Inner Farne closing...

Packed and ready to go, Inner Farne closes

Home for nine months, the Pele Tower of Inner Farne

The wardens have left the building. Inner Farne is closed. Having been occupied since 27th March, the 15th century Pele Tower finally closed late yesterday evening as the team moved to Brownsman for the final few days on the islands. All the washing, cleaning and hovering was complete, everything was packed away from the digital box to the 'fine china' and it was ready to say goodbye. The Pele tower has taken on some major changes over the last few years, with some big improvements including solar energy and a complete set of new furniture, but this was all bubbled wrapped and shut down as one island was closed, with just one to go. We'll not be back to live on Inner Farne until next spring, so we wished it good luck and departed east.

Today was different again, as it was another day of publicity for the Farnes as the local BBC current affairs program 'Inside Out' arrived on Brownsman to follow up the Otter story from earlier in the month. The day went smoothly, as they had brought Northumberland Wildlife Trust Otter expert Kevin O'Hara with them to discuss the finer points of the sighting and to fire the questions my way. We went through the motions of producing a short piece to camera, with an interview discussing the exciting discovery and all went well. The BBC team were delighted with the day (despite no Otter), as they got their story and the footage, especially the dramatic shots of the mainland covered in snow. However nothing prepares you for Grey Seals up close, and there was some shock amongst the team, especially when one of the Bulls shouted at the cameraman (yes he jumped and then ran...). The bulls are mean tough machines and no one messes.

So just 'another day' on this rock and just a few days to go, but we have a final mission with the seals on Friday and then we can leave, if weather allows...