Staple Island

Staple Island

Staple Island
Staple Island
Staple Island shown within Northumberland
OS grid reference NU230378
Coordinates 55°37′52″N 1°37′26″W / 55.631°N 1.624°W / 55.631; -1.624
List of places
UK
England
Northumberland

Staple Island is a small rocky island, or skerry, that is one of the Outer Group of the Farne Islands in Northumberland, England. The Farne Islands are a designated National Nature Reserve.[1] Staple Island is an important wildlife habitat known for its prolific breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes. A notable colony of grey seals breeds on the island with pups born every year in September–November.[2]

The island has no permanent population but local boats are licensed to land passengers. The National Trust owns and manages the island and has bird wardens on site during part of the year.[3]

Although now uninhabited, the island has a history associated with the early monastic settlement of nearby Lindisfarne. Views to the south range as far as Dunstanburgh Castle and along the north mainland shore to Bamburgh Castle.

A lighthouse was built on Staple Island in 1778 and blown down in 1784; a replacement, built either in the same place or on nearby Brownsman's island, was knocked down by heavy seas in 1800.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Farne Islands NNR". Natural England. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  2. ↑ "Meet our grey seals at the Farne Islands". The National Trust. October 5, 2012. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  3. ↑ "Your Guide to the Farne Islands". Your Northumberland Guide. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  4. ↑ "Farne Lighthouse". Trinity House. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
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