Skomer

The Great Islands Around Pembrokeshire

Skomer :

This island steeped in history and mystery, is internationally celebrated for its wildlife. You’ll experience a barrage of colour, sounds and seascapes that will intoxicate your senses. A self-guided trail takes you within feet of breathtaking colonies of puffins, manx shearwaters, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and a host of other birds. The island is closed on 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th June for scientific work.

Skomer boasts the largest undisturbed prehistoric Iron Age remains in Britain. Evidence of these early settlements and succeeding generations of inhabitants is clearly visible today from the numerous hut circles, cemeteries and field systems that are part of a fascinating trail that takes you back through time to 2000 BC. An interpretive display at the farmhouse describes farming methods down the ages.

Grey seals are in evidence all year round, either ‘hauled out’ lazily on the rocks or lolling inquisitively in the clear waters around the islands. In September the seals begin to give birth to white furry offspring and you can watch as they tenderly suckle their youngsters on inaccessible, wave-beaten, pebble nurseries during late autumn. Skomer is one of the largest pupping sites in Pembrokeshire.

Skomer National Nature Reserve -

Daily landings - depart Martin’s Haven at 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon (Easter - end of Oct). No landings Mondays except Bank Hols.

Round Skomer Cruises -

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, depart Martin’s Haven at 1 pm.

Seal Watching -

See local press or call at any Tourist Information Centre. No booking required for above trips.

National Park Seabird Spectacular - Tuesday & Friday, depart Martin’s Haven at 7 pm. Book through National Park ; 01437 760136.

There is also accommodation available on Skomer (self-catering) with weekly, mid-week and weekend breaks on offer. The island at night provides an experience which is unique - at times chaotic with nocturnal shearwater activity, yet tranquil and remote - a genuine "get-away-from-it-all" break.

For further details regarding accommodation and group bookings contact :

Wildlife Trust South & West Wales,

Tel : (01239) 621212

Skokholm Island :

Situated slightly further out to sea than its neighbour Skomer Island, Skokholm offers you the absolute "get away from it all" experience on Britain's first established Bird Observatory which is now internationally recognised for its importance to wildlife.

During the day, walk the island paths between rabbit, Puffin and Manx Shearwater burrows amid the carpet of wildflowers such as Bluebells, Thrift, Heather, Sea and Red Campion to the magnificent red cliffs that surround the island. Marvel at the thousands of seabirds, which both live at and visit this Nature Reserve making this an ornithological paradise. Watch the humorous and colourful Puffins play around their burrows or float in large rafts along the coast; the sedate Razorbills with their striking markings balance on the cliff ledges; Kittiwakes and Guillemots soar over the inlets while Gannets plunge like javelins into the sea for fish and, at night, be prepared for one of nature's greatest experiences - the return of the Manx Shearwaters to their burrows after dark.

Tens of thousands of these birds come back to their burrows from out at sea, once the darkness offers some protection from the gulls. The air is alive with the world's largest concentration of Manx Shearwaters as they call to their partners for location and come in to Skokholm for the night - this event is unique and not to be found anywhere else in the world!! These are just some of the birds to be enjoyed during your stay - there are many, many more, including Storm Petrel, Chough, Peregrine, Buzzard and Wheateater.

Skokholm abounds with mammals - on land, the rabbits run freely around you, while out at sea, Porpoises and Dolphins are a common sight and, if you are lucky and observant, fish such as the occasional Sunfish and Basking Shark puts in an appearance. You will, however, be much closer to the Seals that rely on the seclusion of the island to breed and are to be seen swimming just off the beaches or hauled out on the rocks near you.

Details of Guided Walks & Boat Trips in the Coast to Coast newspaper available on site

Grassholm :

Grasssholm is an island of great significance and natural beauty. It is classified as a protected area nature reserve, and as such there is no landing on the island. Having said that, there is great grace and excitement on the island and this can be viewed from the boats and guided tours around the island.

Boat trips bookable through Dale Sailing Company
Tel : 01646 603110.

This site is is designed for viewing with Internet Explorer Version 4.01 or higher, and for a screen resolution of 800x600.