WWT Washington Breeding Bird Habitat Creation

WWT Washington is of outstanding ornithological interest, hosting one of the most northerly British populations of breeding avocet and a locally significant population of common tern. The project targets the expansion of common tern and avocet populations, currently at ‘carrying capacity’ on existing breeding territories, through increasing suitable habitat. Both species nest on sparsely vegetated shingle islands and tend to return to the same breeding site each year. The project involves creating a breeding island of similar type adjacent to the existing island, renovating the existing island and creating a roosting spit. A shingle apron will be created on the lake margins to provide nesting habitat for little ringed plover and oystercatcher. A hard causeway will be created and an access track will be renewed to facilitate construction and on-going maintenance. Additionally, a bank will be landscaped to provide habitat for sand martin and the non-native invasive plant Crassula helmsii will be controlled.