Photo by Michael Blum

The first puffins of 2026 have returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs on the East Yorkshire coast, marking the start of the seabird breeding season at one of the UK’s most important mainland colonies — though conservationists say the arrival cannot be taken for granted.

Bempton is home to around half a million seabirds each year, including approximately 3,000 puffins, alongside gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. The return of the first birds comes against a sobering backdrop: puffins are classified as endangered and appear on the RSPB’s Red List of species of highest conservation concern.

Dave O’Hara, senior reserve manager at Bempton, said: “These birds have faced real challenges in recent years, but there is hope. Thanks to conservation efforts, including our successful campaigning to end industrial sandeel fishing, thus protecting their food sources, we now have an opportunity to turn the tide.”

A cautious welcome

The arrivals follow a difficult winter. Seabird wrecks – mass mortality events triggered by severe Atlantic storms – have seen puffins washing up along the Yorkshire and Northumberland coastline in recent weeks, in what is thought to be the most significant such event since 2014. The reason so many birds have died at sea this year is not yet fully established, though stormy weather, reduced fish availability and avian flu have all been cited as possible causes.

Poppy Rummery, RSPB Visitor Experience Manager at Bempton, said: “It’s always a special moment when our first puffin returns to Bempton — they bring so much joy and energy back to the cliffs and visitors absolutely love seeing them up close. By protecting their nesting sites and improving the health of our seas, we can give them the best possible chance to recover and thrive. That’s why conservation action now is so crucial.”

Puffins will continue arriving throughout spring, with each pair laying a single egg. The chicks, known as pufflings, will fledge before the adults depart in late July to spend winter dispersed across the North Sea and eastern North Atlantic.

New campaign launched

The RSPB is using the return of the puffins to launch its new Save Our Seabirds campaign on World Puffin Day, 14 April, with a fundraising target of £250,000. The money will support the charity’s Marine Recovery Programme.

Katie-jo Luxton, the RSPB’s director of conservation, said: “We therefore cannot take the arrival of puffins and other seabirds back to our shores for granted. Our campaigning work has brought about the end of industrial sandeel fishing in the English North Sea, providing a lifeline for hungry puffins, but we need to do more to restore and protect the marine habitats these birds call home.”