Raising Awareness
Why are the Tyne Kittiwakes so important?
The population of Kittiwakes along the River Tyne are the Furthest Inland Breeding Colonies of Kittiwakes in the World
- The Tyne Kittiwakes are part of Tyneside’s local history and heritage, as Kittiwakes have been nesting along the River Tyne since the 1960s. For many, they have been part of their Spring and Summer months for their whole lives. Inland colonies are also more easily accessible as usually you would need to travel to the coast, where they nest on sea cliffs or offshore islands. So their presence is a valuable opportunity for education and to experience colonies of seabirds up close.
- Kittiwakes are » Red-Listed . Globally the species has declined by 40% since the 1970s. Red is the highest conservation priority with species needing urgent action. There is an increasing need to help safeguard existing birds and secure and protect their nesting sites.
- All species of Gull are protected under the
» Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Why are seabird populations declining?
- CLIMATE – Our climate is changing. Temperatures are rising and the world is experiencing weather patterns which are more intense; and these are starting to occur more frequently. Coastal Kittiwake colonies are very much exposed to severe storms, especially those which involve strong winds and higher levels of rainfall.
- FOOD – Like we have seen with agriculture, the fishing industry has become more efficient. With the benefit of more modern technology and equipment, they are able to extract larger quantities of fish etc. In the North Sea Sand eels are an important food source for bird populations such as Kittiwakes and due to overfishing, stocks are at an all-time low. Also, as our climate warms, so will our oceans and seas, which will change aquatic ecosystems.
- POLLUTION – Despite political ambition, and pressure from wildlife organisations and the public, the North Sea and the
River Tyne continues to suffer from pollution on a damaging scale.
Kittiwakes relaxing on the River Tyne by Paul Buskin
During 2022, news headlines exposed a large portion of UK water companies, that were out pouring pollution into our rivers and the sea, regularly during high rainfall periods. The quality of our seawater has a direct impact on the huge variety of marine life that lives in the sea.
As our climate continues to change the chances of further pollution being deposited into our rivers and seas, may rise as episodes of high rainfall could occur more frequently and aggressively, which could potentially become even more damaging. This could also unsettle existing pollution that exists deeper from previous heavy industry.
The Worlds First Inland Colony
Text by John Miles
Artwork by Barry Robson
Amazingly illustrated, ‘Kitty the Toon’, tells the story of Kitty the Kittiwake. Newcastle hosts the furthest inland colony of Kittiwakes. This story follows a pair as they nest in the city, have babies, enjoy a game of football and head back out to sea. A great edition to any wildlife library.’
Return of Kitty the Toon
Text by John Miles
Artwork by Sarah Farooqi
Return of Kitty the Toon was published April 2020, with artwork by local artist » Sarah Farooqi To purchase both books by John Miles please visit
» Chick Books – Reconnecting Children with Nature Here you can also find many more fantastic books by John Miles – Reconnecting Children with Nature.
Mini Expeds – Wild Intrigue
Tyne Kittiwake – Walks and talks
- June/July every year
Inspire ● Educate ● Rewild
In collaboration with the » Tyne Kittiwake Partnership and
» Proven Doughnuts Co; » Wild Intrigue offer mini expeditions to visit Tyneside’s Kittiwake Colony along the River Tyne.
“Kittee-wa-aaake, Kittee-wa-aaake”
“An amazing opportunity to learn more about the Tyne Kittiwakes”
This also feature an illustrated talk by local ornithologist Dan Turner who has been studying the local Kittiwake breeding population for 25 years and there are some tasty doughnuts from Proven Doughnut Co. Visitors are also able to get up close to the Kittiwakes by spending time on the viewing platform at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Wild Intrigue do amazing work with their partners in helping to raise awareness for the Tyne Kittiwakes.
Wild Intrigue hosted a short wildlife Safari along the North Shields Fish Quay during the summer of 2021. This was followed by a night celebrating our Geordie Kittiwakes with live music from Hector Gannet.