So Near So Farne

The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, is a seabird sanctuary. These islands have been managed, by the National Trust (NT), for almost 100 years. The current outbreak of bird 'flu in the cliff-breeding colonies is clearly the most challenging event experienced over this entire period (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/25/bird-flu-outbreak-on-farne-islands-risks-unprecedented-wildlife-tragedy). Thousands of rare and threatened seabirds have died on the Farnes. Casualties include Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic terns. Workers in hazard suits have collected carcasses for incineration but many dead birds must have simply fallen into the sea. The disease is an added pressure to the impacts of over-fishing and climate change, which both reduce food supplies for these birds. Rather obviously, visitors have had to be banned from the islands, putting financial pressure on the NT.