News

Boost for Puffin colony in Firth of Forth

Puffin colonies on two islands in the Firth of Forth have received a £250,000 grant to secure their survival. The population of Puffins on the islands of Craigleith and Findra have plummeted from 28,000 breeding pairs in 1999 to 3,000 today. This dramatic fall in numbers is a result of the growth in tree-mallow plants which block their burrows, affecting the breeding process. To tackle this problem, the Scottish Seabird Centre has received an environmental grant from waste management company Viridor Credits, beating off competition from wildlife and environmental projects throughout the UK. Dr Ian White, chairman of Viridor Credits, said "We were very impressed by the Seabird Centre's proposal. It stood out from all the others around the country in its professionalism, its profile and achievements nationally and internationally. Most important, however, is its track record of inspiring and engaging with people of all ages and abilities." This boost will help to fund the Seabird Centre's "SOS Puffin" campaign which aims to reduce the amount of tree-mallow on the islands. Tom Brock, chief executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said "This Project will make a significant impact locally with real and lasting benefits for our local environment, its wildlife and community. It gives us the opportunity to save this important species from local extinction and prevent the loss of further habitats for the amazing wildlife in this area." As well as removing large numbers of tree-mallow, the grant will also help for the set-up of four cameras on Craigleith to keep track of the puffins.