Seabird Haven Reborn: Terns Thrive After Bird Flu Crisis

In 2026, Sandwich Terns have nested at RSPB Pagham Harbour in West Sussex in unprecedented numbers, establishing one of England's largest breeding sites. This remarkable recovery follows a severe H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in 2022 that decimated seabird colonies across the UK.

The 2022 outbreak proved particularly devastating for Sandwich Terns, whose tendency to nest in dense colonies facilitated rapid virus spread. This led to significant losses of adult birds and chicks, causing the Pagham Harbour colony to collapse, leaving its future uncertain.

Following years of dedicated habitat work and predator control by RSPB staff, volunteers, and wardens, the nesting site was revitalized. Measures included reshaping shingle islands, clearing vegetation, and installing protective fencing and grids.

The 2026 breeding season saw the colony surpass its pre-outbreak numbers, with hundreds of active nests and a high fledging rate. This success was supported by abundant food sources, such as sandeels and sprats.

The return of Sandwich Terns has also benefited other coastal species, including Common Terns and Mediterranean Gulls, which gain protection from predators through the terns' group defense.

This recovery offers crucial insights into wildlife resilience after disease outbreaks. The rapid rebound of the Sandwich Tern colony underscores the effectiveness of targeted conservation strategies in speeding up population recovery, providing a hopeful example for coastal wildlife.