Farne Islands

The Farne Islands lie just off the Northumberland coast midway between Seahouses and Bamburgh. The islands are located at the most easterly point of the 'Great Whin Sill', an intrusion of volcanic rock which begins in Cumberland some 80 miles distant and gives a distinct and spectacular character to the north Northumberland coastline. Comprising between 15 and 28 islands, the number to be seen depend upon the state of the tide. The Farne Islands are designated as a National Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area for their important seabird colonies, and a Special Conservation Area for the grey seals which breed and rest there.  The islands and are managed by the National Trust.

 

2008 Difficult Year for Puffin
 
Puffin – just writing the word brings a smile to my face and evokes many memories of Northumbrian summers.  This most recognisable of seabirds, and the favourite of many, is what draws thousands of people every year to the Farne Islands.  For almost thirty years I have worked on and been associated with the islands and watched as the population increased year on year, from 13,000 pairs in the late 70’s to 55,670 pairs in 2003. The species seemed unstoppable.  In 2008 that all changed.
 
The Farne “colony” is counted every five years.  The wardens had a “sweep” on what the increase might be this year with predictions varying from the sensible to the wildly optimistic!  What no one foresaw was the “loss” of 19,000 pairs with the population dropping to ca.36,800 pairs.  Whilst a shock, it was not a surprise.  The Isle of May, in the Firth of Forth, had reported their count earlier in the year – and the population had fallen by some 28,000 pairs. What is going on?
 
We know, from research on both the Farnes and the May, that the birds are producing excellent numbers of young.  However, from colour-ringing birds on the May, we know that a far lower percentage of adult birds have been returning in recent springs than would have been expected – and a number of those that do return are seriously underweight.  Something, most likely food supply, is affecting the birds during the eight months they spend at sea.  The Puffin is a still a “bird of mystery” so far as its wintering grounds and habits are concerned and research will be difficult.  we will now monitor on an annual basis, but it really is a case of “watch this space”.
 
John Walton, Coastal Properties Manager, Northumberland, National Trust

Further information:

National Trust Farne Islands Site

Seahouses website – Farne Islands Pages

Farne Island Boat Trips

Farne Islands Boat Trips

Return to Where to go list.