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The seabirds of Northumberland are perhaps its greatest bird watching asset. Many different species come to the various offshore islands throughout the summer to breed before departing for their various winter homes. Then the puffin, guillemot, shag and kittiwake winter out at sea; whilst the sandwich, common tern and arctic tern head for their African winter quarters. The grey seal also has a colony on the Farne Islands and it is one of the most important grey seal colonies in Europe. 

Few places in Britain host such an array of birds in such close proximity, and all the species of seabird, plus at least 10 others, can be seen on the Farne Islands, reached from regular boat trips from Seahouses Harbour. The 30 small islands are owned by the National Trust and two, Staple and Inner Farne, permit landing, daily, both in the breeding season (May - July) and out of season (April and August - September). Be sure to take a hat with you on your visit to the islands -  some of the terns will "dive bomb" visitors to protect their young.

The Farne Islands are also the place where Grace Darling, whose father was the keeper of the Longstone Lighthouse on the islands, rescued nine people from the Forfarshire Steamship which was swept onto the rocks of Big Harcar, one of the outer Farnes in a severe storm on the night of 7 September 1838. Grace and her father rowed a boat through the screaming wind and driving rain to the scene of the wreck, and succeeded in rescuing nine of the passengers. A museum in Bamburgh commemorates the tale and the bravery of Grace Darling and her father on that wild September night in 1838.

For information on visiting The Farne Islands which lie two to five miles off the Northumbrian Coastline Tel: (01665) 721099.

Information Northumbria Tourist Board

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