Found just off the Northumberland coast near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Lindisfarne, meaning 'Land's Corner', is a picturesque island of great historical significance.
With a population of around 165 people, the island sees more than 650,000 visitors attracted to its beautiful scenery, historic priory and castle, and abundant and often rare wildlife and bird species. The island is tidal and linked to the mainland by a paved causeway which becomes impassable by the tide twice a day.
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In AD 635 King Oswald ordered St Aidan to Northumbria from the western isle Iona. Monks from Iona followed and based themselves on Lindisfarne setting it up as a northern centre for spreading the Christian gospel. St Cuthbert, the highly popular patron saint of Northumberland became Abbot of the monastery later Bishop of Lindisfarne. In 793 the monks fled the island under attack from the Vikings, but took with them the body of St Cuthbert which now lies in Durham Cathedral.
Today, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is famous for its environmental and conservation work as much as for its religious legacy. The island is located within the county's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the National Trust and English Heritage work together to preserve the tranquillity and serenity of Lindisfarne.
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The Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve protects the vast populations of birdlife which are of international significance. Species include the pale-bellied brent goose, widgeon and the bar-tailed godwit amongst others. Rare birds such as Radde’s Warblew and Red-flanked bluetail have all been spotted on the island, as have migrating scarce Siberian birds. Naturally, birdwatchers from across the globe are attracted to all the island has to offer.
Not restricted to plantlife and rare species of bird, the marine life around the island is also abundant and extremely varied, and as yet not completely explored. North Atlantic Grey Seals are a common site offshore and hundreds of Common Seals have colonised the area between the mainland and the island.
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