This summer ten teens took to Skomer Island to explore its honeycombed surface and rich rocky shores. Black2Nature, a youth charity based in Bristol brought a group across from the mainland this August. From the South West of England to South Wales, Black2Nature work to engage young people with nature. 

When the group arrived the sun was shining and we went straight out for a walk to see what the island could offer. Skomer is a magnificent place and within the hour we had seen Porpoises and Peregrines. Over the next few days the group would see much more but this start was more than we could have asked for. I pointed out Grassholm, an island further west, home to a large Gannet colony. Later that week, Shifa wrote that her favourite animals on Skomer were...

'the Gannets, they are pretty cool and have their own island' - Black2Nature member

That afternoon we headed down to the only accessible beach on Skomer. Anna, a long-term volunteer on the island, lead a rockpooling activity, overturning rocks and scooping up shells. From initially being wary of the unusual rockpool creatures the group readily began searching.

The group found critters from Cornish Sucker Fish to Common Shore Crabs to Shrimps. Anna was quickly inundated with requests to identify this and that and share what she could about the animals that live in our rocky shores.

The next morning we got up bright and early to discover what had been caught in last night's moth trap. From the Spectacle Moth to the Buff Ermine, the catch did not disappoint and the group got up close and personal with the intriguing insects. 

Moth identification can be tricky, but everyone gave it go. Individually or in pairs people attempted to match the markings of each species with its twin in the guide. Many got into the rhythm and others noticed some moths were more faded than others making it even harder! With the majority of moths being night flying it can be hard to ever see them therefore this experience was a new one for many of the group. 

Over the course of the day we led a sea watch activity followed by a reptile survey with many a Slow Worm. That afternoon the group split into two, and I took one half to the researchers accommodation for an exciting opportunity.

The group helped scientists from Oxford University's OxNav research group with their daily weighing of Manx Shearwater chicks. They carefully handled the fluffy puff balls, taking note of their identification number and weight. This long-term research feeds into scientific papers and international data sets. The group can now say they have contributed to international research! 

On the final day we woke up with the hope that the Skomer Vole traps set by Visitor Officer, Rob were fruitful. The most enthusiastic members of the group had helped bait the traps with food and bedding and were eager to see what their efforts had caught. We were rewarded with many cute faces and everyone had the opportunity to learn how to handle a small mammal. 

Later that day the group split into teams and took part in a scavenger hunt created by the Island's Assistant Warden, Ceris. Prizes were on offer so the stakes were high and with the sun shining they set out to explore the island with their new found knowledge of Greater-Black Backed Gulls and Choughs.

"I enjoyed the scavenger hunt the most and coming together as a group" - Black2Nature member

The trip was a chance to spend time with friends in a beautiful location whilst learning about the world. Same time next year!