Carr Vale Rafts for Biodiversity

The project aims to install four new large tern rafts at Carr Vale nature reserve to promote the nesting of Common Tern, Oystercatcher and Lesser Black-backed Gull, in particular. Carr Vale is an amazing haven for bird and other wildlife. There are currently two medium rafts and one small one which seem to be mostly occupied by Black-headed Gulls to the exclusion of other species. With the addition of these large rafts the chances of terns, oystercatchers and others nesting will increase significantly and thus biodiversity will be enhanced.

They will be positioned out in the open water, secured by 2 anchor weights per raft to ensure they remain in place and prevent them from spinning during strong winds. The rafts will also be covered with pea shingle, which is a suitable nesting substrate for terns, and have small shelters to protect the chicks from adverse weather and avian predators.