SOS Puffin: Research and Guidance

The SOS Puffin project has been running since 2007, tackling the impacts of an invasive plant (tree mallow) on islands of the Firth of Forth. SOS Puffin is a collaborative project, led by the Scottish Seabird Centre in partnership with The Scottish Rural College, RSPB Scotland, Lothian Sea Kayak Club, and a huge community of dedicated volunteers. Over 18 years, the project has combined careful research with large-scale volunteer action, producing one of the UK’s most sustained examples of island habitat restoration for seabirds.

This page outlines the science that underpins SOS Puffin and provides access to a detailed guidance document for others planning invasive species removal or island restoration work.

Successful restoration depends on understanding ecological change over time. From the outset, SOS Puffin worked with dedicated researchers to integrate:

• Baseline ecological surveys to quantify the scale and type of habitat loss caused by tree mallow (Lavatera arborea).
• Annual monitoring of puffin burrow occupancy, vegetation cover, and invasive regrowth.
• Controlled removal trials to evaluate the effectiveness and frequency of interventions.
• Long-term data analysis to assess recovery trends and refine management plans.

• A brief history of the project.
• Information about project logistics and coordination.
• Detailed information regarding the surveys and monitoring that underpins the project.
• Consideration for community and volunteer driven projects.
• Lessons learnt over the course of the project so far.

• Community groups starting their own invasive species or restoration projects.
• Conservation organisations seeking case studies about a successful community led conservation project.
• Researchers interested in long-term habitat monitoring data.
• Anyone else with an interest in community conservation efforts!

By reading this guide, we hope that new projects can build on these lessons and experiences rather than starting from scratch, increasing both efficiency and ecological impact.

Supporting documents and reports:

- Status of Tree Mallow Seedbank on Craigleith 2021

- Nettle Control Trials on Craigleith 2025

- Soil Disturbance and Tree Mallow on Craigleith 2025

If you would like to discuss the research, request data, or share your own restoration experience, please contact: info@seabird.org.