Environment / Reminder made over staying safe at Sumburgh Head after couple climb wall to take photos of puffins
PEOPLE have been reminded to keep within the boundaries at Sumburgh Head after reports of two people climbing over the wall on Saturday evening to take photos of puffins whilst having a picnic.
RSPB Shetland said in a Facebook post on Sunday that unwanted pressure on the cliff top can lead to burrows collapsing and habitat being eroded.
“It has been brought to our attention that a couple had climbed the wall at RSPB Sumburgh Head yesterday evening and were sat taking photos and picnicking on the cliff top extremely close to the puffins. Please do not do this,” its site manager Kevin Kelly said.
“The wall is there for the safety of visitors and our seabirds alike. Unwanted presence on the cliff top like this in an uncontrolled way, can easily lead to burrows collapsing and erosion of habitat.
“Everybody can enjoy fantastic safe, close views of the puffins from behind the wall, without needlessly risking the birds’ safety. This behaviour was witnessed on the Sumburgh puffin-cam, being streamed around the world. Help us to keep Sumburgh nature reserve a safe home for seabirds.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
