Latest news with #Gannets
The Irish Sun
09-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
UK's most remote inhabited island with rare birdlife and the wreckage of a Spanish Armada ship
ISLE GO UK's most remote inhabited island with rare birdlife and the wreckage of a Spanish Armada ship THE UK's most remote island measures just five kilometres by three kilometres - yet has a lot to boast about. The southernmost of the Shetland Islands, Fair Isle, is home to only 60 people - most of whom are located at the south end of the island. Advertisement 5 Fair Isle is located in the Shetland Islands and is home to only 60 people Credit: Alamy 5 The island boasts coastal walks with breathtaking views Credit: Alamy For those heading to the island, it is home to a large variety of different birdlife including Kittiwakes, Puffins and Gannets. In fact, over 350 bird species have been recorded on the island. Having only recently opened in May, The Fair Isle Bird Observatory offers visitors the chance to look out for many of the rare species or experience a guided tour. From 2026, you can even stay in the Observatory. Advertisement Alongside the bird life, there is a wealth of other fauna and flora to see across the island, making it the perfect spot for a hike. There are a number of coastal walks or you could follow the road up to the North Haven and North Lighthouse. And if you want to learn about the island's history, head to the South Lighthouse for a tour arranged through the Fair Isle Lighthouse Society. The island is also famous for Fair Isle knitting - a traditional style of knitting with patterns using two colours per row. Advertisement The creative knitwear suddenly rose in popularity after the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) wore Fair Isle jumpers in 1921. Whilst much of today's knitted creations do not follow the original process, some of the island's craftspeople do still create garments using the traditional pattern. We live on a remote island home to only 30 people and don't celebrate Christmas until January... but we're not unique, Rather unusually, Fair Isle also has a long history of shipwrecks with some dating back to the Viking period. One of the most famous shipwrecks is the Spanish Armada ship El Gran Grifón. Advertisement The 650-ton 38-gun ship sank on September 27, 1588 and for many years remained untouched. However, over the years many of the ship's parts and items were excavated and taken, with some brought to Lerwick, where they can be seen at the Shetland Museum. 5 There is also a Bird Observatory on the island that you visit or even stay at from 2026 Credit: Alamy 5 You can see parts of the wrecked Spanish Armada ship at Shetland Museum Credit: National Fund for Acquisitions Advertisement The island can be reached from Mainland, Shetland's main island, either by sea or by flying. If travelling by sea, the Good Shepherd IV ferry carries 12 people and the journey takes around two-and-a-half hours. Alternatively, you can catch a 25-minute flight from Tingwall airport. There are flights to the island each day, providing the weather isn't too windy. Advertisement These Are Expedia's Top 10 Islands for 2025 Aruba Bali Dominican Republic Fiji Jamaica Koh Samui Maldives Oahu, Hawaii Paros, Greece Sardinia, Italy Elsewhere, the UK's 'happiest islands' have white sand beaches and attractions older than the Egyptian pyramids. Plus, five islands off the coast of the UK you can visit without needing your passport.
Scottish Sun
09-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
UK's most remote inhabited island with rare birdlife and the wreckage of a Spanish Armada ship
ISLE GO UK's most remote inhabited island with rare birdlife and the wreckage of a Spanish Armada ship THE UK's most remote island measures just five kilometres by three kilometres - yet has a lot to boast about. The southernmost of the Shetland Islands, Fair Isle, is home to only 60 people - most of whom are located at the south end of the island. Advertisement 5 Fair Isle is located in the Shetland Islands and is home to only 60 people Credit: Alamy 5 The island boasts coastal walks with breathtaking views Credit: Alamy For those heading to the island, it is home to a large variety of different birdlife including Kittiwakes, Puffins and Gannets. In fact, over 350 bird species have been recorded on the island. Having only recently opened in May, The Fair Isle Bird Observatory offers visitors the chance to look out for many of the rare species or experience a guided tour. From 2026, you can even stay in the Observatory. Advertisement Alongside the bird life, there is a wealth of other fauna and flora to see across the island, making it the perfect spot for a hike. There are a number of coastal walks or you could follow the road up to the North Haven and North Lighthouse. And if you want to learn about the island's history, head to the South Lighthouse for a tour arranged through the Fair Isle Lighthouse Society. The island is also famous for Fair Isle knitting - a traditional style of knitting with patterns using two colours per row. Advertisement The creative knitwear suddenly rose in popularity after the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) wore Fair Isle jumpers in 1921. Whilst much of today's knitted creations do not follow the original process, some of the island's craftspeople do still create garments using the traditional pattern. We live on a remote island home to only 30 people and don't celebrate Christmas until January... but we're not unique, Rather unusually, Fair Isle also has a long history of shipwrecks with some dating back to the Viking period. One of the most famous shipwrecks is the Spanish Armada ship El Gran Grifón. Advertisement The 650-ton 38-gun ship sank on September 27, 1588 and for many years remained untouched. However, over the years many of the ship's parts and items were excavated and taken, with some brought to Lerwick, where they can be seen at the Shetland Museum. 5 There is also a Bird Observatory on the island that you visit or even stay at from 2026 Credit: Alamy 5 You can see parts of the wrecked Spanish Armada ship at Shetland Museum Credit: National Fund for Acquisitions Advertisement The island can be reached from Mainland, Shetland's main island, either by sea or by flying. If travelling by sea, the Good Shepherd IV ferry carries 12 people and the journey takes around two-and-a-half hours. Alternatively, you can catch a 25-minute flight from Tingwall airport. There are flights to the island each day, providing the weather isn't too windy. Advertisement These Are Expedia's Top 10 Islands for 2025 Aruba Bali Dominican Republic Fiji Jamaica Koh Samui Maldives Oahu, Hawaii Paros, Greece Sardinia, Italy Elsewhere, the UK's 'happiest islands' have white sand beaches and attractions older than the Egyptian pyramids. Plus, five islands off the coast of the UK you can visit without needing your passport.
Irish Examiner
31-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
When close up is too close — who's the worst culprit for invading wild birds' space?
More people than ever are taking to the outdoors to get a look at wildlife. That can be a good thing... but there are boundaries to be observed too. Sometimes, humans go too near, with negative impacts on these creatures. Many of us will be out and about during the August bank holiday, and the following weeks, so a message from Birdwatch Ireland is apposite. It concerns seabirds, some of which are still nesting. For instance, gannets, which arrive in early spring and then pair up for breeding, don't leave for warmer climes until the autumn when their chicks are ready to fledge and fly. Brian Burke, senior seabird conservation officer with Birdwatch, pleads with people not to peek into nests. Some, including photographers, come too close which can result in birds fleeing nests and the death of chicks: 'A lot of people don't realise that it's actually illegal to disturb and/or photograph nesting birds without a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service." A study by University College Cork researcher, Debs Allbrook, found that gannets nesting on the edge of the Great Saltee Island colony, in Wexford, which were disturbed, had the lowest success rate in the number of chicks fledging. It was photographers who ventured closest, to an average distance of 2.5metres, with regular tourists coming to within 4.5m and birdwatchers 8m. Ms Allbrook had a sign erected asking people to stay back from nests. After that, all groups stayed at least 5m way, with the exception of 11 photographers. A sign has been erected on Great Saltee, based on Debs Allbrook's research, to encourage best behaviour near the nesting Gannets. Picture: Debs Allbrook 'Our precious seabirds are suffering severe declines, with loss of critical habitat and plummeting fish stocks cited to explain falling numbers. Disturbance is just one more factor in the list, but is actually the thing we can do most about," she notes. By approaching nests and leaving flattened grass, or bushes moved aside, people can also tip off potential predators like magpies, or foxes. Furthermore, chicks may be frightened into leaving nests too soon, thereby reducing their survival chances. Cork is one of the best places for seabird-watching, with a large number of species like gulls, shearwaters and godwits to be seen. Galley Head, Cape Clear, Dursey Island, and the Rosscarbery Estuary are among several popular locations. Not too far away, the Skellig islands, in Kerry, are internationally-famous for their gannets, puffins and guillemots, among other species, while not forgetting the Blasket islands. Let's leave the parting words to Brian Burke: 'Take the chance to enjoy the birds around you. Visit a seabird colony this summer, and takes lots of photos. But be sure to keep your distance from the birds and their nests."
Euronews
11-03-2025
- General
- Euronews
Marine animals could ‘choke on oil' after UK crash, experts warn
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing what counter pollution action is needed, as people voice concern for porpoises and seabirds. ADVERTISEMENT The collision of two ships off the east coast of England has created an environmental 'tragedy' in the North Sea, wildlife experts warn. Fires are still burning on an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and the cargo ship loaded with toxic chemicals that crashed into it yesterday morning (10 March) off the coast of East Yorkshire. One crew member from the cargo ship is missing and the search for them has sadly been called off, according to an update from HM Coastguard this morning. The other 36 crew members from both vessels were safely rescued, with one in hospital. An assessment of what counter pollution response will be necessary is being carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. While it's too early to gauge the extent of the damage, environmental groups have been sharing their concerns about the incident. What is jet fuel and what damage can it do at sea? The oil tanker - MV Stena Immaculate - was carrying jet fuel for the US government when it was struck, operator and joint owner US logistics firm Crowley confirmed. Some of that aviation fuel has been spilling into the sea since the crash at around 10am GMT yesterday. Jet fuel is a kerosene-based liquid with a high boiling point, meaning it evaporates slowly. Data from ship tracking site MarineTraffic indicates the tanker was partially laden, with other sources showing it held 140,000 barrels of the aviation fuel. The fire on Stena Immaculate will burn off some of the fuel. And bacteria in the sea can break down jet fuel, experts say. But that still leaves an unknown amount of a substance toxic to marine life pouring into a sensitive environment. What wildlife lives in the area where the crash occurred? 'We are now seeing toxic oil pouring from the 183 metre-long tanker into - or very near - a sensitive area designated to protect declining harbour porpoises,' Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, tells Euronews Green. 'As these animals are forced to come to the surface to breathe, they risk inhaling poisonous fumes and choking on oil.' Oceana says it believes the collision took place in or near two protected areas: the Southern North Sea marine protected area, designated for harbour porpoise, and the Holderness Offshore marine protected area, marked out for seafloor habitats. There are also breeding seal colonies and numerous species of seabirds along the coast which could be impacted by pollution. Dave O'Hara, senior site manager at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Bempton Cliffs, told the BBC that the area is home to England's largest gannet colony and internationally important populations of seabirds. Around half a million seabirds, including Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins breed in the area each year, on the 122-metre-high chalk cliffs. What damage could a sodium cyanide leak do in the North Sea? The cargo vessel, Portugal-flagged container ship Solong, was also carrying a dangerous load: 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to Lloyd's List intelligence. It is not yet clear whether the chemical, which is highly water-soluble, has leaked into the sea. ADVERTISEMENT Dr Paul Johnston, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University, says the organisation is extremely concerned about 'multiple toxic hazards'. 'While we don't know about the status of the containers holding sodium cyanide, we're dealing with a highly toxic chemical that could cause serious harm. 'Any release of bunker fuel could also pose serious risks to nearby nature sanctuaries,' he adds. 'Authorities need to urgently assess the situation and put in place measures to contain the release of jet fuel and any other toxic substances from the two vessels where possible. We must hope an environmental disaster can be averted.' ADVERTISEMENT Local wildlife groups offer their services Environmental organisations big and small have been responding to the incident, with local residents also keen to assist. Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, a volunteer-led organisation based in a nearby town on the Humber Estuary, has convened to discuss the care it can provide if oiled wildlife reach Cleethorpes Beach. 'We are currently adapting our oil spill response protocols - originally designed for factory spills - to ensure we are prepared for this incident,' the group said in a post on Facebook. It has set up a dedicated oiled wildlife hotline, and is urging members of the public to call this number (01472 472662) if they encounter an affected animal, rather than attempting to handle it personally. ADVERTISEMENT Hundreds of people have shared or commented on the post to offer their help, including one woman who volunteered during the last major oil spill in UK waters, when the Sea Empress tanker ran aground at Milford Haven, Wales, in 1996. Incident shows dangers of 'Big Oil' dominance While environmental groups are concerned with the immediate impact on the marine ecosystem, some also say the incident spotlights the risks of fossil fuels. 'This tragic event shows once again that spills occur everywhere Big Oil goes, be it drilling the ocean floor or transporting fossil fuels around the world,' says Tagholm. 'Local livelihoods could well be threatened in the North East, since oil contamination can impact commercial fish populations, along with the shellfish industry, in addition to the potential impacts on human health. ADVERTISEMENT 'We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the destruction this industry causes. Ending the era of Big Oil and building a future powered by clean, renewable energy is paramount, for UK seas, for our communities and our future.'
Euronews
11-03-2025
- General
- Euronews
Environmental groups warn of ‘multiple toxic hazards' after North Sea ship crash
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing what counter pollution action is needed, as people voice concern for porpoises and seabirds. ADVERTISEMENT The collision of two ships off the east coast of England has created an environmental 'tragedy' in the North Sea, wildlife experts warn. Fires are still burning on an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and the cargo ship loaded with toxic chemicals that crashed into it yesterday morning (10 March) off the coast of East Yorkshire. One crew member from the cargo ship is missing and the search for them has sadly been called off, according to an update from HM Coastguard this morning. The other 36 crew members from both vessels were safely rescued, with one in hospital. An assessment of what counter pollution response will be necessary is being carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. While it's too early to gauge the extent of the damage, environmental groups have been sharing their concerns about the incident. Related Switzerland told it must do more to comply with landmark climate ruling by Council of Europe What is jet fuel and what damage can it do at sea? The oil tanker - MV Stena Immaculate - was carrying jet fuel for the US government when it was struck, operator and joint owner US logistics firm Crowley confirmed. Some of that aviation fuel has been spilling into the sea since the crash at around 10am GMT yesterday. Jet fuel is a kerosene-based liquid with a high boiling point, meaning it evaporates slowly. Data from ship tracking site MarineTraffic indicates the tanker was partially laden, with other sources showing it held 140,000 barrels of the aviation fuel. The fire on Stena Immaculate will burn off some of the fuel. And bacteria in the sea can break down jet fuel, experts say. But that still leaves an unknown amount of a substance toxic to marine life pouring into a sensitive environment. What wildlife lives in the area where the crash occurred? 'We are now seeing toxic oil pouring from the 183 metre-long tanker into - or very near - a sensitive area designated to protect declining harbour porpoises,' Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, tells Euronews Green. 'As these animals are forced to come to the surface to breathe, they risk inhaling poisonous fumes and choking on oil.' Oceana says it believes the collision took place in or near two protected areas: the Southern North Sea marine protected area, designated for harbour porpoise, and the Holderness Offshore marine protected area, marked out for seafloor habitats. There are also breeding seal colonies and numerous species of seabirds along the coast which could be impacted by pollution. Dave O'Hara, senior site manager at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Bempton Cliffs, told the BBC that the area is home to England's largest gannet colony and internationally important populations of seabirds. Around half a million seabirds, including Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins breed in the area each year, on the 122-metre-high chalk cliffs. What damage could a sodium cyanide leak do in the North Sea? The cargo vessel, Portugal-flagged container ship Solong, was also carrying a dangerous load: 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to Lloyd's List intelligence. It is not yet clear whether the chemical, which is highly water-soluble, has leaked into the sea. ADVERTISEMENT Dr Paul Johnston, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University, says the organisation is extremely concerned about 'multiple toxic hazards'. 'While we don't know about the status of the containers holding sodium cyanide, we're dealing with a highly toxic chemical that could cause serious harm. 'Any release of bunker fuel could also pose serious risks to nearby nature sanctuaries,' he adds. 'Authorities need to urgently assess the situation and put in place measures to contain the release of jet fuel and any other toxic substances from the two vessels where possible. We must hope an environmental disaster can be averted.' ADVERTISEMENT Local wildlife groups offer their services Environmental organisations big and small have been responding to the incident, with local residents also keen to assist. Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, a volunteer-led organisation based in a nearby town on the Humber Estuary, has convened to discuss the care it can provide if oiled wildlife reach Cleethorpes Beach. 'We are currently adapting our oil spill response protocols - originally designed for factory spills - to ensure we are prepared for this incident,' the group said in a post on Facebook. It has set up a dedicated oiled wildlife hotline, and is urging members of the public to call this number (01472 472662) if they encounter an affected animal, rather than attempting to handle it personally. ADVERTISEMENT Hundreds of people have shared or commented on the post to offer their help, including one woman who volunteered during the last major oil spill in UK waters, when the Sea Empress tanker ran aground at Milford Haven, Wales, in 1996. Incident shows dangers of 'Big Oil' dominance While environmental groups are concerned with the immediate impact on the marine ecosystem, some also say the incident spotlights the risks of fossil fuels. 'This tragic event shows once again that spills occur everywhere Big Oil goes, be it drilling the ocean floor or transporting fossil fuels around the world,' says Tagholm. 'Local livelihoods could well be threatened in the North East, since oil contamination can impact commercial fish populations, along with the shellfish industry, in addition to the potential impacts on human health. ADVERTISEMENT 'We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the destruction this industry causes. Ending the era of Big Oil and building a future powered by clean, renewable energy is paramount, for UK seas, for our communities and our future.'
