Woody, the highly trained fox red Labrador who keeps Rathlin Island rat and ferret-free, needs your help!

Rathlin Island is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, where species such as puffins return each year to breed.

However, these birds face a serious threat from invasive non-native species (INNS), particularly feral ferrets and rats, which prey on eggs and chicks and can devastate nesting colonies.

Woody has played a crucial role in detecting these predators across the island as part of the LIFE Raft project, led by RSPB NI, with the Rathlin Development & Community Association, DAERA, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.  

placeholder image — Woody, a highly trained fox red Labrador and key member of the LIFE Raft project on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, is calling for public support to help protect one of the UK’s most important seabird colonies.

Thanks to these ongoing conservation efforts, Rathlin has now been declared ferret-free - a world-first for island restoration – and is progressing towards being rat-free.

As the project moves into its next phase, Woody’s role is evolving to support biosecurity, helping to ensure that ferrets and rats do not return. Biosecurity is about preventing harmful species from arriving and becoming established.

Even a single rat or ferret could undo years of conservation work and threaten the island’s internationally important seabirds.

David Quinney Mee, Rathlin Development & Community Association, said: "We're proud of the seabirds that find a home on the island, even for the summer. There is beauty and strength in biodiversity.

"They already face challenges elsewhere such as climate change and food shortages, so it's good to know that when they're on Rathlin, they're as safe as we can make them.

"The community's support for LIFE Raft has been impressive, helping protect visiting seabirds by removing the threat of feral ferrets and opportunistic rats. It's worth celebrating, and we're grateful for any support that will keep it that way.”

Most invasive predators arrive accidentally, often transported in vehicles, luggage or supplies. Visitors, residents, and businesses all have a role to play in protecting Rathlin.

Travelling to Rathlin Island? Here’s how to help…