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]
 Staple Island | |
  Staple Island Location in Northumberland | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northumberland, England, UK Grid Reference NU230378 |
| Coordinates | 55°37′52″N 1°37′26″W / 55.631°N 1.624°W |
Staple Island is the southwesternmost of the Outer Group of Farne Islands, which are separated from the Inner Group by Staple Sound. The sound is about 550 m (1,800 ft) wide and is subject to very strong currents, especially during spring tides. The island has vertical cliffs on its southern side, and some detached rocks looking like broken pillars, known as "The Pinnacles". From the southwestern point, a dangerous ridge of rocks known as "Gun Reef" extends to the northwest. They begin to be uncovered when the tide is halfway through its ebb cycle.[3]
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.[4] Although now uninhabited, the island has a history associated with the early monastic settlement of nearby Lindisfarne.[5] It does however provide breeding ground for large populations of seabirds.[3]
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.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Farne Islands NNR". Natural England. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ "Meet our grey seals at the Farne Islands". The National Trust. 5 October 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ a b United States Hydrographic Office (1962). Publications, Issue 35. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 8.
- ^ "Your Guide to the Farne Islands". Your Northumberland Guide. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ^ Monument No. 8298, English Heritage: PastScape
- ^ "Farne Lighthouse". Trinity House. Archived from the original on 10 March 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2012.