If you ask most people where birds make their nests, they’ll be likely to think of branches, hedges or cosy nest boxes.
But most of our coastal birds nest out in the open, directly on the ground.
Species like common terns, little terns, Sandwich terns and Mediterranean gulls rely on the Solent’s beaches, shingle banks and islands to raise their young. Alongside them, wading birds like ringed plovers and curlews depend on exposed habitats – places that are wonderful to visit, but easy to disturb.
Why ground nesting birds need our help
Ground nesting birds have evolved to thrive in open landscapes. Instead of hiding nests high up, they rely on camouflage and highly alert parents that work hard to protect their nests from danger.
Bustling tern colonies are bustling and noisy with eggs that are almost impossible to spot against the shingle, while ringed plovers lay eggs in shallow scrapes that are almost invisible.
This makes them incredibly vulnerable.
Terns nest on rafts and islands along the Solent
Spending time along the Solent coast is great for our health and wellbeing, but during the breeding season – March to August – unintentional disturbance can make it harder for birds to raise their young.
If adult birds are disturbed and leave their nests, eggs can cool quickly or become exposed to predators. Chicks, which often move around soon after hatching, can become separated or exhausted.
The good news is that by following the Bird Aware Solent Coastal Code, we can all help give these species the best chance of success.
Easy steps to help
- Look out for birds
Be observant when you’re on beaches and coastal paths. If you notice birds nearby, give them a very wide berth. Terns calling loudly or diving, alarm calls from wading birds, or even simply birds looking around towards you are all signs that you may be too close. - Give them space
If birds become alert to your presence or start to look agitated, move further away, so they can remain on their nests without stress. This simple step helps adults stay close enough to protect and incubate their eggs. - Keep dogs close
Even when dogs don’t mean any harm, to nesting birds they can feel like predators. Keeping them alongside you – especially in breeding season – helps reduce stress and prevents birds being scared off their nests. - Follow signs and site guidance
You’ll often see signage or temporary fencing protecting nesting areas, especially for nesting terns and ringed plovers. Thanks for following the requests these signs make. - Stick to main paths and open areas
Keeping to marked routes and paths helps avoid accidentally disturbing a hidden nest. - Give sensitive spits and islands space
If you’re out on the water, avoid landing on spits and small islands, particularly along the New Forest coastline and eastern harbours.
Spotlight on Solent nesting species
Terns
Common, little and Sandwich terns travel from Africa each year to breed here.
They nest in colonies on shingle and islands, making them especially sensitive to disturbance.
Little terns are one of the UK’s rarest seabirds – every chick counts.
A little tern and its chick
Mediterranean gulls
Now a familiar sight in parts of the Solent, these striking gulls rely on safe, undisturbed nesting areas.
Mediterranean gulls gather to find a mate
Ringed plovers
These small birds nest directly on beaches around the Solent. Their eggs and chicks are so well camouflaged they can easily be missed – which is why giving them space is so important.
A nesting ringed plover
Curlews
Curlews are one of the UK’s most threatened birds but are an iconic part of the Solent landscape.
Reducing disturbance wherever they nest is vital to their future.
A curlew chick
Thank you to everyone who takes extra care along our coastlines to help all nesting birds so that tern colonies thrive, ringed plover chicks forage more safely along our beaches, and curlews continue to call across our landscapes.
