Little Tern colony in Denbighshire is ready for arrivals
The Gronant Dunes Little Terns Colony, which has been a sanctuary for the threatened species for more than two decades, is prepared to care for the birds and educate visitors.
Denbighshire Countryside Services, the North Wales Little Tern Group, and volunteers have completed the setup.
A 3.5km perimeter fence and a 3km electric fence have been installed to protect the birds from predators.
These will be removed at the end of the season to maintain the area's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
A visitor centre and bird hide have also been set up for the season.
Last year, the colony recorded 166 breeding pairs and 158 fledglings, a slight increase from 2023.
In 2024, two avocet chicks were successfully bred at Gronant for the first time.
North Denbighshire coastal ranger Claudia Smith said: "We have already seen the Little Terns start to arrive here and we are ready to protect and support them throughout this breeding season.
"None of what we do here would be possible without also the support of all the volunteers who help us."
She added: "Wardens are now on site, operating from the visitors centre who as well as protecting the birds, will be available to talk to visitors to the site and also collect information about this year's colony."
Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport and biodiversity champion, said: "For over two decades, countryside teams alongside volunteers have worked very hard to protect this site to make the colony a real area of significance for protecting the future populations of the Little Terns.
"Everyone involved can be immensely proud of what they do to maintain this bustling colony on Gronant Dunes."
Anyone interested in supporting the colony and other coastal projects can contact Ms Smith at claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk.
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