A wild encounter in Newcastle
Pause in Old Eldon Square this Saturday and you might find yourself transported far beyond the high street to a windswept island where puffins dart, dive and return to their burrows with beaks full of fish.
On Saturday 6 June, the National Trust is bringing its much-loved ‘Puffin Cam’ to the city centre, streaming live footage direct from the Farne Islands, home to one of the UK’s most important seabird colonies.
For one day, shoppers and passers-by can step into the private world of these remarkable birds, watching as the breeding season unfolds in real time. It’s a close-up encounter with some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, right in the heart of Newcastle.
A window to the wild
The pop-up is part of the National Trust’s Window to the Wild project, designed to break down barriers to nature by bringing extraordinary wildlife experiences into everyday spaces.
National Trust Lead Ranger James Porteous said: “Puffin Cam is a simple but powerful way to share the magic of Farne Islands’ wildlife with everyone, wherever they are.”
Alongside the live feed, visitors can dive deeper into the world of puffins:
- Test their knowledge with quick quizzes
- Discover how puffins compare to other seabirds
- Take part in ‘puffin bingo’ with characters from children’s TV show Puffin Rock
- Pick up a special puffin pin badge
- Chat with National Trust rangers and hear stories from the islands
From how puffins swim up to 60 metres deep, to how they return to the same burrows each year it’s a chance to see, and understand, these much-loved “clowns of the sea” in a whole new way.
Why it matters
Behind the charm is a serious story. The Farne Islands, cared for by the National Trust for more than a century, are home to around 200,000 seabirds, but species like puffins are under increasing pressure.
By bringing Puffin Cam into cities, the National Trust hopes to spark curiosity, connection and support for the conservation work that helps protect them.
Price
Free entry, no need to bookDuration
- 6th June 2026
