The beloved Puffin-cam has returned for 2026, bringing live footage of the charming seabirds from the Farne Islands in Northumberland. The National Trust, which manages the islands, has announced plans for a nationwide 'tour' of the puffins, allowing people across the UK to enjoy their antics.
Live Footage from the Farne Islands
Starting today, bird enthusiasts can watch the puffins and guillemots on live camera feeds. The National Trust stated that the footage offers a 'front-row seat to the charming antics and everyday lives of these much-loved seabirds.' A second camera is trained on the cliffs where the birds roost and nest. The Farne Islands are home to around 200,000 seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and kittiwakes. The islands are also a popular destination for day trippers who enjoy seeing the birds in their natural habitat.
Breeding Season and Visitor Access
The islands, which have been cared for by the National Trust for over a century, re-opened for the season with visitor boats now landing on Inner Farne and Longstone. This gives the public a chance to experience one of the UK's most spectacular wildlife gatherings. Laura Knowles, Visitor Operations Manager for the National Trust, said: 'The breeding season is always a special time of year as our ranger teams gear up to monitor the birds daily over the spring and summer months. We're thrilled to bring Puffin Cam back for a second season. Last year the live cams attracted over a quarter of a million views.'
Global Connection
Knowles added: 'We were overwhelmed by the incredible messages from people across the world who tuned in to watch the puffins go about their daily lives. It was wonderful to see how deeply the live stream connected viewers to the Farnes, especially those who may never have the chance to visit in person. Puffin Cam is a simple but powerful way to share the magic of Farne Islands wildlife with everyone, wherever they are.'
Window to the Wild Tour
Next month, the puffins will tour city centres through the National Trust's Window to the Wild project. A big screen will show live puffin cam footage from the islands, with National Trust staff on hand to talk about the puffins, their behaviour, and the Farne Islands. The tour will visit cities including Newcastle, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast, and Bristol as part of the Festival of Nature.
Visitor Guidelines
To land on Inner Farne or Longstone, or to sail around the islands, visitors must catch a boat from Seahouses harbour. The National Trust recommends booking boat trips in advance. The islands are a haven for seabirds due to the lack of ground predators such as rats and stoats. To protect the birds' environment, the National Trust asks visitors to seal all bags, ensure bags are packed in a rodent-free environment, avoid leaving bags unattended on Seahouses Harbour, and avoid bringing plants with root balls, compost, potted herbs, or seeds.
