Reader Holiday
Enjoy some of Britain’s best seabird colonies in Northumberland in June
THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST and its rocky offshore islands are home to some of the largest and most closely accessible seabird colonies in Britain. Even a short visit at the height of the breeding season can bring you extreme close-up views of charismatic species such as Puffin, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Shag and also, perhaps, Eider. With this exclusive holiday, brought to you by Northern Experience and Bird Watching, you can see the above species on the beautiful and historic Farne Islands, where you are transported right into the midst of a seabird ‘city’– it’s something that every birdwatcher needs to see, hear and smell at least once in their lifetime! The Eider here, in fact, were the first birds in Britain ever to receive any kind of official protection – Saint Cuthbert forbade anyone to harm them when he made his home here in the late 7th Century, leading to their local nickname of 'cuddy ducks'. Add to all that a boat trip round Coquet Island, with its unique and thriving colony of Roseate Terns, and you will have seen a large proportion of Britain’s seabird species – an absolutely memorable experience in itself, and a very big boost to your list if you’re planning on joining in our #My200birdyear challenge. And, of course, the Northumberland coastal area also gets plenty of other birds for you to enjoy, including woodland, farmland and park and garden species, as well as a variety of waders around the many small reserves on Druridge Bay (including possible rarities). Northern Experience's Martin Kitching will be your guide to the wildlife of this beautiful part of Britain, offering expert advice in the field, and discussing the day's sightings in a relaxed atmosphere at the comfortable Bamburgh Castle Inn in the evenings. There may also be the chance to enjoy some slide shows featuring Northumberland's best flora and fauna during some of the evenings.