New project to protect endangered seabirds

A new programme to protect one the UK's most endangered seabirds has been announced in Scarborough.

The 'Protecting Our Urban Kittiwakes' project is a joint venture between the RSPB and Northern Powergrid.

As part of the project, the birds will be monitored in urban environments where they have made nesting sites on buildings rather than traditional cliff faces.

RSPB senior conservation officer Natalie le Brun said: "The kittiwake is a globally vulnerable red listed species, which means it is of the highest conservation concern.

"Kittiwakes are often misunderstood due to their similarity to the herring gull.

"These are gentle gulls that keep to themselves and only make their presence known through their loud nasal call; these are not the birds that steal your chips," she added.

Pressures including changes to food availability and increased predation of the birds have led some populations to seek alternative nesting sites in urban areas.

The monitoring programme will also help with future urban planning and construction projects in Yorkshire.

Northern Powergrid sustainability manager George Coiley said: "Kittiwakes in places like Scarborough are under real pressure and understanding what's happening is an important first step.

"This project brings together detailed monitoring and local involvement, helping build the evidence councils need to plan more carefully while giving local people a chance to be part of the solution."

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