Nothing but doom and gloom in the world at present, so thought I would cheer everyone up and give you a flavour of the season ahead. Anyone wanting to visit the Farnes this year will not be disappointed...the islands last year supported over 78,000 breeding pairs of seabirds including (pairs of birds):
Fulmar 229, Cormorant 145, Shag 1,015, Mallard 11, Eider 718, Red-breasted Merganser 1, Oystercatcher 39, Ringed Plover 9, Herring Gull 530, Lesser Black-backed Gull 509, Black-head Gull 369, Greater Black-backed Gull 8, Kittiwake 4,275, Sandwich Tern 1,358, Common Tern 104, Arctic Tern 2,239, Guillemot 43,864 (individuals), Razorbill 326, Puffin 36,835, Rock Pipit 24, Pied Wagtail 6 and Wren 1 (our first ever confirmed nesting Wren on the islands!).
The islands will be open daily (weather permitting) from 1st April-30th September and again for the half-term at the end of October. Inner Farne is open all day during April, August-September. During the breeding season (May-July), Staple Island opens from 10:30-13:30 and Inner Farne opens 13:30-17:00. This half-day opening during the summer months help reduce disturbance to nesting seabirds. Please note Staple Island is a rugged island, with no facilities, whilst Inner Farne has (basic) toilets. For further information check out the National Trust website.
I'll give you all more information about the islands in mid-March and looking forward to seeing everyone out there!
