Garden and Green

Farne Islands Blog - As Seen on BBC Autumnwatch
October 28th, 2008

This years BBC Autumnwatch is featuring the Seals of the Farne Islands, just off the Northumberland Coast, near Bamburgh. They are owned by the National Trust and are a popular wildlife tourism destination. Boat trips to the islands can be taken from Seahouses throughout the year, but not in rough weather. (Two decades ago when I was 12, I went to the Farnes and freak wave crashed over the side of the boat and soaked me and two friends from head to foot, much to the hilarity of the rest of the boats passengers, who somehow didn't get a splash. On arrival on the island, we three drowned rats were spotted by the Lighthouse keeper and taken inside and dried off in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate each!) The National Trust's head warden, David Steel (The lighthouse keepers are now a distant memory) is recording life on the Islands, with some excellent photos of the seals and seabird life.

The blog is also giving a 'behind the scenes' update of the filming this week on the island and a real insight into the effort and trials and tribulations of ensuring a smooth and hitchfree week of live broadcasts for the popular BBC series, despite the remoteness of the islands and the very coldweather.

The blog can be viewed HERE.

FARNES QUICK FACTS
* St Cuthbert died on Inner Farne in 687. A.D
* Number of breeding seabird pairs in 2005
Common Eider – 875 pairs
Fulmar – 176 pairs
Cormorant – 185 pairs
Shag – 937 pairs
Oystercatcher – 33 pairs
Herring Gull – 540 pairs
Lesser Black-backed Gull – 431 pairs
Black-legged Kittiwake – 5,375 pairs
Sandwich Tern – 1,913 pairs
Roseate Tern – 1 pair (endangered species)
Common Tern – 155 pairs
Arctic Tern – 2,380 pairs
Guillemot – 46,915 birds
Razorbill – 277 pairs
Puffin – 55,674 pairs in 2003 (not counted in 2005)
Rock Pipit – 20 pairs
* There is a Grey seal colony of around 5,000 in number.
* The Islands have their own heroine. Grace Darling, the daughter of the lighthouse keeper rowed out with him when she was 22 in severe weather conditions and rescued 9 people from a boat that had run aground off Harker Rock. News travelled nationally and she was to become a Victorian 'Celeb', her brave deed ensured she would become part of the areas local folklore.

Credit: National Trust

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