Puffin numbers plummet on Farne Islands in ‘concerning’ new survey
A new study reveals that puffin numbers on the internationally important Farne Islands have fallen by almost a quarter.
The National Trust, which manages the coastal islands of Northumberland, said the number of breeding pairs had fallen by 23 per cent, from 50,103 in 2024 to 38,500 this year.
Although significant, the trust cautioned against interpreting this as a sudden population decline and emphasized the need for long-term trend monitoring.
Ben McCarthy, head of conservation at the National Trust, said this was because counting seagulls was “a very complex task”.
“There is no single perfect method, and annual changes in survey conditions, gull behavior and environmental factors all affect the count,” he said.
“While the decline in numbers is worrying, it is important to view this year’s results in the broader context of global seagull trends.”
The bird flu outbreak in 2022 and 2023 did not affect the puffin population as badly as other species, National Trust experts said.
But factors that may have affected their numbers include extreme weather conditions such as Storm Arwen, soil erosion and an expanding gray seal colony.
Rangers will take measures to prevent seals from disturbing gull nests during the birds’ breeding season.
Sophia Jackson, Farne Islands district ranger, said: “We know puffins face challenges globally, from climate change to shifting food supplies.
“What we saw in Farnes is part of a much bigger picture.
“This year’s census doesn’t mean puffins disappeared overnight, but it reinforces the need for consistent, long-term data.”
Farnes attracts around 200,000 seabirds each nesting season, and the research has revealed encouraging trends in other species.
The National Trust said Northern Fulmar numbers had increased from 106 pairs to 235 in 2024, with Common Eiders increasing by 50 per cent.
Numbers of Great Black-Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, European Plumes and Razorbills also increased.
Arctic Terns, another known species of Farnes, increased from 410 to 519, an increase of over 26 percent over 2024 figures. This was welcomed as they face increasing pressure from climate change and food availability.
The 28 Farne Islands, some of which are submerged by the tide, lie a mile and a half out to sea and are an internationally recognized haven for wildlife.
