Skomer Island

Skomer Island lies off the Pembrokeshire coast in west Wales. It is a small island of about three square kilometres, cut almost in two by two bays on its eastern side. The highest point reaches 79 metres above sea level, while most of the island sits around 60 metres high. Ridges and slopes give the land varied contours, and several islets surround it. Midland Isle, Mew Stone and Garland Stone lie within a kilometre of its shores. The island is famous for its wildlife. Half the world’s Manx shearwaters nest here, and the Atlantic puffin colony is the largest in southern Britain. The Skomer vole, found nowhere else, lives among the bracken. Grey seals, glow-worms and wildflowers add to the variety. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes breed in large numbers. Harbour porpoises and common dolphins appear in the surrounding waters. Visitors walk paths that cross slopes and ridges, offering views of the bays and islets. Stone circles, standing stones and prehistoric house remains mark the island’s ancient past. The farm buildings at the centre now provide visitor accommodation. Lockley Lodge on the mainland shows live footage of shearwaters nesting underground. In spring and early summer, puffins and other birds are active near the paths.