Bad weather traps National Trust wardens on Farne Islands
Nov 26 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
FRIED seaweed was on the menu yesterday – and for the foreseeable future – as National Trust wardens began their 15th day trapped on the Farne Islands.
This is the longest ever spell for wardens being marooned on the islands off the Northumberland coast.
Normally the five wardens replenish their stocks either by visiting the mainland in their boat once a week or supplies being delivered by the bigger tourist boats from Seahouses.
But storms and high seas have cut the links and food and water stocks are dwindling fast.
The wardens have now rationed drinking water and it can no longer be used for personal washing. Dishes are being washed in rainwater.
Supplies like bread, breakfast cereal, sugar, margarine, juice, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other perishable foods have been exhausted.
The wardens have resorted to trying out fried kelp “crisps” and are restricted to long-life milk. Wood and coal stocks for their fire are gone and they are now burning driftwood.
The beer ran out 10 days ago, and head warden David Steel said yesterday: “We are really looking forward to when we eventually get off the islands to a pint in our local at The Ship in Seahouses.
“But weather-wise it looks like we could be stuck until early next week. Even after the weather breaks it takes a day for the sea to calm down.”
The main meal of the day is frozen meat from the freezer with either rice or pasta.
The wardens live in the 18th Century cottage on Brownsman Island, three miles off the mainland, which was the home of Grace Darling and her family. They took up residence on March 20 and were due to leave next weekend. The wardens with David are Adam Scott, from Barnet, north London, Jason Moss, from Norfolk, Davy Still, from Melrose, and Adam Hick, from Grimsby.
“Things are getting a bit desperate but morale is still good,” said David. “The storms and seas have been very rough. It’s as bad as it gets.”
Stormy weather is the main reason why grey seal pup casualties on the island breeding grounds total around 50% , with youngsters being washed into the sea and drowning.
