'Conservation win' as chicks hatch on reserve raft

The first chicks hatching at a nature reserve's new raft have been hailed a "win for conservation".

Common tern chicks have been spotted on the raft at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve in Houghton-le-Spring for the first time.

Durham Wildlife Trust, which manages the site, said natural nesting sites had become harder to find, meaning purpose‑built rafts were "increasingly important for supporting the species".

Supporter development officer Giselle Greulich-Smith said: "Witnessing its success in such a short space of time really does demonstrate that if we make safe space for nature, it can thrive."

The birds migrate thousands of miles to raise their young in the North East wetlands and the trust said the raft was installed to give terns "a safe, predator‑free place to breed".

They added it was donated by a long-standing supporter of the charity and seeing it work was a "small but heartening win for local conservation".

"We hope as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderful sight before the terns fledge and set off on their journey south again," Greulich-Smith said.

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