It is thought there are now only around 100 pairs of the seabirds in mainland UK, making the Ecréhous a site of national importance.
The reef is part of the Jersey National Park and also a Ramsar site which, from May to August, is the chosen nesting place for a range of birds.
Tension has arisen as local conservationist and marine biology expert Nick Jouault’s unofficial efforts to protect the common terns’ nesting sites have met with resistance on the reef. Mr Jouault has been visiting the Ecréhous since he was a child and spends his spare time on the islands observing and recording the large variety of natural life, including the birds.
Fearing for the safety of the terns, their eggs and chicks, he has painted messages and put up tape hoping that people will keep clear of the nesting area, which is around the size of half a tennis court.
Unfortunately, the nesting area includes a bench and a flagpole, which residents and visitors would like access to. This has caused friction, with the makeshift notices allegedly being destroyed and people objecting to his unauthorised attempt to protect the sites.
‘I previously cordoned off an area with a bit of tape, but was told not to as it was blocking a right of way, but people still had access to the beach. I’m just trying to protect the birds, but some people are not happy,’ said Mr Jouault. ‘The area was too close to the nesting terns and it doesn’t take much to disturb them. When they get disturbed it can leave the birds open to predation from others, such as gulls and crows who will take the eggs and chicks,’ he said. ‘We now have the roseate terns too, which are extremely rare. They used to be in every county in the UK, but now there are only 100 pairs on the mainland, mostly in Northumberland. Two arrived last year and didn’t nest, but this year we have four birds and two nests with eggs. Hopefully, they’ll hatch in a couple of weeks’ time, all being well.’
The parish of St Martin has guardianship of the Ecréhous and efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue, according to parish Centenier Gordon Jones. ‘It’s a Ramsar site and the terns are a priority. There are members of the Ecréhous Residents Association who have huts there – as well as visitors to the main island – and we all agree that some sort of restriction is required,’ he said.
‘Mr Jouault is absolutely passionate about the wildlife but the parish want to look after the terns through official channels and this needs to be done by the authorities,’ he added. ‘The plan is to look at how we can share the area and how to manage it. People are mindful of the terns and if something needs to be enforced, it will be.’
