As part of the Solent Seascape Project, targeted restoration at Langstone Harbour Nature Reserve has improved nesting conditions for seabirds, protecting colonies from surge tides and leading to increased breeding success.
Delivered through partnership working between Havant Borough Council, the RSPB and Blue Marine Foundation, and supported by the Solent Seascape Project, restoration at the reserve has improved conditions for nesting birds while creating wider opportunities for nature recovery.
At the beginning of 2025, two lagoon islands at the heart of the site were raised and reshaped using 400 tonnes of shingle. This work restored the islands as suitable nesting habitat for terns, gulls and other ground-nesting shorebirds. The response was immediate, with a marked increase in the number of birds nesting on site last season.
The timing proved critical. Thanks to the increased height of the rebuilt islands, a significant surge tide on Tuesday 27 May, which would previously have washed away most nests, resulted in only limited losses. The majority of nests remained safe and dry.
Successful breeding
This year, 501 pairs of black-headed gulls nested at the reserve, around 100 more than last year. More than 30 pairs of common terns also nested on the restored islands and newly installed nesting rafts. These results represent a strong start for further recovery at the site, which is one of the most important seabird breeding areas in the Solent and plays an important role in southern England.
The RSPB has monitored the restored islands throughout the breeding season, recording higher numbers of both common terns and black-headed gulls compared to previous years.
For the first time in several years, sandwich terns and little terns have also been using the islands with their fledged young after the main breeding season. Visitors to the reserve have been able to observe chicks being fed and taking their first flights.
Working together to help nature
Councillor Phil Munday, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said:
“I’m delighted to see the benefits of partnership working at Langstone Harbour Nature Reserve and that our efforts have had an immediate impact. The reserve is a valuable local asset, and it is encouraging to see our investment delivering real benefits for nature.”
Wez Smith, RSPB Senior Project Manager for Coastal and Wetland Species Recovery, said:
“It is encouraging to see seabird numbers recovering at the former oyster beds following the habitat restoration delivered through the LIFE on the Edge project. This site is one of the most important along the English south coast, and we are pleased to be working in partnership through our shared Solent Seascape ambition to support its recovery for both wildlife and people.”
Dr Luke Helmer, Restoration Science Manager at Blue Marine Foundation, said:
“It is encouraging to see restoration work delivering benefits at this site, and we hope it could also become a focus for native oyster recovery. Restoring oyster populations in the Solent can help improve water quality and create habitat for fish species that form an important part of the local food web, including for seabirds.”
This article was originally published on the Solent Seascape Project website.
