Latest news with #Kittiwakes
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
The utterly unique North Wales beach where only one group leaves negative reviews
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It's one of the best known beaches in North Wales - famous for a unique feature. Traeth Porthor on the Llyn Peninsula is up there on the list of the best beaches in the country. Situated on the wilder north coast between Aberdaron and the increasingly popular Porth Iago the beach is famously known as 'Whistling Sands' in English. The reason behind this is the sounds the sand (sometimes) makes while people walk along. National Trust - who own the beach - say it is derived from the squeak or whistle emitted by the peculiar shaped sand particles being rubbed together when walked on in warm weather. The sound can be made by stamping or sliding your feet on dry sand. According to Visit Wales it is one of only two beaches in Europe where people can experience this. (The other is Singing Sands Beach on the Isle of Eigg, Scotland) It does not squeak on demand as the conditions need to be right so don't be too disappointed if you miss out. The good news is that there is so much more to the beach than the noise it makes underfoot. It's a stunning spot on a peninsula with its fair share of glorious sandy bays. In addition it doesn't tend to get as busy as some others so people can usually find a decent stretch of sand for themselves. (Image: Amelia Shaw/North Wales Live) The coastal path can take walkers along the coastline in either direction with seals a common sight and dolphins as well from time to time. The area around the beach is a stronghold for birds like the Chough, Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags and Yellowhammers. In addition there's the remnants of a lime kiln on the path just off the beach. This is a glimpse into the past as Porthor was once a busy port, importing lime and coal. These type of beach kilns were generally used to convert limestone to quicklime by burning it, used for construction and to reduce soil acidity. In return it dispatched farm goods such as butter, cheese, eggs and poultry. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The water itself is obviously another pull - with clear blue waters on a sunny day. It doesn't have the large breakers you might get at Porth Neigwl (Hells Mouth) on the other side of the Llyn but there is the potential for bodyboarding or some surfing in the right conditions. There is even a very well rated cafe next to the beach for refreshments after the fresh air and activities have tired you out. The reviews are glowing and there is only one group that take issue with the beach - or rather one of the rules imposed. This is when it's worth mentioning the car park charges (£5) unless National Trust members and also the dog ban from April 1 to September 30. When it comes to the very many good and excellent reviews (260 out of 290 of the reviews on Tripadvisor) words that pop out are "gem", and "stunning". One recent review said: "We visited Porthor Beach recently and had a lovely time soaking in the natural beauty of the place. The beach itself is stunning – clean, peaceful, and set against a gorgeous backdrop of rolling hills. It's ideal for a relaxed day out, with crystal-clear water and soft, golden sand. (Image: Amelia Shaw/North Wales Live) "Despite its nickname 'Whistling Sands,' the sand wasn't whistling during our visit – maybe it depends on the weather or how dry the sand is. Still, it was a scenic and peaceful spot well worth the trip." Another said: "Beautiful, tucked away gem of a beach. Bit busy when we arrived,(late afternoon ), so would get there early morning next time. Stunning views, crystal clear turquoise water which is shallow till a long way out. "If this beach was on the Med it would be surrounded by tourist hotels. Would definitely go again." It is certainly well deserving of its 4.6 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor. With the small minority who don't leave sparkling reviews there is a common theme. It is not so much the beach they don't like but the no dogs rule, with odd moans over the £5 parking fee. One angry reviewer said: "What is it with the National Trust and dogs? We used to be members but when we got a pooch we discovered there are restrictions and no go areas at nearly all NT sites. Most dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pups but it seems none of us are to be trusted! Really disappointing to drive all the way to the car park to be told dogs are not allowed on most of the beach." Another added: "Sadly you can't take your dog on the beach, no matter how well behaved they are, so we had a wasted trip. A real shame as the beach is long enough to allow them at the far end." One dog owner said: "£5 to park, irrespective of how long! Fine for a day out, but extortionate for a walk down the road to the beach and back (because info boards in the car park say vaguely 'dogs welcome except for summer months' and then you get to the beach where another board tells you 'summer' is April 1st - 30th September and that if you contravene the dog ban you risk a £1000 fine). The beach itself is beautiful, but so is every other beach on the Llŷn Peninsula and from my experience, all the others are much less hostile to dog owners. I suggest NT update the board in the car park and give me my £5 back." However for most this location is a beach paradise and if you're lucky you may experience the magic squeaks. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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.
RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Crucial areas for conserving Irish seabirds identified by BirdWatch Ireland
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland. The wildlife NGO used the international criteria outlined by BirdLife International to identify the most crucial areas used by seabirds in Ireland. Areas designated using this criteria, for Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), are recognised by the European Court of Justice and the European Commission as sites that should be designated by Special Protection Areas by EU member states. The map identifies 73 important areas for Ireland's sea birds, 49 of which are colony/breeding areas and 24 of which are marine areas used by birds for feeding and wintering. A total of 41 of the colony areas are already designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs). While two areas of the marine have been identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as potential SPAs. These are in the northwest Irish Sea and in the sea off Wexford. Jim Wilson has been observing the birds on the Old Head of Kinsale in Cork for more than 50 years. Mr Wilson described the location as a noisy place due to being in the middle of breeding season, with the sounds of Kittiwakes and other birds including guillemots and razorbills. However, he has noticed that the numbers of Kittiwakes are dwindling at the Old Head of Kinsale at "an alarming rate". The numbers of auk, guillemot and razorbill are also decreasing. He said protecting the sea areas for birds where they hunt is "something we need to do fast". IBAs are not a legal protection mechanism but are used to inform the designation of SPAs for birds under the EU Birds Directive. These Irish sites now form part of a global network of IBAs across 243 countries. Ireland is legally obliged to designate areas that protect the lifecycle of birds as SPAs under Article 4 of the Birds Directive, which is an EU legislation. Ireland has had designated areas for the protection of birds since 1998. A total of 24 species of breeding seabirds are hosted by Ireland's marine area, with 23 of them under a red or amber conservation status. Ireland has committed to designate 30% of its seawaters as marine protected areas by 2030. Around 9.8% have this designation. If all IBAs identified by BirdWatch Ireland on this list were designated as SPAs, that would bring the total are covered up to 17.5%. BirdWatch Ireland said it is conservative in its designation and the areas identified are the most crucial ones for Irish seabirds. Ireland's marine waters represent 8% of the total marine area of the European Union's marine area. Issues impacting the birds include a lack of protection at breeding and colony sites, bird flu, overfishing, predation by invasive species, marine pollution and climate change. Ireland began designating marine SPAs three years ago. Less than 2% of Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone, the offshore area it has jurisdiction over living and non-living resources, is designated for seabirds. The expansion of human activities at sea, including the development of offshore wind projects, pose potential future threats to the birds. BirdWatch Ireland is calling on the Irish Government to designate the areas identified by the NGO as crucial for seabirds as SPAs. They are also calling for management plans to be developed for all SPAs so that conservation efforts can be measured and for funding to measure the potential impact of offshore renewable energy projects on Irish seabirds.
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Calls to stop massive Scottish wind farm with 307 turbines as 31,000 seabirds forecast to be killed
The cumulative impact of wind farm turbines in the area could accelerate one seabird species to extinction, the RSPB said. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ministers have been urged to reject plans for an offshore wind farm that has been predicted to kill tens of thousands of seabirds. Five charities, led by RSPB Scotland, have written to the First Minister to argue that approving Berwick Bank in the Firth of Forth would put nature at risk and accelerate at least one species to extinction. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the environment impact assessment for the wind farm, SSE Renewables, the developer, reportedly said it expects more than 31,000 bird collisions over the projected 35-year lifespan of the development. The company is said to have amended its designs to minimise risks to Scottish seabirds. The Scottish Government, which is considering whether to approve the project, said it cannot comment on live applications. Rampion Offshore Wind Farm The proposed development, which would be one of the largest in the world, will have up to 307 turbines across an area four times the size of Edinburgh. The Bass Rock was described by Sir David Attenborough as 'one of the 12 wildlife wonders of the world' | Lisa Ferguson If given the go ahead, the wind farm would stand about 20 miles from the globally recognised seabird colonies of St Abb's and Bass Rock, the latter being internationally known for its famous gannet colony. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The largest number of seabird species expected to be killed are kittiwakes, followed by gannets and herring gulls. The letter to First Minister John Swinney calling for the application to be rejected has been signed by RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society and the Scottish Seabird Centre. RSBP Scotland said new offshore wind developments are being held back due to their combined impacts with Berwick Bank on seabirds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It said an example of this is Ossian, a similar-sized windfarm that would generate almost the same amount of electricity. This project, using the latest floating turbine technology, is proposed further offshore, away from key seabird sites. Ossian alone would reduce the Kittiwake population at St Abb's Head by up to 13 per cent, the charity said. However, conservationists claim Ossian and Berwick Bank together are expected to reduce the same Kittiwake population by up to a shocking 81 per cent, which they said could fast track Kittiwakes towards extinction. SSE submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government in late 2022 and is still awaiting a decision. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad RSPB director Anne McCall | RSPB Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Offshore wind has a key role in tackling the climate and nature emergency. We fully support well-sited wind farms, which work with nature. But they are being held back by a major spanner in the works. 'Berwick Bank would be catastrophic for Scotland's globally important seabirds. Its impacts are so damaging it is blocking plans for new, less-harmful windfarms. 'As the First Minister said earlier this year - nature should be at the heart of climate action. Our message to the Scottish Government is clear. Refuse Berwick Bank to unlock the full potential of offshore wind while protecting our outstanding wildlife.' SSE insists seabird densities are "not exceptional" in the area and the impact on seabirds would be among the lowest of any wind farm site. Both those claims are disputed by RSPB Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
