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Wildlife And History Of Skomer Island

Find out all about the wildlife of Skomer Island - one of the most important seabird sites in southern Britain. Its maritime grassland, lush inland vegetation, bubbling streams and man-made ponds support a host of wildlife including Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills, Skomer Voles and much more.

Please note, Puffins start arriving in mid-April. They are present from May-July. The first ones start leaving in mid-July and all Puffins are gone by the end of July.
Species

Spotted cowrie

This small sea snail is easily identifiable by the 3 brown spots on the top of its shell.

Species

Netted dog whelk

A small, but feisty scavenger, this carnivorous sea snail does not let anything go to waste!

Species

Yellow slug

The Yellow slug lives up to its name - its yellow body is mottled with grey patches. Often found in gardens and damp places in houses, it can be considered a pest, but is an important nutrient…

Species

Red gurnard

This brightly coloured and easily recognizable fish is one of three gurnard species found in UK seas. Collectively, gurnards are known as sea robins.

Nature Reserve

Darren Fawr

Darren Fawr is the largest and most spectacular of the Trust’s reserves in Brecknock. It consists of a steep hill-side, covered with loose, grey limestone scree, cliffs and an undulating hill-top…

Species

Rook

The all-black rook is a sociable bird, so can be spotted in flocks or nesting colonies, known as 'rookeries'. Unlike the similar carrion crow, it has a grey bill and 'baggy trouser…

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Skomer Island Day Trips

Only a 20 minute boat trip from the mainland, Skomer is an excellent place for a daytime adventure. Bursting with seabirds including our Atlantic Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills, this National Nature Reserve is one of Britain's most important seabird colonies. It is peaceful and wild at all times of year - there's so much to see and explore.

Please note, Puffins start arriving in mid-April. They are present from May-July. The first ones start leaving in mid-July and all Puffins are gone by the end of July. Please see our seasonal timeline below for what to see each month.
Species

Seven armed starfish

Brittle stars, sea urchins and other starfish will want to stay out of the way of this speedy carnivorous starfish!

Species

Common eelgrass

This seagrass species is a kind of flowering plant that lives beneath the sea, providing an important habitat for many rare and wonderful species.