Higher Number of Puffins Washing Up on Cornwall Coast, Says Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has issued an alert after a higher number of puffins have been washing up around the county’s coastline.

The conservation charity says the strandings are likely due to the recent stormy weather.

What To Do If You Find A Puffin

The advice depends on whether the bird is dead or alive.

If the puffin is dead:
Call the dedicated Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Hotline. The Trust will ensure the data is sent to Defra.
📞 0345 201 2626

If the puffin is alive:
Exhausted and starving birds can recover with specialist care. Live birds found so far have been clear of bird flu, but there is still a risk. People are advised to only intervene if properly prepared, with gloves, a mask and eye protection.

You should contact a local vet or the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre.
📞 0300 123 0721

Important Guidance

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is reminding people of the following:

• Do not put the bird back in the sea

• Do not feed or give water

• Gently cover the head with a towel and wrap its wings

• Place in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a towel

• Keep warm, dark and quiet. A car footwell is fine. Do not use heat lamps

• Get the bird to specialist care as soon as possible

The Trust thanked members of the public for looking out for seabirds during this period of unsettled weather.