Manx Shearwater next to a burrow. Dave Boyle

Skomer and Skokholm islands provide a fanstastic habitat for ground nesting birds. An accurate census of puffins is difficult, but the best estimates indicate that there may be about 2,000 breeding pairs on Skokholm and 6,000 on Skomer.

Manx shearwaters also do well on the islands. There are an estimated 120,000 breeding pairs on Skomer and a further 45,000 pairs on Skokholm, making the two islands the largest known concentration of this species in the world.

Skomer is a little closer to the coast of Pembrokeshire, it is owned by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) but it has been managed by ourselves for many years. If you are a member of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales you can now land on the island for free.

Skokholm is quite different to Skomer, a little further out and a little wilder, the island is made up of stunning red sandstone, instead of the volcanic rock of Skomer. Skokholm was bought by ourselves and a wealth of fantastic supporters back in 2005.

Skomer and Skokholm Downloads

Factsheets:

Frequently Asked Questions about Skomer

Chough (1MB)

Manx Shearwater chick about to be weighed by one of the researchers