Some of the UK’s rarest wildlife will make a special appearance in Manchester city centre as the National Trust brings its much-loved ‘Puffin Cam’ to First Street.
Over two days, on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June, visitors will be invited to step into the private world of puffins through a free pop-up event at HOME Manchester, showcasing live footage streamed directly from the Farne Islands, an internationally important National Nature Reserve off the Northumberland coast.
Part of the National Trust’s Window to the Wild project, the installation aims to break down barriers to nature by bringing extraordinary wildlife encounters to urban spaces. Streaming from the National Trust’s Farne Islands webcam, the screening will offer a front-row seat to the antics of these charismatic seabirds as the breeding season gets underway.
Alongside the live feed, visitors can test their puffin knowledge, discover how puffins compare to other seabirds, pick up a special pin badge and learn fascinating facts about these much-loved ‘clowns of the sea’.
The puffins will also be joined by characters from children’s TV show Puffin Rock, who will be hosting ‘puffin bingo’ on screen. National Trust teams will also be on hand throughout the day, sharing insight into the vital conservation work taking place on the islands to protect these vulnerable birds.
James Porteous, Lead Ranger for the Northumberland Coast and Farne Islands, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Puffin Cam to Manchester, giving more people the chance to experience the spectacle of breeding season on the Farne Islands.
“Last year, more than a quarter of a million people tuned in to watch the puffins. It was incredible to see how strongly the live stream connected people to the Farnes, especially those who may never have the opportunity to visit in person.
“Puffin Cam is a simple but powerful way to share the magic of Farne Islands wildlife with everyone, wherever they are.”
Launched in 2025, the Farne Islands live cameras allow audiences around the world to watch puffins and other seabirds, including guillemots, during the peak breeding season between May and July.
Puffin fact file
- Puffins are members of the auk family, alongside guillemots and razorbills.
- Male and female puffins look almost identical, though the male is often slightly larger.
- One of the oldest puffins recorded on the Farne Islands is over 20 years old.
- Puffins steer underwater with their feet and their wings become flippers, propelling them through water at great speed.
- Puffins can swim to a depth of 60 metres.
- The puffin sheds its striking orange, yellow and blue beak each year to reveal a dark beak in the winter.
- Puffins grow to about 30cm tall and typically weigh around 500grams.
- They can see UV light, making their beaks glow.
Window to the Wild puffin tour
The Window to the Wild puffin tour will visit the following locations:
- 30 & 31 May, Victoria Square, Birmingham.
- 6 June, Old Eldon Square, Newcastle.
- 6 & 7 June, Botanic Park, Belfast.
- 6 & 7 June, Working Street, Cardiff.
- 13 & 14 June, HOME, Manchester.
- 13 & 14 June, Millennium Square, Bristol.
You can donate to the conservation of puffins, and read more about the National Trust’s Window to the Wild here.
