Mapping the Habitation Patterns and Socio-ecological Dynamics of Kittiwakes along the River Tyne

The project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC, #UKRI271), explores the socio-ecological dynamics of urban kittiwakes along the River Tyne, highlighting their unique integration into the urban environments of Newcastle and Gateshead, UK. Since their initial settlement on industrial riverside structures in the 1960s, these unique seabirds have expanded to occupy a range of urban sites, including the Tyne Bridge and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (Coulson, 2019; Turner, 2010; Turner, 2020). While celebrated by many, their presence has also led to tensions over noise and waste, prompting the use of deterrent measures to prevent them from landing and nesting on man-made structures (Turner, 2002; Newcastle City Council, 2019; Wilson, 2022). Adopting a "more-than-human" perspective, the research employs ethnographic methods, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and machine learning approaches to study kittiwake habitats and interactions. Advanced tools, including AI-based image analysis algorithms and Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM), reveal the geo-spatial distribution of kittiwakes within the urban areas and key environmental factors (eg, urban green spaces, proximity to water, human presence) enabling or deterring the presence of these birds. The findings suggest that kittiwakes’ presence in urban areas is influenced by particular aspects of urban morphology and environmental conditions. As such, effective conservation and inclusive urban planning strategies should take these ecological factors into account. This research aims to inspire urban planning strategies that embrace biodiversity, fostering inclusive ecologies and sustainable coexistence in urban spaces.