Rathlin Island, off the north coast of Antrim, is considered by scientists to be one of the most important breeding sites for marine birds across our islands.
It's home to Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony, made up of Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills. Sadly, however, the Puffin population has fallen by half in recent years. And a major cause is predation by invasive non-native species that inhabit the Island, especially Rathlin's population of rats and ferrets. Neither are native and both have outstayed their welcome.
But now things are about to change. In 2021 LIFE Raft got the green light. The £4.5 million conservation project is designed to safeguard Rathlin Island's Internationally important seabird population and other wildlife. The restoration project's full title is Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow and it's the largest of its kind anywhere on the island of Ireland.
Over five years, LIFE Raft aims to safeguard Rathlin's threatened seabirds and ground-nesting birds through a programme to eradicate Brown Rats and ferrets. With its focus on natural heritage and community, the initiative will also help Rathlin Island's economic recovery following the impact of Covid-19. The project is deeply rooted within the local community. Livestock on Rathlin will see benefits from the removal of non-native species. Plus, the project is creating new jobs on the Island.
Sea stacks on Rathlin Island (Credit, Hazel Watson)
Gathering information
In the first 12 months of the project, the team has monitored and sourced evidence of Brown Rats and ferrets on Rathlin to understand their movements. Both species cause substantial harm to seabird numbers and habitats by eating eggs and chicks along the sea stacks and across the rest of the Island. Data gathered by the team is already informing the next steps for 2023 and 2023. During routine monitoring along the cliffs last summer, Conservation Scientist James Crymble and Senior Research Assistant Ric Else, saw an incredible sight - a Manx Shearwater gliding in and out of a potential nest site. While James and Ric are 99% certain that the Manx Shearwaters are nesting there, the site is not accessible. Instead, they have been keep a close on the situation using thermal imaging binoculars, which allowed them to spot the birds in the first place. James Crymble said "Spotting the Manx Shearwater has been a real highlight, especially as they are a key species for the LIFE Raft project. They are extremely vulnerable to invasive mammalian predators. This chance spotting brings new hope that the population will continue to thrive and grow as the project gets under way. "
In order to provide accurate reporting and monitoring, the team has been setting up various camera trap and equipment across the island. They work closely with landowners on Rathlin to gain permission to install the cameras on private land. LIFE Raft is also working with Virgin Media to create a bespoke WIFI network so they can monitor the cameras remotely.
Ric Else, monitoring (Credit, James Crymble)
Crossing Borders
Last June, the team enlisted the hep of Wildlife Management International, a New Zealand based organisation dedicated to research and conservation for nature, with over 30 years' experience in eradicating invasive species from islands. The crew, led by Biz Bell and apprentices Marcia Welch and Keegan Miskimmin, visited the LIFE Raft team for two weeks to learn about Rathlin's ongoing restoration projects and wildlife management. They also met with the local community and provided observations to aid in the operational plans for the eradication project. Biz and her colleagues returned in November 2022 to provide expertise to the team, who will have to rope off areas along the cliffs and coastal areas for the duration of the project.
Supporting Local Communities
Community Engagement is a priority for the LIFE Raft project. In 2022, a key aspect of this was to develop new relationships with the community and ensure local people are involved and kept up to date. Some of the ways the team has been integrating with the community is by taking part in local events, such as the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, and hosting talks on local and international conservation. They also partnered with Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) to work alongside the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough to arrange a pop-up ski on the harbour. This was in part to help the community tidy up in advance of the festival, but also served as a trail for what the removal of ferrets and rats might require as the project approaches its operational stage.
Life Raft Team on Island (Credit: James Crymble)
Thank you
LIFE Raft is funded by EU Life, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DAERA) with contributions from RSPB NI, Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCHGT).
How to help
LIFE Raft is just one of the projects we are undertaking to protect, support and enhance the Rathlin Island community and its unique environment, including taking actions to be carbon neutral by 2030. For more information visit rathlincommunity.org.rdca or rspb.org.uk/NI.