Increasing biodiversity at the Stroszowice quarry site through the construction of a nesting platform for the Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Habitat loss caused by human activity is the main driver of biodiversity decline. One of the species affected by this problem is the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). This is a protected and scarce species in Poland. Due to the lack of suitable sites, local breeding populations of this species in the vicinity of the Stroszowice Mineral Mine have disappeared.

To address this situation, we aim to undertake active conservation measures, utilizing the mine's area to create a new habitat for this species. As part of the project, we plan to install a nesting platform for terns on the water body within the Stroszowice mine site. This platform will provide nesting sites for the species and contribute to the rebuilding of the local population. Given the platform's durability, this action will have long-term effects.

The proposed platform (an artificial island) incorporates features designed to increase the breeding success of the birds using it. Alternatively, if an area within the mine site is found that can be adapted for the active conservation of terns, this action will be implemented instead of constructing the floating nesting platform.

The ecological outcomes of establishing the new habitat will be regularly monitored. In the first year, ornithological monitoring will be conducted by the project authors, and in subsequent years, by local naturalists and ornithologists who monitor the local avifauna.