50 years on the frontline: The people protecting Lincolnshire’s shorebirds

On the coastline at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, a quiet but vital job is unfolding, one that’s been protecting some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable birds for 50 years.

Since 1976, wardens and volunteers have worked to safeguard species like little terns — the UK’s smallest tern — and ringed plovers, giving them a chance to breed on an increasingly challenging shoreline.

For this year's Shorebird Warden Mike Watts, it’s a role shaped by constant change.

“No two days are the same… it’s absolutely wonderful to be out there,” he says.

“But there’s a lot of pressures… predation risks, human incursion… and also the weather, the high tides.”

Little terns migrate from West Africa each spring, returning to the UK for just a short breeding season.

“They’ll mate, raise chicks, and then… they’re beginning to start making their journey back.”

Their nests - shallow scrapes in the sand - are easily disturbed or destroyed.

“It would almost be like an open buffet for predators,” Mike says, without the sanctuary in place.

To counter that, large sections of beach are fenced off, with additional cages and netting used to protect nests from foxes and birds of prey, supported by a team of volunteers.

This year’s milestone has also been a moment to reflect on the people behind the work.

“I feel like I’ve got some very big boots to fill,” Mike admits.

“It’s not many jobs where you can talk to people who did your job previously… and learn from their experiences.”

Even the first warden from 1976 still visits the reserve, sharing knowledge with today’s team, a reminder of the continuity behind the conservation effort.

As the UK celebrates the 100th birthday of David Attenborough, that long-term commitment to protecting wildlife feels especially significant.