In 2018, the Roseate Tern LIFE Recovery Project team installed a tern raft at Port Edgar to support the local common tern colony. In 2019, one hundred and eighteen common tern chicks fledged from the raft making it one of the most important colonies in the Firth of Forth. Unfortunately, since then, the raft has been damaged by storms and compounded by the effects of avian flu, the site has now been abandoned for breeding. The proejct sought to repair the damaged raft, add new anchors and create a more robust predator barrier. Cameras have also been fitted to help monitor the terns, provide images for public engagement and check on the state of the raft. Terns have been using the raft to breed sucessfully since the repairs.
“The project was primarily to deliver ecological benefits. Volunteers who helped out hopefully also benefitted from the positive mental and physical well-being impacts of active volunteering.”
In 2023 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £9,175 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.