With a current population of around 200 nesting pairs, the Little Tern, Sterna albifrons, colony at North Denes, Great Yarmouth, represents some 10% of the UK total nesting population and as such is very important. In recognition of this importance, the locality has been afforded Special Protection Area (SPA) status, alongside the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation for the entire North Denes dune system.