
An RSPB reserve will construct a "beach-style" nesting pontoon for a species of seabird that breeds at the site.
Colonies of common terns migrate from Africa for the British summer, and raise their young at St Aidan's nature park near Castleford.
The wildlife charity has secured funding for a shale beach pontoon to replace the small wooden rafts that the birds had previously nested on.
Lydia Teague, manager at the RSPB's reserves in the Aire Valley, said the amber-listed common tern was "absolutely stunning, beautiful".
Teague said the species was nicknamed "sea swallow" because of its size and forked tail.
She added: "They take advantage of the small fish we have up here and our nice long days to raise their young."
Common terns prefer areas surrounded by water with protection from ground predators.
They nest on shingle beaches, but are increasingly suffering from disturbance and are now classed as at moderate risk of conservation concern because of significant population decline in the past 40 years.
Teague said: "Common terns do nest in continental Europe but we want to make sure we don't lose these species from the British Isles."
The new artificial raft at St Aidan's will mean the birds "can settle together and feel safer," she added.
It will also reduce competition with the larger black-headed gull for breeding space at the site, as both species prefer the same habitat.
The pontoon will be installed at a time that is beneficial to the terns to prevent other birds colonising the space first.
"The common tern arrives back in the UK from mid-April," Teague said.
"Black-headed gulls have already settled down by then and are sitting on their nests.
"It's all in the timing."
Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
latest_posts
- 1
Syrian army says recent drone attacks targeted its bases near Iraq, most shot down - 2
Your kid wants it now. What saying yes, no or not yet teaches kids about money and instant gratification. - 3
Hoist Your Style: Famous Hairdos for Ladies - 4
Ocean side Objections: Staggering Waterfront Breaks - 5
Best Food Truck Cooking: Decision in favor of Your Number one!
This Canadian crater looks like marbled meat | Space photo of the day for Jan. 6, 2026
South Carolina measles outbreak grows by nearly 100, spreads to North Carolina and Ohio
NASA chief Jared Isaacman says Texas may get a moonship, not space shuttle Discovery
Live long and loiter: Why NASA's ESCAPADE probes will wait a year in space before heading to Mars
Twins were the norm for our ancient primate ancestors − one baby at a time had evolutionary advantages
Understanding Preschool Projects: Cultivating Abilities and Advancement
Physicists and philosophers have long struggled to understand the nature of time: Here's why
Peloton recalls more than 800,000 bikes after broken seat posts injure users
6 Nations for Setting up camp












