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| Common Tern |
Loch Craignish, in Mid Argyll on the west coast of Scotland, is an area of great beauty which used to have a thriving sea-bird population nesting on the many outlying small islands. Unfortunately, in spite of a trapping programme, American mink have predated the nesting colonies, to the extent that in 2012 only 1 pair of Common Terns was seen at the head of the loch.
This project proposes to emulate a successful trial in nearby Loch
Creran, whereby a disused pontoon has beenl be converted into a mink-proof
raft which is covered with suitable nesting material (turf and
pebbles) and anchored off Eiln Inshaig, which lies about 200m from the
shore in the village of Ardfern. Perimeter netting has been be fitted to the
raft, to prevent young birds from falling off. Instant results are not
expected, but it is hoped that over the next 10-15 years the numbers of
Common Terns which will nest on the raft will gradually increase, thus
restoring the number of birds in the area to their former levels.
The project is overseen by Craignish Community Company (C3), the local development trust with support from local business, Ardfern Yacht Centre.
Help us fund more marine conservation projects around the UK. Find out how you can be a Sea-Changer by visiting our website or simply texting SEAS10£1 to 70070 today. Every penny you donate goes directly to projects like the CraignishTern Project, working to make a real difference.
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| The mink-proof raft which is covered with suitable nesting material (turf and pebbles) and anchored off Eiln Inshaig |
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