Floating Islands for Common Tern at North Cave Wetlands

North Cave Wetlands is a rapidly growing wildlife trust reserve and an exemplar for how industrial landscapes can be restored for the benefit of nature. It is a haven for wildlife and naturalists, with a patchwork of deep lakes, wet grassland, gravel islands, reedbed and hedgerows all contributing to the reserve’s success. Phase 1 of the former gravel quarry already supports 200 species of breeding, wintering and passage migrant birds, 200 plant species and 24 species of butterfly (including a number of red and amber list and BAP priority species) with major expansions planned as adjoining areas, still in production, are ‘worked out’. This project will protect a small but growing colony of the Amber List Common Tern by the provision of floating islands (rafts) in keeping with recognised conservation action plans.