Welcome

This brand new website will start to launch from Mid March 2025. As the content for this website develops further; it is hoped this resource will evolve into an educational resource for anyone involved in supporting seabirds such as the Kittiwake. As our climate continues to change the need to protect our nature will become ever more important.

Kittiwakes from Coquet Island
in Northumberland
by » Hannah Young

If larger portions of Kittiwakes continue to move away from their coastal colonies and instead choose to nest more inland, then the need to raise the flag and campaign to help support them will rise. Kittiwakes are also just one species amongst many that are struggling at this time. Not just with climate change, access to food sources and pollution; but also, with » Avian Flu

Raising Awareness

The purpose of this website is to share information regarding a selection of breeding colonies of Kittiwakes within the UK and beyond. There is a focus on such colonies where pairs have moved away from building their nests amongst traditional coastal sites and have instead opted to move into our towns and cities.

Campaigns

In some cases, their arrival has been welcomed; sadly, not everyone is keen to host a colony of Kittiwakes. This website also helps raise awareness where anti-bird deterrents have been installed on man made structures in an attempt to deter birds nesting. Where these anti-bird deterrents have been harmful to birds’ campaigns have been organised asking for their removal. All species of Gull are protected under the » Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Our Seabirds Need Your Help

Kittiwakes are » Red-Listed Globally the species has declined by 40% since the 1970s. Red is the highest conservation priority with species needing urgent action.

Kittiwakes trapped in anti-bird netting
On the Exchange Buildings, Newcastle Quayside
in July 2018
by Paul Buskin

There is an increasing need to help safeguard existing birds and secure and protect their nesting sites. However, many of the structures that Kittiwakes themselves have chosen to host their colonies on, are very old and legislation complicates efforts to protect these colonies. Kittiwakes are coming into our towns and cities to shelter from our changing climate.

Kittiwakes nesting on Spa Bridge
in Scarbrough by Mark Chamberlain