Police called in to protect rare terns on Coquet Island

Jun 19 2009 by Tom Mullen, The Journal

POLICE have been called in to protect a colony of one of Europe’s rarest nesting birds off the North East coast.

Virtually all Britain’s breeding population of roseate terns can be found at the Coquet Island nature reserve off the coast of Northumberland.

The species is in long-term decline, and the reserve near Amble has been recognised by experts as the most important breeding ground in Europe for the striking seabird.

But egg thieves are known to have targeted the nests. Now police are joining forces with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to protect nests and hunt those responsible for taking eggs.

Roseate terns are protected by UK law and anyone found disturbing, killing, injuring or taking the birds, their nests, or eggs can face fines up to £5,000 or a six-month prison term.

PC Andy Swinburne, a Northumberland wildlife crime officer from Northumbria Police, said: “In the past these birds have attracted unwanted attention from egg thieves as well as reckless disturbance of their nests and chicks by authorised and unauthorised visitors to the Island.

“Police and the RSPB will use everything at our disposal to protect this internationally important population of roseate terns. We will be vigorously targeting the egg thieves whose illegal activities risk depriving the public of the pleasure of seeing roseate terns and other rare birds.

“Any incidents or offences will be investigated by Northumbria Police and the RSPB Investigations Department, with specialist resources being used if necessary in a bid to combat wildlife crime.”