Serrated wrack
This brown seaweed lives in the lower shore and gets its name from the serrated edges to its fronds.
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Chwilio
Tufted duck
This comical little duck lives up to its name – look out for the black tuft of feathers on its head!
Skomer Young Birders' Week 2026 - LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Skomer Young Birders’ Week is running for 2 sessions in 2026, 6th – 9th September and 9th – 12th September. Booking opens on Monday 8th Dece
Seven armed starfish
Brittle stars, sea urchins and other starfish will want to stay out of the way of this speedy carnivorous starfish!
Moorland
One of our most extensive habitats, moorlands cover huge areas in the uplands. Great expanses of unenclosed, wild-seeming land impart a sense of freedom and adventure, although the wide, open…
Mountain hare
The mountain hare lives in the Scottish Highlands and the north of England. They are renowned for turning white in winter to match their upland surroundings.
Puffin numbers on Skomer soar in 2023
Our island team have welcomed the return of the ‘clowns of the sea’ to Skomer and Skokholm islands, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, where populations are soaring.
Limestone pavement
Slabs of smooth grey rock, incised with deep fissures and patterned with swirling hollows and runnels sculpted by thousands of years of rainwater, form an unlikely wildlife habitat. Look a little…
Types of development and planning applications
Planning permission is generally needed for any development. This means building, engineering, mining or other activity that makes changes to the use of land, or changes to existing buildings. There are exceptions that do not count as development, such as maintenance, changes to the interior of a building, agriculture, forestry and changes to gardens.
Atlantic hazel wood
Ancient places with a magical feel, these are the Celtic rainforests of the rocky western coasts. Only found close to the sea, abundant rainfall and sea mists keep them moist - ideal for the…
Dog whelk
This sea snail is abundant on rocky shores around the UK. It is an active predator, feasting on mussels and barnacles before retreating to crevices to rest.
Twin fan worm
Worms in the sea are anything but dull and this fan worm, resembling a Catherine wheel, is a perfect example of the intricate beauty these animals possess.