Puffins
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Farne Islands Nature Reserve
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When:
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Apr - Sep 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Farne Islands
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| Costs: |
Easter-30 Apr & Aug-Sep: £4.40; children £2.20
May-Jul: £5.40; children £2.70
Entry fees do not include boat transport
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| Opening Hours: |
Various - please visit the islands' website for full details
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The Farne Islands are a little-known National Nature Reserve where visitors can see puffins, Atlantic seals and rare and beautiful seabirds.
Only two miles from the Northumberland Coast, the islands are lovingly managed by the National Trust for the half of the year that they are accessible to the public.
In total there are 30 Farne Islands, loosely divided into two groups, the Inner and Outer. They make their mark on the travel map for their extraordinary range of wildlife. While the seals are always exciting to see, it's the seabirds that are the Farne's greatest asset. Many different species come to the islands throughout the summer to breed before departing for their winter homes. Puffins, Guillemot and Shag winter out at sea, whilst the Sandwich, Common and Arctic Terns head for their African winter quarters.
Coquet Island is a bird-lovers dream. Managed by the RSPB and accessed by regular boat trips (May-September). Although you can't actually land on the isle, it is possible to see Eiders and Roseate Terns from the boats.
If you plan to visit this wonderful place, take a robust hat with you - terns are known to be overly protective of their young, which can mean sharp pecks on the head!
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