Staple Island
Staple Island is a small rocky island that is one of the Outer Group of the Farne Islands. It is a part of the National Nature Reserve because it is an important wildlife habitat known for its prolific breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes. Plus a colony of grey seals breeds on the island with pups born every year in September–November. The island has no permanent population but local boats are licensed to land with passengers. The National Trust owns and manages the island and has bird wardens on site during part of the year. Puffins are the most numerous birds that nest on the Farnes with over 20,000 pairs nesting on Staple Island alone! A boardwalk over the top of the Island takes you straight through the nesting Puffins and this is where you can get close to some of Britain’s most spectacular breeding seabirds. This is a very rugged island so please remember to wear good shoes as its uneven underfoot and be careful to stay on the trails as it is a fragile nesting environment. (Farne Islands, Northumberland, England)
