Groundbreaking LIFE Raft project completes removal of invasive predators, protecting over 250,000 seabirds at Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony.
10 min readIn a world-first conservation achievement, Rathlin Island has successfully eradicated feral ferrets, helping to secure the future of Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony. The LIFE Raft (Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow) project, which was established in 2021 and led by RSPB NI, in partnership with the Rathlin Development & Community Association, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, DAERA and the Causeway Coast & Glenns Borough Council, has now completed the ferret eradication on the island, signalling a watershed moment for island restoration, and safeguarding threatened species.
Rathlin Island, located off the north coast of County Antrim, is home to over 250,000 seabirds including Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, and Manx Shearwaters. For decades, these internationally important seabird populations have faced severe threats from invasive ferrets, which preyed on eggs, chicks, and adult birds, with one ferret shown to kill 27 adult birds in just two days on Rathlin. The LIFE Raft project was established to remove these predators and give the seabird population a chance to recover, undertaking works on soaring cliffs and during horrendous weather events, using the water as well as the land to help make the island safe for conservation.
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, cutting-edge techniques such as thermal drones and our detection dog - Woody, and unwavering support from the Rathlin community.
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.
Commenting on the project success, Joanne Sherwood, RSPB NI Director, said; “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. This project is a testament to community and would not have been possible without the incredible support and commitment of the people of Rathlin, who have embraced this vision for their island's future, ensuring protection of nature and the islands heritage for generations to come."
With local people employed throughout the eradication work and residents playing an active role in the ferret eradication, 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 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 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.”
Welcoming the announcement of the eradication project completion, Marina McMullan, Chair of Rathlin Development & Community Association said; "This has been a massive project, a long time in the making, and a huge undertaking all across the island. As a result, Islanders can raise domestic poultry again, with greater security, and the positive impact on nesting seabirds, and other ground-nesting birds, is expected to be regionally significant. It will be a delight to see some of those once-familiar birds able to flourish in the fields and cliffs of our island again.
Socially and economically, it has been of huge benefit to this small island community. It has provided local employment and brought new skills for a number of islanders and made a great contribution to local trade. Many volunteers and staff have gone above and beyond their remit and provided extra support to individuals and families, with good humour and great generosity. We have made valuable connections with many people who have come to work with the project, made many new friends, some of whom we expect will keep their links with the island community for a long time. It’s much more than the excellent environmental win; it’s been a genuine boost to our community spirit."
We are starting to see the success of this project as evidenced by the return of Manx Shearwater seabirds breeding there for the first time in 20 years.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, said: “I would like to commend the LIFE Raft team who worked in challenging conditions to complete a world-first ferret eradication. This was crucial for preserving the island’s native biodiversity, enabling the recovery of our seabirds and other wildlife that have been targeted by this non-native invasive species. Of course they could not achieve any of this without the fantastic support and cooperation of the Rathlin Island community, and I would like to recognise and thank them as well.
We are starting to see the success of this project as evidenced by the return of Manx Shearwater seabirds breeding there for the first time in 20 years. I am delighted that my Department has been able to support this project and through the implementation of my upcoming Seabird Conservation Strategy, we can build on LIFE Raft’s success to assist our seabird populations across Northern Ireland.” The Minister added.
The 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.
Discussing the project challenges, Elizabeth Bell, Technical Expert from Wildlife Management International Ltd said; "Rathlin presented us with many unique challenges – it is an inhabited island with a working community, diverse habitats, and complex terrain. Achieving a successful ferret eradication has never been done before anywhere in the world. This success demonstrates the power of combining proven techniques with innovative approaches, strong community engagement, and rigorous monitoring. The lessons learned here will benefit island restoration projects globally for decades to come."
The £4.5 million project received funding from EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director for The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who supported the project added; “The National Lottery Heritage Fund is committed to supporting projects that protect and support our natural heritage. It is welcome news that through partnership and the dedication of islanders and project staff that pressure on Rathlin’s seabird population has been mitigated. With the help of money raised by National Lottery players, we have been able to sustain the project and support additional work to safeguard the Island’s native natural heritage.”
Aneta Willems, Head of Department D - Natural resources, climate, sustainable blue economy and clean energy at CINEA added; “I am immensely proud to witness the success of the LIFE RAFT project in achieving ferret-free status on Rathlin Island. This milestone speaks volumes about the dedication, collaboration, and ingenuity demonstrated by all those involved. By safeguarding Rathlin’s unique natural habitats, we are enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the protection of native species for generations to come. Such remarkable accomplishments lie at the very heart of the LIFE projects, and it is through these collective efforts that we pave the way for sustainable environmental conservation. My warmest congratulations to everyone who contributed to this outstanding achievement.”
Graham Thompson, CEO of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, commented; "Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is delighted to have helped support such a pioneering and successful project. The announcement that thanks to LIFE Raft the island’s internationally important seabird colonies are no longer under threat from invasive ferrets is wonderful news for nature, the Rathlin community, and the many thousands of visitors who come every year to enjoy the island’s unique natural and cultural treasures.”
The removal of ferrets from Rathlin Island is a milestone moment for both NI wildlife and island conservation on a global scale. To ensure Rathlin remains ferret free robust biosecurity measures are now 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 shearwater breeding on Rathlin Island in over two decades. The removal of invasive predators will also benefit other island wildlife including Corncrakes, Chough and ground-nesting birds.
To learn more about the project visit https://rathlin360.com/life-raft/