One of the South East's last remaining kittiwake colonies is back and breeding well, we can reveal.The first chicks have begun to hatch at Seaford's Splash Point, East Sussex indicating a successful year for this important seabird colony.
Kittiwakes, medium-sized gulls with black wing tips, only come to shore once a year to breed. The East Sussex cliff-top colony, made up of around 700 pairs, has become increasing significant in recent years as kittiwakes struggle to breed in strongholds along the coast of northern England, Scotland and Wales.
Declines at these larger colonies are thought to be connected with a lack of sand-eel fish in the seas around the sites, most likely linked to climate change. The sand-eel is the kittiwake's main food source. Population declines have led to the kittiwake being amber listed as species of conservation concern.
Kate Whitton, Date With Nature organiser at RSPB South East, said: 'Sussex's kittiwake colony seems to be doing well, welcome news, especially as things seem to be nose-diving elsewhere.
'I've been visiting Splash Point and have seen lots of healthy chicks, some nests even have two in them, which is a big relief. By the end of the month we should see the chicks fledge and start swooping over the cliffs and the sea just like their parents.'
'I've been visiting Splash Point and have seen lots of healthy chicks, some nests even have two in them, which is a big relief. By the end of the month we should see the chicks fledge and start swooping over the cliffs and the sea just like their parents.'
Sussex can enjoy Splash Point's kittiwake colony with the RSPB from this Saturday. Binoculars and telescopes will be provided for the month-long Date With Nature, allowing visitors to get close-up views of the kittiwakes as they raise young.
A Date With Nature at Splash Point comes during crucial lobbying by the RSPB and other conservation bodies for increased protection of marine wildlife through the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. The Bill is currently being debated by Parliament and is due to pass into law later this year.
Through the Safeguard Our Sealife campaign the groups want a coherent network of marine zones to be created and given legal protection to ensure the health of the sea, and the survival of the wildlife that depends on it.
Kate added: 'Splash Point is an incredible colony to watch. You'll hear the kittiwakes' unusual 'kitti-waaark' calls, and see countless chicks nesting on ledges so steep they take your breath away. It's a timely reminder of how much is at stake with the Marine Bill.'
The RSPB's Date With Nature starts this Saturday [July 4] and runs until Sunday, August 9. The team will be at the eastern end of Seaford Promenade every day except Wednesdays from 10 am to 5 pm.
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