Beaches closed for nesting birds

Five chicks successfully fledged from eight pairs last year

A stretch of coastline where rare seabirds nest has been fenced off in West Sussex.

Little Terns nested at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve last year for the first time in a decade, with five young successfully fledged from eight pairs.

This year, the same area of shingle has been closed off again, in advance of the birds arriving.

The Little Tern is a migratory bird and comes to Britain to breed after spending the winter in West Africa.

There were nearly 40 birds at the harbour last year.

West Sussex County Council said last year's success was down to the temporary closure of the Church Norton Spit area, and the co-operation of the public.

Buffer zone

Councillor Louise Goldsmith, environment spokeswoman, said: "This year we have planned well in advance of the birds arriving.

"We have repositioned the protective fenced area to enclose the shingle which the birds used last year, and further areas of shingle to act as a buffer zone around the colony."

She said it was still possible for people to walk along the foreshore while remaining outside the protected area.

Information boards have been put up explaining the importance of the zone for the Little Terns and other species such as Common Terns, Oystercatchers, Ringed Plovers and Skylarks.

Little Terns are protected under national and international laws.