Biosecurity for LIFE

Countryfile - Northumberland Coast in Autumn Hamza Yassin finds out about the RSPB's work to safeguard the very rare roseate tern, and Charlotte Smith meets a biosecurity dog helping to protect precious seabird colonies from pests.

For those of you who haven't already watched Laura and Kuki on #BBCCountryfile or don't know what a #biosecurity conservation detection dog handling team do, you can still catch up on I-player. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

06.10.2025 11:20 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

1 way to prevent rodents getting to our important seabird islands is to use rope guards, plastic discs attached to mooring lines. Thanks to Puffin Cruises, Natalie Kristen II, Serenity & Billy Shiel's for being early adopters of these devices whilst taking visitors around Coquet & the Farne Islands.

03.10.2025 10:18 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

Since 2016 at least 6rats,3mink,7dead rats,1dead mink & 1dead mouse have been discovered on UK seabird islands. 1stoat was seen on a boat,1rat was seen jumping ashore from a boat,2boats found rodent sign onboard & 32suspicious signs were found on island. The risk to seabirds is very real & ongoing..

02.10.2025 10:34 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

#Seabirds are among the most threatened group of birds globally. You can help their #conservation by carrying out simple #biosecurity measures such as checking your bag & boat for signs of invasive predators before travelling to a seabird island. Look out for chew marks, entrance holes & droppings.

29.09.2025 13:10 — 👍 5    🔁 4    💬 0    📌 0

"Shipwrecks" still happen relatively frequently with 10 affecting the UK's internationally important seabird islands since 2018, including 1 boat sinking off Lundy & 1 off the Farnes in 2025. Rats can squeeze through a 12mm hole so are very good at stowing away on boats-always be vigilant for signs.

29.09.2025 10:07 — 👍 2    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0

Puffins vs Brown Rats = not a fair fight!
Our seabirds evolved their breeding strategies long before rats arrived in the UK, they have no natural defence against mammalian predators.
Seabirds need these islands to remain rat-free to survive, rats can and will thrive almost anywhere!

28.09.2025 06:30 — 👍 3    🔁 5    💬 0    📌 0

Invasive Non-native predators, such as rats can have devastating impacts on seabird islands as they eat eggs, chicks and even adult birds.

When you're travelling to a seabird island, simple biosecurity actions can help prevent the arrival of invasive predators.

#biosecurityforwales #seabirds

27.09.2025 06:31 — 👍 9    🔁 4    💬 0    📌 0