NIFCA Attends St Mary’s Wildlife Festival

During August, NIFCA took part in the annual St Mary’s Wildlife Festival, held at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. The popular event celebrates the rich biodiversity of St Mary’s Island, a much-loved nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) renowned for its coastal bird populations and seal colonies.

The festival aims to both celebrate and educate visitors about local wildlife, offering a mix of educational programmes, wildlife recording opportunities, and family-friendly activities.

NIFCA Environment Officers Alex Aitken and Vicky Rae joined the weekend’s celebrations, spending time on a very sunny St Mary’s Island alongside local organisations and charities.

The team enjoyed engaging with individuals and families attending the event, sharing information about the Authority’s role in marine conservation and the importance of protecting our local coastal habitats.

Lead Environment Officer, Alex Aitken, said: “We were pleased to see so many people come to St Mary’s Island to chat about our amazing marine life and the wildlife connected to this beautiful and important Nature Reserve.

“NIFCA’s attendance at the festival was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of marine conservation efforts, strengthen links with the local community, and inspire visitors to appreciate and protect the region’s unique coastal environment.”