monitoring between 14:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday."
— Derek Wood , Activist
"The birds are arriving already spooked by flooding and disturbance so any additional threat will probably move them on to another site."
— Derek Wood , Activist
"While the majority of dog owners are responsible and considerate, it’s really disappointing that some are taking dogs into the dog exclusion zone."
— Gemma Ptak , Executive
"These birds have chosen our coast after an incredible journey, and they’re relying on us to give them the space they need."
— Derek Wood , Activist
"після років поліпшення ситуації завдяки створенню безпечної зони навколо крячок він не має уявлення, чому все змінилося."
— Дерек Вуд , Activist
Key People
Tags
All Coverage
It has been the worst year for dogs getting too close to the nesting birds, a wildlife trust says.
Wildlife conservationists are alarmed by an unprecedented surge in dog-related disturbances affecting little tern breeding colonies this year, with unleashed dogs intruding upon their nesting sites along coastlines.
The population of little terns at Seaton Carew beach near Hartlepool, one of the UK's most important seabird colonies, has decreased by 50% due to uncontrolled dog walking.
Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust urge dog owners to take extra care to protect visitors and nesting little terns at Seaton Carew beach, highlighting breaches of the dog exclusion zone.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Only 28% of nurdles 'recovered', researchers say
Scientists predict that nurdles will continue to wash up on North East beaches.
September 30, 2026 at 12:16 PMTrust warns of 'tangible' climate threat to heritage sites
A National Trust manager says recent summers have "brought home" the impact of climate change.
October 4, 2026 at 06:21 AMButterfly populations 'could crash' due to weather
More than 77,000 butterflies were recorded in Devon while 47,000 were spotted in Cornwall this July.
September 26, 2026 at 11:05 AMBumblebee project seeking to help rare species
The programme to help the Moss carder species will focus on Cornwall, Kent and the North Pennines.
September 27, 2026 at 06:12 AMGetting river pollution investigated like 'pulling teeth'
Bristol residents say an oil-like substance has been bubbling up for years and killing wildlife.
September 28, 2026 at 05:02 AMHundreds of wildflowers to be planted at meadow
Friends of the Lake District wants to reintroduce species lost to some farming practices.
September 26, 2026 at 11:22 AM