Rathlin Island has unveiled its summer 2026 ferry timetable, which will run from April 3 to September 30, providing an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors, according to Liz Kimmins, who expressed her satisfaction in confirming the new schedule to address community needs.
In a remarkable conservation achievement, Rathlin Island is now officially ferret-free, following a £4.5 million eradication project led by RSPB NI. The invasive ferrets, believed to have been introduced in the 1980s, had grown to a population of over 100, preying on local seabirds and chickens, including the tragic loss of 26 puffins to a single ferret in 2017.
The LIFE Raft project, initiated in 2021, successfully removed these ferrets, marking a world-first for inhabited islands. Erin McKeown, a local advocate, celebrated the milestone, stating, “It’s brilliant to be ferret-free.” This eradication effort not only protects the island’s unique wildlife but also restores the natural balance of its ecosystem.
Rathlin Island is home to over 250,000 seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and Manx shearwaters. The successful removal of ferrets has already shown positive results, with six calling male corncrakes recorded after the ferret removal. Furthermore, the first breeding Manx shearwater in over two decades was confirmed on the island in 2025, highlighting the rapid recovery of local bird populations.
Funding for the ferret eradication project came from various sources, including EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA, and the Garfield Weston Foundation. Joanne Sherwood, a spokesperson for RSPB NI, remarked, “This is an extraordinary moment for Rathlin, for Northern Ireland, and for conservation globally.” Michael Rafferty, involved in the eradication program, added, “This is a brilliant red letter day for Rathlin Island, and for the community who have been amazing to work with on the eradication programme.”
As the summer ferry service approaches, the community looks forward to welcoming more visitors while celebrating their hard-won conservation success. No rats have been spotted on Rathlin Island since last summer, further indicating the positive impact of the eradication efforts.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional measures that may be implemented to ensure the ongoing protection of Rathlin Island’s unique ecosystem. However, the community’s commitment to conservation and collaboration with various organizations remains strong as they navigate the future.