The Farne Islands may be just a few miles off the Northumberland Coast but they feel a world away. In spring and summer, they are home to over 20 species of seabirds, from dive-bombing terns to show-stealing puffins with bright beaks stuffed full of sand eels. Out of season, when the birds leave behind seals hauled on the rocks, they become a place of calm, quiet and escape. The 28 islands also have a history dating back to 600AD: stories of hermits, pirates, Grace Darling's famously brave rescue of a shipwrecked boat and even a stout-drinking donkey. In these pages, uncover this long history and which wildlife you might spot during a visit today - and where to look out for it. Written by a former Farnes ranger, this guidebook brings these magical islands - and the challenges facing them - to life. AUTHOR: Aged 28, on 27 March 1979, John Walton stepped ashore on Brownsman Island in the Farnes: five full seasons, four autumns leading the seal team, contracts with Wildlife Trusts, RSPB. In October 1990 John returned to the Farnes as 'the boss' and, adding 12 miles of coastline a few years later, lived the dream for 25 years.

Retired to Devon - a seabird colony nearby.