The Farne Islands are a group of islands off
the coast of Northumberland. There are between 15 and 20 islands, depending on
the tide, which are divided into two groups – the inner group and the outer
group. The inner group includes Inner Farne, and the outer includes Staple
Island. They are currently owned by the National Trust, and local boats are
licensed to take passengers to Inner Farne, Staple Island and the Longstone.
Visits to other islands are prohibited to protect wildlife.
At the right time of year (usually late May
to August), puffins can be seen on Inner Farne and the surrounding islands. We booked
a tour boat from Seahouses, and as we were taken to the island, the tour guide
pointed out lots of different birds – even sunbathing seals – but no puffins. Luckily,
once we arrived at Inner Farne, there must have been hundreds of puffins running
about. I found out that they live in burrows and spent quite a while watching
them pop in and out.
Also, on the Inner Farne, Arctic terns nest
close to the path and will attack visitors who get too close, as we found out! Visitors
to the island are advised to wear a hat for this reason. The Inner Farne is
also home to a 14th-century chapel, St Cuthbert’s. Some of my puffin photographs are on sale as greetings cards in my Etsy shop.
