Watch the birdies via new island 'puffincams'

THE Farne Islands are set for a boom in virtual visitors as webcams launch for wildlife lovers to observe thousands of seabirds gathering at the nature haven.

- DANIEL HALL

The National Trust has set up two webcams to mark the centenary of it taking ownership of the islands, around 1.5 miles off the Northumberland coast. The first webcam will be trained on puffin burrows, whilst the second will focus on the cliffs where around 200,000 seabirds gather each year to breed.

Ranger Sophia Jackson said: “In this significant year we want more people to become ‘watchers’ of this annual spectacle to have a window into this unique world. We hope by seeing the birds, people will be inspired to visit in person one day, but also to realise just how special these wild isles are, and how we must do all we can to ensure these islands and bird species have a long and healthy future ahead.”