One Planet News: How Second World War Military Structures are helping the Species on the Edge project
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by Annette J Beveridge
Common Terns are in trouble.
Disease, habitat loss, predation and food shortages are all playing a role in restricting population numbers.
Four disused military structures are now being converted into nesting sites for the Common Tern so they can have safe breeding habitats.
The project Species on the Edge will use the derelict Second World War pillboxes at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg.
The pillboxes were built in 1940 as part of an anti-tank stop line to protect from invasion, but now they will safeguard a species in need.
Trainee Luke Butler from Species on the Edge has been leading the conservation work.
The pillbox roofs have been covered with shingle substrate and mesh fencing has been installed on wooden frames to protect against predators.
The design mimics the natural gravel and shingle sites where Common Terns typically build their simple nests.
Luke Butler said: “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.”
The aim of the project is to boost the population at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg which is the UK’s largest dune loch. By increasing these safe nesting sites, it is hoped that these protected areas will help the species to recover.
Sound lures playing tern calls and model terns placed on the modified pillboxes will be used to encourage Common Terns to nest there.
Robyn Stewart, Species and Habitats Officer with RSPB and the Species on the Edge lead for the programme’s tern work, said: “The tern pillboxes are maybe one of the most innovative examples of upcycling I’ve come across and are a testament to the creativity and dedication of Luke and the wider RSPB Loch of Strathbeg team who have supported this project.
“The east coast of Scotland is incredibly important for terns and the pillboxes will provide some much-needed breeding habitat for Common Terns to raise their chicks free from disturbance and predation.”