Over 250,000 seabirds set to benefit as Rathlin Island declared ferret free

In a world-first, invasive ferrets have been eradicated from Rathlin Island, off the north coast of County Antrim. This watershed moment has been achieved thanks to the LIFE Raft conservation project which has been supported by many RSPB members, volunteers and supporters, as well as the local community. 

Rathlin Island has officially been declared ferret free — a conservation achievement that helps secure the future of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony.

Rathlin Island is home to over 250,000 seabirds, including internationally important populations of Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots and Manx Shearwaters.

For decades, these seabirds have faced severe threats from invasive ferrets, which prey on eggs, chicks, and adult birds. Researchers on Rathlin found one ferret was responsible for killing 27 adult birds in just two days.

Seabird populations were clearly suffering. With the birds also under pressure from other threats like overfishing and climate change, LIFE Raft was established to give Rathlin’s seabirds a better chance.

In 2021, the LIFE Raft (Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow) project began. Led by RSPB NI and RDCA (Rathlin Development & Community Association), the project aimed to remove invasive feral ferrets and Brown Rats to help secure the future of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony.

The ferret eradication represents a world-first – never before has a ferret population been successfully removed from an inhabited island globally. It is the culmination of years of meticulous planning and dedication.  

Work has been extensive and sometimes challenging, from working on soaring cliffs in all weathers, to using cutting-edge technologies such as thermal drones. Our specialist detection dog, Woody, has also played a vital role in these efforts. All of this would not be possible without the unwavering support from the Rathlin community. 

It’s now five years since the project began and we’re delighted that the ferrets have now been successfully removed. Joanne Sherwood, RSPB NI Director, explains:   

“This is an extraordinary moment for Rathlin, for Northern Ireland, and for conservation globally. The successful, world-first eradication of ferrets means that Puffins and other seabirds can now nest and raise their young more safely on Rathlin for the first time in generations. We are already seeing encouraging signs of recovery, and we expect to see populations rebound in the coming years.

With local people employed throughout the eradication work and residents also playing an active role, community involvement was central to the project's success.  

Its success demonstrates what can be achieved when all partners work together with a shared vision. Michael Rafferty, LIFE Raft Eradication Manager, who led the project delivery, explains: 

 “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 with a field of dedicated experts since 2021. Collectively they have created a safe haven so that the Puffins and other seabirds can now nest safely on Rathlin without any threat from ferrets. The success of the project is the essence of teamwork and conservation excellence at its very best.”   

The LIFE Raft project continues. To ensure Rathlin remains ferret free, robust biosecurity measures are now being put in place. Early signs are encouraging. Seabird monitoring has already recorded increases in breeding success and in 2025 LIFE Raft confirmed the first breeding Manx Shearwaters on Rathlin Island in over two decades.  

The project team are also continuing to monitor for Brown Rats and are hopeful that the island will be rat-free in the coming years. The removal of invasive predators will also benefit other island wildlife including Corncrakes, Choughs and ground-nesting birds.

This success wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our partner collaborators.  

LIFE Raft is a partnership between RSPB NI; Rathlin Development and Community Association; Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; National Parks and Wildlife Service; Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust; and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). This project is funded by EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund; Garfield Weston Foundation; and DAERA. 

The ferret eradication work was carried out using internationally proven techniques adapted to accommodate and embrace Rathlin's unique circumstances and setting. Technical expertise was provided by specialist advisors from Wildlife International Management Limited, who are world leading experts in island restoration.    

Explore the wild beauty of Rathlin Island with RSPB Warden Liam McFaul.

To learn more about the project, visit LIFE Raft