Most airports try and keep their runways clear of birds, but one island air terminal is flipping the script to give small fledglings a chance and boost a declining population of rare birds. Conservationists on Islay have turned a disused runway near the shore into a breeding ground for Little Terns, which migrate to the Scotland and its islands to nest on the ground in colonies. Swapping support for fixed wings for the feathered variety, staff at the airport and a team from the conservation programme Species on the Edge worked to create a safe haven at the airport by transforming the runway into a 'beach' for the birds to nest on.
They have even prepared the ground with plastic ‘decoy Terns’ in the hopes of encouraging the real-life variety to pick the spot to nest and raise chicks. The hope is that by the end of the breeding season, no stone will be un-Terned and a new population of the diminutive birds will take flight. Staff prepare the ground for the birds (Image: Species of the Edge) Niall Colthart, Islay Airport Manager, said “I'm delighted by our collaboration with Species on the Edge and RSPB to create a safe nesting habitat for Little Terns on this beautiful island.
“This initiative not only helps protect a vulnerable species but also underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship. “By repurposing a disused section of our runway, we're ensuring that these remarkable birds have a secure place to breed and thrive, contributing to the conservation of .