Solent seabird recovery sees black-headed gull and tern surge
Targeted conservation in the Solent has driven a dramatic recovery of seabird populations, with black-headed gull fledglings increasing tenfold and sandwich terns rebounding from local extinction after the 2022 avian flu outbreak.
Black-headed gull fledglings surged from 51 in 2025 to 504 in 2026 at RSPB Pagham Harbour. Meanwhile, the sandwich tern colony, which was completely wiped out by bird flu in 2022, rebounded to 756 breeding pairs in just three years. This summer, the site produced 570 sandwich tern fledglings.
These figures mark a significant recovery for the Solent region's seabirds. The efforts are part of the long-term Solent Seascape project, a multi-partner initiative led by the Blue Marine Foundation. The project spans 52,000 hectares of coastline and estuary between England's south coast and the Isle of Wight. It aims to restore coastal nesting sites, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and saltmarsh.
Targeted conservation actions support nesting success
Conservation work across the 52,000 hectares included a suite of targeted interventions. Special fencing was installed to exclude mammalian predators like foxes. Rangers monitored for the presence of rats and conducted in-person patrols throughout the nesting season to minimise disturbance from visitors. Selective removal of vegetation created space for shorebirds to nest.
At RSPB Medmerry, floating rafts provided predator-free spaces for common terns and black-headed gulls to nest. These rafts also boosted common tern breeding numbers at West Hayling. Volunteers and rangers patrolled to raise awareness about the vulnerability of ground-nesting birds. Dog-friendly exercise areas were provided away from sensitive nesting zones.
Broader ecosystem gains across the Solent Seascape project
The Solent Seascape project involves ten partner organizations, including the University of Portsmouth and local wildlife trusts. Its work has stabilized populations of other shorebirds, including ringed plovers and oystercatchers, along the coastline. The Solent estuary is a vital ecological corridor for migratory and breeding seabirds.
The project's ecological recovery work recently received international recognition from the United Nations. RSPB worked alongside the Solent Seascape Project on this conservation work over several years.
Additional species show signs of recovery
Other species are benefiting from the enhanced habitat management. Avocets had 18 pairs nesting on newly created islands within a saline lagoon at Ferry Pool. This year, 24 avocet fledglings were recorded there. The wetland enhancement was part of the 'Downs to the Sea' project.
Little terns also showed improvement. Their breeding pairs increased from 21 in 2024 to 34 in 2025. The RSPB stated that the works have improved wetland havens for birds, mammals, and invertebrates. New pathways, viewing platforms, and benches have enhanced the visitor experience at RSPB Pagham Harbour.
National seabird populations continue to face sustained pressure from climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss. The sudden introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2022 compounded these chronic stressors. Wez Smith, senior project manager for the RSPB, indicated that the local recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of focused intervention. Ongoing management of the islands at RSPB Pagham Harbour is required to maintain peak breeding condition for seabirds.
