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Nesting rafts
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Nesting rafts

Common tern displaying

Rafts are a useful way of providing island habitat in areas of deep or fluctuating water levels. Their purpose is to improve breeding success by providing areas safe from flooding, disturbance or predation.

Rafts are unlikely to attract terrestrial predators and so are useful where islands would be too close to shore for safety. They also provide wildfowl with loafing spots and are often used as resting places by various bird species during the winter.

Main factors to consider when making a raft

It is difficult to make rafts as effective as islands because there are many conflicting requirements.

  • The ability to float, preferably with the deck just above the water line.
  • The ability to rise and fall easily with the water over the maximum flood range.
  • Stability, so that the raft is not tipped or spun by current, waves or wind.
  • A dry, sheltered nest site, which does not attract the attention of crows or other avian predators. The nest area must be high enough not to be swamped by storm waves.
  • Means of access and some protection from waves and current for young birds.
  • Harmonious blending with the surroundings if possible.
  • Practical factors e.g. water not excessively deep, lake shore accessible by vehicle, for bringing in boat, raft and materials, and for regular maintenance checks.
  • On Sites of Special Scientific Interest, formal consent may be required from Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage or the Countryside Council for Wales.

The area and water characteristics determine the best design for a raft. Some of the designs used on RSPB reserves are described on these pages as a guide.

Please download our information sheet by clicking on the link to the right.

Last modified: 13 March 2009

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Design of rafts (568Kb)