Where is Middleholm 

Middleholm (also known as Midland Isle) lies between Skomer Island and the Marloes Peninsula, off the south-west tip of Pembrokeshire. This unassuming rocky islet might not look much at first glance, but it is a hugely important part of the Skomer, Skokholm and the Seas off Pembrokeshire Special Protection Area (SPA). 

Why is Middleholm important 

What makes this small island so special are the birds that call it home. Sixteen thousand pairs of Manx Shearwaters, a small population of Puffins and all three large gull species breed on Middleholm. The island’s cliffs are home to nesting Guillemots, Razorbills, Shags and Great Cormorants. 

There’s 630m between the mainland and Middleholm, and just 100m between Middleholm and Skomer. As a stepping stone to Skomer, the management of Middleholm matters. Ensuring that Middleholm remains free of invasive ground predators, like rats, is essential to protect seabird colonies on both islands. Surveillance stations and trail cameras are in place to detect any invasive predators. 

Lisa Morgan, Head of Islands and Marine Conservation for WTSWW, said,

“WSTWW already manages Skomer and neighbouring Skokholm Island, so bringing Middleholm into the fold allows us to have better control over biosecurity measures. Bringing all the SPA island seabirds under our responsibility gives us full oversight of the internationally important Manx Shearwater population.” 

Together Middleholm, Skomer and Skokholm, boast half of the world’s population of Manx Shearwaters. These elusive seabirds return to the islands every year, all the way from South America, to raise their chicks in underground burrows. Of the three islands, Middleholm has the densest colony – with 1839 pairs of Manx Shearwaters per hectare. 

Unlike Skomer and Skokholm no grazing animals, including rabbits, are present on the island. Having an island with different conditions is useful when comparing the populations of burrow-nesting seabirds between islands and the habitats they prefer. 

Working in partnership for wildlife  

WTSWW island team have been helping National Trust Cymru with seabird monitoring of Middleholm for many years. Management decisions for Middleholm have always been guided by WTSWW’s Islands Conservation Advisory Committee. WTSWW will now produce a management plan for the island based on the advice of that expert panel, which will continue to include the local National Trust Cymru team in Pembrokeshire. 

Lisa Morgan, Head of Islands and Marine Conservation for WTSWW, said,

“We’ve been working with National Trust Cymru for many years in and around Middleholm, because of its proximity to Skomer and the seabird expertise within our team. We’re excited to bring Middleholm into our care and will continue to monitor and protect the impressive seabird populations it supports.” 

James Roden, National Trust Cymru’s Restore Nature Delivery Manager for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay, said, 

“Middleholm may be a small island but its importance for seabirds far outweighs its size. This partnership builds on many years of successful collaboration between National Trust Cymru and The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, helping to ensure the island and its wildlife remain protected for future generations.”

The Wildlife Trusts of South & West Wales wants to see 30% of land and sea managed for nature by 2030. This partnership means they are one island closer to this goal. 

How to see seabirds on Middleholm 

Due to the rugged terrain and fragile network of burrows, no visitors are allowed to land on the island. But the Deer Park, cared for by National Trust Cymru, on the Marloes Peninsula offers beautiful views of the island. If you have a pair of binoculars look out for seabirds on the island, including Puffins from April to July. And, if you’re on route to Skomer you can enjoy fantastic views of Middleholm on your crossing. 

National Marine Week 

This summer, The Wildlife Trusts are celebrating the incredible journeys made by marine wildlife. Manx Shearwaters travel over 10,000 miles every year on their journey to Pembrokeshire - highlighting just how important it is to protect the islands they depend on.