The Farne Islands (Northumberland’s wildlife haven)

The Farne Islands are one of England’s most remarkable groups of islands, scattered off the coast of Northumberland in the North Sea. Wild, windswept and rich in wildlife, they are famous for their enormous seabird colonies, grey seals, dramatic cliffs and close association with the early Christian hermit Saint Cuthbert.

Although the islands are relatively small, they have an extraordinary character. At certain times of year, the skies above the islands seem filled with birds, while the surrounding waters are occupied by seals and other marine wildlife. Puffins nest in burrows, Arctic terns arrive after travelling vast distances, and thousands of guillemots and razorbills gather on the cliffs.

Dogs are not allowed on the Farne Islands, due to wildlife. Also you must zip up bags and not take plants or food over, to avoid transmitting disease. 

Where Are the Farne Islands?

The Farne Islands lie off the Northumberland coast in northeastern England. They are situated in the North Sea, a short distance from the mainland near the historic coastal village of Seahouses.

The islands form an archipelago rather than a single landmass. There are numerous islands and rocky outcrops, although their appearance and accessibility vary considerably.

Some are little more than rocks surrounded by water, while others are large enough to support vegetation, seabirds and historic buildings. The islands are separated from the mainland by relatively shallow waters, but conditions can change rapidly.

The Farne Islands and Saint Cuthbert

The islands have a particularly strong association with Saint Cuthbert. Cuthbert was a seventh-century Christian religious figure who became closely associated with Lindisfarne.

He spent periods living as a hermit on Inner Farne. The remote environment suited the religious traditions of early Christian hermits, who sought solitude for prayer and contemplation.

Cuthbert died in 687, but his association with the Farne Islands has continued for centuries. The remains of a chapel and other historical features help preserve the memory of the religious communities that once occupied the islands.

St Cuthbert’s Chapel

A small chapel associated with Saint Cuthbert survives on Inner Farne. Its presence is a reminder that the islands were once places of religious importance rather than simply wildlife reserves.

The chapel and other remains connect the natural landscape with the spiritual history of the region. Visitors can therefore encounter both cultural and natural heritage during a visit.

The Seabird Colonies

The Farne Islands are best known for their seabirds. During the breeding season, enormous numbers of birds arrive on the islands. The cliffs become densely populated with nesting colonies.

Different species occupy different habitats. Some nest on cliff ledges. Others use grassy slopes or burrows. The sheer number of birds can make the islands seem almost overwhelming. The noise is equally remarkable. Calls, cries and wingbeats fill the air.

Puffins

Puffins are among the islands’ most popular residents. Their colourful bills, distinctive appearance and comical movements make them extremely appealing to visitors. Puffins nest in burrows.

During the breeding season, adults fly back and forth from the sea carrying food for their chicks. They are excellent swimmers and spend much of their lives at sea.

Seeing a puffin emerge from a burrow or land near a group of visitors can be one of the highlights of a Farne Islands trip.

Arctic Terns

The Farne Islands are also famous for Arctic terns. These remarkable birds undertake one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. They travel between their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere and wintering areas in the southern hemisphere.

The islands provide important breeding habitat. Arctic terns are elegant birds with long wings and distinctive flight patterns. They can also be fiercely protective of their nests.

Guillemots

Guillemots are another major part of the Farne Islands’ seabird colonies. They nest in dense groups on cliff ledges. During the breeding season, the cliffs can appear covered with birds.

Their behaviour is adapted to life on steep rocky surfaces. The colonies are highly social, creating a constant background of movement and sound.

Razorbills

Razorbills are closely associated with guillemots but can be distinguished by their darker appearance and distinctive bill. They are excellent swimmers and divers. Like guillemots, they nest on rocky cliffs.

Shags and Cormorants

Shags and cormorants are also found around the islands. They can often be seen perched on rocks with their wings spread. This behaviour helps dry their feathers after swimming.

Fulmars and Other Seabirds

The islands support numerous other seabirds. Fulmars can be seen flying around the cliffs, while kittiwakes create noisy colonies on rocky ledges. Different species exploit different parts of the ecosystem.

Some feed close to shore. Others travel much farther out to sea. The result is an extraordinarily diverse seabird community.

Grey Seals

The Farne Islands are not only famous for birds. They are also home to one of England’s most important grey seal colonies. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of seals can be associated with the islands, particularly during the breeding season.

Grey seals haul themselves onto rocky shores and beaches to rest and raise their young. Their presence can make a boat trip around the islands particularly memorable.