Island stirs into life after long winter
New water tank arrives on Coquet Island
Over the winter months the RSPB staff and volunteers have been busy doing all those jobs that can’t be done when the birds are nesting.
With the completion of the restoration of the monastic bits of the buildings around and under the lighthouse, we have turned our attention to improving our water saving and storage. This involved diverting rainwater from the roof and upgrading the drainage pipes to the underground tanks in the gardens.
Last year we had to increase the number of staff staying on Coquet to provide a more effective 24 surveillance, guarding the birds from disturbance and egg theft attempts; and we ran out of water for essentials!
Northumbrian Water stepped in to help, and donated a giant water tank, which was delivered by Puffin Cruises.
Grass cutting is an annual task but this year we have been helped by 140 Canada geese that have been regular visitors. It’s amazing how much grass they devour!
Already the fulmars are on their ledges and the puffins and black-headed gulls are making Coquet Island their home for the summer. We are all waiting for the first of the terns to arrive from their winter holidays in Africa!
Captain Coquet
