Newton in Bloom

Summer is officially here and the meadow at Newton Point is full of life! Home to Skylarks, Pippits and a multitude of butterflies, it is also home to a diverse range of wildflower species. At first glance it is a technicolour sea of buttercups and red clover, but look a little closer and you might be surprised at what you find.

© Kate Bradshaw

The Northern Marsh Orchids are still in flower, dotted between clumps of Mouse-ear and the bright blue of Germander Speedwell. The grassland is also home to at least five types of Vetch but let us know if you can spot any more.

© Kate Bradshaw

Yellow-rattle is in its prime. A vital meadow plant, it is semi-parasitic in nature, stealing its energy from the rich meadow grasses that surround it. Although this sounds rather aggressive, it plays a vital role in the meadow ecosystem. By reducing the nutrient levels in the soil, it reduces the competition posed by rich perennials and thick grasses, allowing the wild flowers to flourish. So we have a lot to thank this little plant for.

© Kate Bradshaw

Pop your head over the bank and down on the rocky shore line you will find a much more coastal community. Small clumps of Sea Campion and Thrift contrast with the deep yellow of Bird’s-foot-trefoil, creating a very different species set to the meadow above.

© Kate Bradshaw

So whether you want to admire the view or sit down with an identification book, it is definitely worth a visit.

Introducing Some Of The Team

© National Trust

At the beginning of each year we take on a team of seasonal Assistant Rangers, to be supplemented over the summer months by an additional team that give us the numbers we need to open two islands to visitors and complete all our essential monitoring work. The summer intake of rangers are already now established across the islands so they are certainly due an introduction. They are Chris Lockyer, Claire Boothby, Molly Heal, Tom Hibbert and Rhian Davies.  Together they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from a variety of backgrounds.

Before coming to the Farnes Chris was working with Wildscapes, in partnership with the National Trust, restoring the degraded moorland in the Peak District. While doing this he was also volunteering with the Sheffield Wildlife Trust and working as a rock climbing instructor.

Claire has been working for the National Trust at Polesden Lacey for three years, whilst completing an undergraduate degree in Ecology during her evenings. She has been a trainee bird ringer for the last year and has been looking forward to the experience of the breeding season on the Farnes.

Molly has loved seabirds, islands and island life since working on Skokholm in 2012. She studied in Newcastle and is delighted to be back in the North East.

Since graduating from Bangor University, Tom has been monitoring seabirds both at home and abroad, from auks in East Yorkshire to tropical birds in the Seychelles. Last year he worked for the National Trust on the Northumberland Coast's Little Tern breeding site at the Long Nanny near Beadnell.

Previously Rhian worked as a Ranger for the Scottish Wildlife Trust and as Information Assistant for the RSPB, showing people Common Seals in Teeside. Most recently she worked for Sustrans and Living Streets, promoting cycling and walking in schools.

They have all been getting stuck in to island life, including seabird monitoring, chatting to visitors and all the tasks associated with the upkeep of an island for wildlife and visitors.

To keep up to date with how they, and the rest of the rangers are getting on, follow them on twitter @NTFarneIslands and of course come and visit in person with a trip to the Farne Islands. June is the perfect time to visit.

© National Trust