The iconic puffin colonies of the Farne Islands have experienced a significant decline, with the latest annual survey revealing a dramatic drop in breeding pairs.
The number of puffins recorded fell from 50,103 breeding pairs in 2024 to just 38,500 this year, representing a concerning 23% decrease on these internationally important islands off the Northumberland coast.
Understanding the Decline
Ben McCarthy, head of nature conservation at the National Trust which manages the islands, emphasised the complexity of monitoring puffin populations. "Counting puffins is a notoriously complex task," he explained. "There is no single perfect method, and annual variations in survey conditions, puffin behaviour, and environmental factors all influence the count."
While the decline appears stark, conservationists caution against interpreting it as a sudden population collapse. The National Trust stressed that the long-term trend needs careful monitoring rather than representing an immediate crisis for the species.
Multiple Pressures on Puffin Populations
Experts identified several factors that may have contributed to the decline, though notably the bird flu outbreak of 2022-2023 did not affect puffins as severely as other seabird species.
Potential contributing factors include extreme weather events such as Storm Arwen, ongoing soil erosion, and the expanding grey seal colony which can disturb puffin burrows during critical breeding seasons.
Sophia Jackson, Farne Islands area ranger, highlighted the broader context: "We know puffins are facing challenges globally, from climate change to shifting food sources. What we're seeing on the Farnes is part of a much bigger picture."
Conservation Response and Positive Trends
In response to the findings, rangers will implement measures to deter seals from disturbing puffin burrows during breeding season, providing the birds with greater protection during their most vulnerable period.
Despite the worrying puffin statistics, the survey revealed several encouraging trends among other seabird species that nest on the 28 islands:
- Northern Fulmar numbers more than doubled from 106 pairs to 235
- Common Eiders increased by 50%
- Arctic Terns saw a 26% increase to 519 nesting pairs
- Greater Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, European Shags and Razorbills also showed population growth
The Farne Islands, located one-and-a-half miles off the Northumberland coast, host approximately 200,000 seabirds each nesting season and remain an internationally recognised wildlife haven. The National Trust has committed to continued monitoring to better understand these population fluctuations and ensure the long-term protection of these cherished seabird colonies.
