How are World War II pillboxes being used for conservation?

World War II anti-tank pillboxes on the Aberdeenshire coast have been converted into nesting sites for common terns.

Where are these historic defenses being repurposed?

The pillboxes are located at the Loch of Strathbeg on the Aberdeenshire coast, near Fraserburgh, and are part of an RSPB Scotland reserve.

What measures are in place to protect the terns?

The tops of the pillboxes are covered with shingle to mimic natural nesting areas, and mesh fencing has been installed to protect the terns from predators.

Home / Environment / WWII Pillboxes Become Tern Sanctuaries

WWII Pillboxes Become Tern Sanctuaries

5 Feb

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Summary

WWII anti-tank defenses transformed into nesting sites.
Structures at Loch of Strathbeg now host common terns.
Project aims to boost seabird numbers using historic sites.

World War II anti-tank defenses on the Aberdeenshire coast have been transformed into vital nesting sites, offering a new lease on life for common terns. The concrete pillboxes, originally constructed in 1940 to guard the coastline near Fraserburgh against invasion, are now being utilized by the Species on the Edge conservation project.

These 85-year-old structures at the RSPB Scotland reserve have undergone a significant conversion. Their tops have been covered with shingle, replicating the stony beaches and gravel areas where terns naturally build their nests. Mesh fencing has also been erected to shield the birds and their young from potential predators.

Luke Butler, who led the conversion efforts, expressed enthusiasm for turning these wartime relics into sanctuaries. "It's great to be transforming these relics of wartime defence into sanctuaries that could bring new life to the reserve and help create a securer future for common terns in Scotland," he stated. To further encourage the terns, recordings of their calls and models of the birds have been placed on the pillboxes.