A volunteer group in Wales rescues Manx Shearwaters downed by gales

A Manx Shearwater gets rescued from the sea at Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire collects stranded Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus along the Welsh coast to release back to sea according to a feature article from the UK’s Royal Society for the Preservation of Birds (RSPB).  The birds are reported to be fledglings making their maiden flights to spend the winter off the coast of Argentina.

“Storms can exacerbate the problem, leading to mass strandings.  In such conditions, volunteers can gather up to 200 birds in a day off beaches. This season, 1147 birds were rescued and released.  Such events are only going to be made worse by climate change.  In 2025 there have been two mass stranding events, compared with two in the 10 years prior.”

“Manxie” is the logo of Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire

The volunteer group also rescues birds away from the coast that have been blown inland by gales or affected by light pollution.  On 1 November the group held its first “Manx Shearwater Farewell” on Newgale Beach.  Attendants listened to a poem specially written for the event by Nicola Davies, the Children's Laureate Wales.  Inspired by the Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust in New Zealand, the farewell included releasing feathers.  Watch a 1.30 minute video clip of the event and look out for the “Manxie Cake” at the end!

You can follow Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire via its Facebook Page.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 November 2025