Bede speaks of 'the Eland of Cockett' as home to monks during the conversion of Northumbrians from barbarism to the light of faith.

By the middle of the Twentieth century keen naturalists could obtain visiting permits from the Duke's office or the Natural history society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. However it soon became apparent that because of disturbance from the ever increasing use of small boats Coquet Island was in desperate need of protection. Accordingly in 1968 negotiations were started with various conservation bodies, culminating in the RSPB being granted a lease and it is now a protected bird reserve designated an SSSI.

Coquet Island presently supports internationally important numbers of breeding Sandwich Tern and the rarer Roseate Tern, which is Europe's rarest seabird, with nationally important numbers of breeding Eider, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern and Puffin. Although no landings are allowed on the island, the boat trip from nearby Amble harbour that circumnavigates during late spring and summer is well worthwhile. If however you do not get the chance of a visit, the waters between the mainland and the island can be viewed from the dunes on the minor road between Amble and Hauxley.

Birds you may see at Coquet Island

A must see in spring and summer. Coquet island is home to thousands of seabirds including the comical looking puffin. Common eider are often present at Amble harbour., along with terns and gulls which breed there.