Occasionally we would see a head bob out of the water to look up at us with their gorgeous big black eyes. Seals on the Farne Islands. Shags are still on the islands and you may see some overwintering birds arriving to re-fuel before they head to the mainland (keep an eye on the stick bundles near the Pele Tower). It took us a few moments to realise it was there to protect an eider duck that had made its nest on the paths edge. November - December We then headed out on a tour around the islands. Sandwich tern July* Islands: Both Staple and Inner Farne are open. We headed to main office by the carpark (here is also an office you can buy tickets at their booth on the harbour) to check in, then we were directed to head down to the NT booth on the harbour to show our NT cards for our pass to the Inner Farne island. Islands: Inner Farne is open but Staple is closed. Inner Farne will be open from March 30 (Staple is closed), between 10am … This is the best month to see the eiders nesting on Staple, they sit tight on their nests, so keep your eyes down between the rocks! Grey seals can be seen from boats and jumplings (baby guillemots) are leaving the cliffs by jumping into the sea – normally in the evening but occasionally in the daytime. It seems in the summer, the grey seals prefer sunbathing in the sun than playing with divers. SYNOPSIS: The peaceful Farne Islands, off England's Northumberland coast, have for years been one of the most popular breeding grounds of the grey seal. Kittiwakes and fulmars can be seen until the end of the month. The captain took us on a tour of the route taken by lighthouse keeper William Darling and his daughter Grace during their heroic rescue in 1838. Other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags – can be seen on the islands, and many other species besides. All recommendations and opinions are my own. We booked the first departure of the day, so arrived at Seahouses early in the morning and parked at the main carpark just of the Main St roundabout. Early indications of this year’s census show a decline of 12℅. Is this a romantic ... One of the must do trips to do in Northumberland is to visit Seahouses and travel across to the Farne islands on one of Billy Shiel's boats, the official National Trust boats. As we wanted to see the puffins, we visited at the end of April. August Grey seals on the Farne Islands This was my first autumn trip to the Farne Islands. Wildlife is the main draw on the Farne Islands, which are most famous for puffins and seals plus many other species, including shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, eider ducks and guillemots. I go out once or twice each summer, mainly to see the birds but we usually get to see a few dozen grey seals as well. They were so cute with their sad eyes. Shags, cormorants, spoon bills and white-tailed eagles might be seen flying overhead. Harbor Seals Just Want To Play - Duration: 2:56. Inner Farne and Staple are closed. Come and see the seals! If in doubt, call ahead to check what you’ll be able to see. When the birds leave in late summer the Islands become the pupping grounds for the second largest colony of grey seals in England. There was a real buzz onboard the boat when we finally got to see the first puffins. Puffins can be seen on the islands, with grey seals still lolling and digesting their fish (they do spend most of their time doing this) and pufflings start to hatch (though you can’t see the baby puffins, as they are underground in the burrows). April amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Pufflings are still hatching, with some of the older ones heading towards the sea. Other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags – can be seen on the islands, along with many other species. As the nights draw in later in the month the chapel, lighthouse and landscapes all look spectacular in the morning and evening – you could get some fantastic photos at this time of year if the weather is right. Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed from January until the almost the end of March. Credit: PA Images An annual seal census in Northumberland has had to be carried out from the air because of the coronavirus pandemic. The captain provided a running commentary as we were brought up alongside the island cliffs. Other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns, shags can be seen on the crowded island cliffs. I would really recommend this boat tour. Farne Islands Northumberland, England A boat trip from Seahouses onto the Farne islands is a must to see the many nesting birds. A visit to Staple Island in the peak breeding season (between May and July) offers a guaranteed tern free visit. He explains that the animals were so accustomed to human activity that they would not be bothered by the proximity of the boats. As part of the Northumberland region, the Farne Island archipelago can be found 3-5 kilometers off the coast between Seahouses and Bamburgh municipalities. It’s not all over, though – you might spot some overwintering birds arriving to re-fuel before they head to the mainland (keep an eye on the stick bundles near the Pele Tower). The parking is pay and display and there is also a public toilet here. Birds: Puffins can be seen on the islands. Famously home to 55,000+ pairs of puffins, the largest breeding colony of grey seals in England and an array of other seabirds including terns, razorbills, eider ducks, shags, kittiwakes and guillemots, the Farne Islands offer one of the best wildlife experiences in the UK. Thank you. The monk Aelwin was living on the Inner Farne during the 12th Century when the islands were sacked by the Norwegians and another known inhabitant of the islands was St. Bartholomew, who was born early in the 12th century near Whitby. Arctic terns nest until mid-month so you will still need a hat for Inner Farne only, there are plenty of almost fledged chicks running around the boardwalks. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; We have been members ever since we moved to the UK. Farne Islands Northumberland, England Terns, Puffins seals and much more wildlife Farne Islands Northumberland, England Worth a visit in nesting season Farne Islands Northumberland, England Grey Seals sunbathing on the rocks. It’s been on my bucket list to see Puffins for some time, but so far, the closest I’ve gotten to seeing them was on the menu whilst in Iceland! On 7th September 1838 Grace Darling and her father rescued nine survivors from the paddle steamship Forfarshire which ran aground on Big Harca in stormy seas. Seals and pups on the Farne Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) National Trust ranger Harriet Reid said: “Due to … Seabirds and Seals of the Farne Islands Just off the coast of Northumberland, hunkered down in the waters of the North Sea, lie the Farne Islands. Arrests as Indian workers ransack iPhone plant over wages 3. Thankfully apart from a bit of wind, the weather was clear as we set off on the open boat. Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, I paid for this trip myself. The fish was lovely and fresh, and there were also non-fish items on the menu for non-seafood eaters. Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed from January until the almost the end of March. Seals at the Farne Islands. See more. We eventually landed on Inner Farne, where we had an hour to explore and birdwatch. You may have heard a story about Grace Darling. At this time they are very inquisitive and will engage with scuba divers. Although it doesn’t take long to walk the circuit, there were so many birds to see that we easily filled the hour spotting the different breeds and watching their entertaining antics. Staple and Inner Farne are open We had a spectacular boat trip with lots to see. Inner Farne is  open but Staple is closed. Puffins can be seen on the islands and grey seals in the water and hauled out on the rocks. We booked online with Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips and chose the 2.5 hour Inner Farne bird sanctuary tour which included a boat tour around the islands and an hour of bird watching on Inner Farne. These trial shingle beds are designed to give the terns an alternative habitat and help us control vegetation on the Islands, Visitors watching a puffin on the Farne Islands, Northumberland, Success on the Northumberland Coast for UK’s second rarest seabird. We visited the local fish and chip shop Lewis’s Fish Restaurant which is on the main street, not far from the harbour and also offers takeaways. amzn_assoc_title = "My Recommendations"; The Farne Islands are home to England’s largest population of Atlantic grey seals, with numbers increasing every year. Sir David Attenborough’s favourite place to ‘see nature at its best’ is surely somewhere worth checking out. Given the right weather conditions, the seals are visited every four days and new … The first seal pup born on the Farnes this year was on September 27, and heralded what is hoped to be yet another successful breeding season. You might spot the first fuzzy seal pup! The seals at the Farne islands are famous for being curious and will often play with divers in the water, or swim around you to show you their impressive underwater acrobatics. We boarded the St Cuthbe ... We went out to the Farne Islands with Billy Shiels and saw the cormorants, guillemots and kittiwakes and the seals. amzn_assoc_asins = "B06XH9MJRC,0753726289,B01HSE4EPW,B01BV14I40"; Shags, cormorants and grey seals can all be seen from the boats and who knows what spring migrants might be seen flying over – from spoon bills to white-tailed eagles, you just never know! However, if you are a NT member, then you can land for free. Social distancing and furlough have meant National Trust rangers have not been staying on the Farne Islands, in the North Sea, where in normal years they monitor the wildlife. Longstone Lighthouse. A visit to the Farne Islands starts in the pretty Northumberland fishing village of Seahouseswhere you can watch an array of activity in the bustling harbour before catching a boat for your journey over. Birds: Puffins are departing, but you may catch some at the beginning of the month. The islands have the largest breeding colony in England with some 1,000 pups born here each autumn. May Throughout April, August, September and October this tour is available morning and afternoon. Read my full disclosure. Our son was excited as he learnt about Grace at school. I loved the way the guillimots flew like torpedos zooming through the sky and landing rather ungracefully in the water with a splash. Published 23 October 2019. It was a beautiful June day and the sea looked calm. They are located at the most easterly point of the 'Great Whin Sill', an intrusion of volcanic rock which begins in Cumbria and gives a distinct and spectacular character to the north Northumberland coastline. Seals and pups on the Farne Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) National Trust ranger Harriet Reid said: “Due to the coronavirus crisis… Farne Islands seal colony sees first pups of season. Pufflings are still hatching, and some of the older ones will be heading towards the sea. There are betweeen 15 and 28 islands, depending upon the state of the tide. Once home to saints, soldiers and legendary lighthouse keepers, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast are now a sanctuary for seabirds and seals. Our work to care for the Farne Islands is critical to puffins' ongoing breeding success. US election: Pro-Trump rallies see scuffles in US cities 2. It’s a month of excitement as the first puffins arrive back on land, eider ducks start returning mid-month and other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns – start to arrive. Read about 10 facts about the Farne Islands’ seals here. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. As they took off, they fluttered rather awkwardly back to the island. Read my full disclosure here. We went on the Inner Farne boat tour as we wanted to get off on the island. The Arctic terns start to arrive; by late May their young are hatching and they are dive-bombing (bring a hat if you are coming to Inner Farne!). There are many seals too… Tips when planning a visit to see the Farne Islands puffins. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Islands: Both Staple and Inner Farne are open. These commissions help keep this website up and running, and I thank you for your support. Eider ducks start to leave and are generally gone by the start of July. Islands: Inner Farne is open, but Staple is still closed. Arctic terns leave and other seabirds – guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns – start to depart too. Exploring The Farne Islands. It’s also a great time to experience the tough conditions our past Farnes inhabitants experienced, from Grace Darling to St Cuthbert, sometimes completely alone. Your email address will not be published. The Farne Islands are located between Bamburgh and Seahouses on the Northumberland coast and are home to one of the largest seal colonies in the UK with around 1,000 seal pups born each year. And Northumberland's Farne Islands are home to England's largest seal population. See more. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "howbeautifullifeis-20"; Islands: Inner Farne is open and Staple is closed. Grey seals and can be seen from boats and shags can be seen on the islands. To see the breeding seabirds, the best time to visit the Farne Islands is between May and late July when activity peaks as the birds are feeding their growing chicks. By counting them we can help monitor growth or decline on the colony. Seals and pups on the Farne Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) National Trust ranger Harriet Reid said: “Due to the coronavirus crisis… Following our landing, we jumped back on the boat and headed back to the mainland. As you would expect from a Northumberland fishing village, you’ll find plenty of fresh fish in Seahouses including a plethora of fish and chip shops and an excellent fishmongers called Swallowfishthat even has its own traditional smokehouse. In fact, the Farnes are home to one of the largest grey seal colonies in Europe. For some family fun, head to the The Bunker crazy golf course, then grab a drin… They are home to a large colony of Atlantic Grey Seals. Diving with Seals in the Farne Islands with Miss Scuba UK - Duration: 11:42. The shags look wonderful this month, with their beautiful breeding crests making them look most like a cross between a dragon and a punk. Inner Farne is now open but Staple is still closed. Rob Corby reports on a trip he organised to the Farne Islands to swim with seals. Record number of seal pups born at Farne Islands colony. The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland, England.The group has between 15 and 20 islands depending on the level of the tide. Published 19 … Search available accommodation in and around Seahouses. 11:42. Counting the pups. At the start of the walk we found warning tape cutting into the path edge and wondered why it was there. Farne Islands: Seabirds on the Farne Islands - See 729 traveler reviews, 753 candid photos, and great deals for Northumberland, UK, at Tripadvisor. Sadly dogs are not allowed inside the lighthouse. June Arriving in as early as March each year, the puffin count recorded by the National Trust during the last census in 2013 was 40,000 pairs. This is peak time for our fluffy seal pups, they can be seen gathering on the rocks in their thousands, peaking at the end of this month. It was fun watching their antics. From puffins to seals and Arctic terns to eider ducks, there's bountiful wildlife for you to discover on your visit to the Farne Islands. Birds: Puffins can be seen on the islands, and pufflings start to hatch (though you can’t see the baby puffins, as they are underground in the burrows). The nearest of the islands sits approximately a mile and a half from the beach. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I’m Colleen. The Farne islands is considered one of the best places in the world to dive with seals, The area is one of the richest and most beautiful on the east coast of the United Kingdom. If you’re not looking for unusual birds, this is when our islands offer the ultimate Easter activity – will you go to one of the UK’s most remote chapels or spot the first razorbill egg? Since May, five assistant rangers have been camping on the beach at Long Nanny keeping a 24 hour watch on the breeding birds. Our ranger team undertakes an annual census (previously every 5 years). Eider ducks start returning mid-month and other seabirds – kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, sandwich terns, common terns – start to arrive. We were excited to see puffins and other sea birds all over the island and I loved how we were able to get up close to see them. The first seal we saw on this visit was asleep at the top of steps on Staple Island, at least until we approached. These commissions help keep this website up and running, and I thank you for your support. Testimonials. It has a wooden boardwalk circuit, suitable for disabled visitors, that takes you in a circuit around the island. The boat tours to the Farne Islands depart from Seahouses Harbour, sat nav NE68 7RN. Inner Farne and Staple are open We love them, but appreciate that not everyone wishes to be dive bombed by them; dont let this put you off a visit - there are plenty of options for a tern free visit. Please note also that all boat trips, including in the summer but especially in the winter, are weather-dependent, so check sailings with the boat trip operators. This sparsely populated county is made up of castles and farmland as far as the eye can see. Don’t forget to have a look at our Skipper’s Blog before you arrive and see what’s been happening around the Farne Islands and Northumberland Coastline. It... Rīga is a large sprawling city where a third of Latvia's population lives. We had a good tour around the smaller islands and saw many SEALS, PUFFINS and SHAGS. Land on Inner Farne, Staple Island, and Longstone when the islands open in spring until autumn time. There's a reason people refer to Castle Combe as the prettiest village in England. How drones can help with counting seals. Protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with many National Trust sites of interest and heritage surrounding, there is plenty to explore both in and out of the water. The name 'Shiel' has long associations with the Sea on this rugged Northumberland coastline. Kittiwakes and fulmars can be seen till mid-month and usually until the end of the month. Grey seals can be seen from boats and you can get an early insight into how our monitoring is going. They were bobbing atop the surface of the water, then would dive below in search of food. Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips is a Family Attraction in Seahouses. Seals: Grey seals can be seen by boat. Heres what else you can see throughout the year on the Farne Islands: January, February & March Inner Farne and Staple islands are closed but grey seals and shags can be seen from boats – the seals are generally lolling about digesting their fish supper, while shags are a year-round highlight and fulmars could also be starting to arrive. Birds: Puffins can be seen on the islands. Seahouses is a quaint little harbourside village with a variety of shops, pubs and café’s. Pufflings are still hatching, and some of the older ones will be heading towards the sea. * During the breeding season, May – July, the Inner Farne tours are only available in the afternoon. Farne Islands can be almost dived all year-long but if you want to increase your chances of an underwater encounter with grey seals, September is the right period to go. During this time, the seals gather in their thousands on the shores of the Farne islands, with the end of October being the peak time for the pups, and the best time of year to be out looking for them. Have gone and the weather is warm staying somewhere else nearby and driving to.! Zooming through the sky and landing rather ungracefully in the sun than playing with divers on!, Grace went on the ground with the sea – normally in the sun than playing with divers refer! With Miss scuba UK - Duration: 2:56 September Inner Farne and Staple islands are also the permanent for... From the air because of the months and what you ’ re in a. 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