Landowners in Mykines consider reopening path to puffin sanctuary in Faroe Islands

The landowners in Mykines are considering reopening the path that leads to the island. This was reported in KvF news on Saturday evening by Finn Hansen, the chairman of the local committee, where Lambin, the largest puffin sanctuary in the Faroe Islands, is located.

No decision has been made yet, according to Hansen, who emphasizes that the owners prioritize the well-being of the birds.

Bird expert Silas Olofson shares this concern. He asserts that reopening the path would significantly impact the puffins. Recently, he and Jón Aldará visited Mykines and Mykinesholm to observe the birds. Olofson became increasingly convinced of the negative effects human presence has on the puffins.

“I spent half an hour sitting at Lambin, and just my presence caused the birds to stay away. They abandoned their fish and didn’t return until I left,” he stated.

Above Lambin is Rógvin, where a viewing telescope is available for tourists, attracting many visitors throughout the summer. However, these tourists do not disrupt the birds’ flight paths and are kept at a distance to minimize disturbance.

Olofson understands the desire for public access to the island, given its natural beauty. Nevertheless, if the path reopens, he suggests constructing a new bridge further up to prevent people from walking through the puffin habitat, allowing visitors to access the area without intruding on the nesting grounds. If building a new bridge is costly, he advises the landowners to carefully consider their options before making any decision, as it will greatly affect avian life.