Skomer Puffin by Gillian Day
The ultimate wildlife adventure awaits!
Grace age 9, discovering the wonders of Skomer’s amazing wildlife!
It’s official, The Wildlife Trusts’ Skomer Island is the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve!
This wildlife haven located less than a mile off the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast was the only Welsh nature reserve nominated in this highly competitive category by LandLove Magazine Awards UK.
Dr Lizzie Wilberforce, Conservation Manager for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said “Skomer is internationally important for its seabird populations, and without a doubt it is the best place to see seabirds in southern Britain. It is a real privilege to care for a nature reserve which is so very important, but where we are also able to welcome so many visitors, and to know that the island’s wildlife makes such a profound impression on so many people.”
These are the second LandLove Magazine Awards; they aim to celebrate the very best things about the British countryside. Last year the awards received over 25,000 votes.
Skomer Island is home to an abundance of wildlife including 21,000 Puffins, 23,000 Guillemots, 7,000 Razorbills, Harbour Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and has the world’s largest population of Manx Shearwaters. The island is covered in a carpet of Bluebells during the spring, a spectacular site not to be missed. A shade of pink is added to the island’s colour during the summer as swathes of Campion cloak the landscape.
Gina Gavigan, Marketing and Development Manger for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said, “We are absolutely delighted that Skomer has been recognised as the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve. It’s an amazing place to visit and stay for a unique wildlife adventure. The island attracts a variety of visitors including wildlife enthusiast, photographers, and walkers. Proceeds raised by visitors and overnight guests support our vital research and conservation work. We’d like to thank everyone that took the time to vote and we hope to see you on the island soon!"
Skomer is managed by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and will be open to visitors from Friday 25th March 2016 until October 2016. Members of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales receive free landing on Skomer and priority booking on overnight stays. #FindYourEpic in 2016 on Skomer!
If you’d like to visit, attend an event or book an overnight stay on the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve in 2016 then please visit: www.welshwildlife.org for further information or call 01239 621600 or email: islands@welshwildlife.org.