Iâm Anna â an ethical adventurer and proud member of #TeamHerbivore. Unfortunately Skomer Island was closed because of Covid 19 but we managed to get very close to the island's shore line and saw thousands of Puffins as well as many other seabirds. We started our visit by following the path from the landing point in the east towards the middle of the island. Puffins spend the vast majority of their lives at sea, only returning to land to nest and feed their young. We couldn’t believe our luck when this little fellow landed right in front of us with a beak full of sand eels, ready to feed its family. But, the peak puffin breeding season is around May and June. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. The farm at Skomer Island with views of the landscape. Even though the puffins on Skomer Island get close enough for you not to need a telephoto lens, being able to zoom in close is one of my favourite things to do in wildlife photography. We’ll be looking at the best bits of the series. Though I continue to post travel inspiration on my blog at this time, please follow WHO advice and only travel once international/local restrictions have been lifted. Remember that these are the only toilets on the island, so make sure you plan your visit appropriately and don’t get caught out miles from the facilities. When buying your ticket, you’ll be allocated specific boat time for the outward and return journeys – don’t be late! Grassholm Island's inhabitants were more than fifty thousand Gannets (plus chicks) and was a … 3) Picnic mat would be nice, otherwise you risk sitting on rabbit poo! We will also be going LIVE to our wonderful Skomer Island Wardens for the last time! Nature heaven. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Before us was the impressive 100 metre high sea cliff, with a sheer drop and the screeching of seagulls filling the air. They typically arrive around late April and stick around until July, though it is good to call ahead and ask if they have arrived or departed yet. The only negative i would say is that the wardens need to put signposts up near some of the cliff drop edges to warn parents to keep their children away. If the British (nay, Welsh) weather is on your side, boats to Skomer Island usually run three times a day at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Getting to Skomer Island. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments – I’ll be happy to help! The light is nice, but they’re just not in particularly interesting poses. August – September: Though the puffins may have left by now, August and September are the best months to see seals and their pups following the birthing season in late August. In fact, one of the best wildlife experiences I’ve ever had was right here in Blighty: Seeing the Skomer Island puffins. I go to Skomer every year and spend half the day on Puffins then stroll across to try and spot the short eared and little Owls which live near the farmhouse. Spring is also the time when bluebells bloom across the island. Puffins will prepare to leave the island at the end of July. Having read other reviews, we headed out to Martin's Haven, parked our car (free for National Trust members) and started queueing at Lockley Lodge for boat tickets, which are on a first come first serve basis. The people in the village hold Skomer Island really dear to their hearts. What is the best time to see puffins on Farne Islands? Skomer Island is one of a few places in the UK to see puffins. The puffins on Skomer Island. Skomer Island is perfect for the natural environment. Are you planning a trip to meet the puffins on Skomer Island? Make sure you stand behind the barriers and let the puffins come to you. Then, we were free to explore. The puffins on Skomer Island are Atlantic Puffins – the same kind you find in Iceland and Norway. Tips whilst on Skomer Island - 1) Hats and sunscreen are a must, there is absolutely NO shelter nor tree at all. Skomer is open for day visits and overnight stays in its sustainably run hostel. You’ll need to buy your landing pass from Lockley Lodge, which also sells souvenirs and last-minute snacks. When visiting on hot, sunny days, remember there are no trees at all on Skomer Island. A wide-angle photo of the puffins at Skomer. One of the best locations is the Wick; a sheer cliff carved with ledges that are ideally suited to nesting seabirds and easily viewed from the opposite cliff. (with their hot coffee and tea in hand). Currently you have JavaScript disabled. You can buy water from the Visitor’s Centre, but there’s no cafe facilities or shop, so you’ll need to bring your own picnic to keep you going for your whole visit. Our top 3 wildlife highlights. Its exposed headlands, towering offshore rocks, and sheltered inlets are home to incredible species of birds. When we arrived at Skomer Island, we walked up a steep set of steps to meet the warden. When visiting during the peak season, I recommend queuing up as an early as you can to guarantee your place – they often sell out of landing passes in the first couple of hours of opening. This though, will guarantee seats on the first boat departure. The Wick is the most popular area for puffins and, therefore, visitors to the island. Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, only landing on coastal islands in spring and summer to form breeding colonies. This Nature Reserve is managed by the Wildlife Trust and is an absolutely incredible place to visit. It is incredibly special. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery, vital information has been collected on protected bird species on Skomer Island, despite the Covid-19 threat. It goes without saying that you’ll want to bring your camera with you, but make sure you pack a variety of lenses too. We were watching hundreds of puffins bobbing about in the water, when we suddenly noticed a bloom of jellyfish (technical term!) Grassholm Island's inhabitants were more than fifty thousand Gannets (plus chicks) and was a wonderful colourful and noisy spectacle. I’ll keep you on. The exposed headlands, towering offshore rocks, and sheltered inlets of this fascinating island are home to a incredible variety of wildlife, both above and below the surface. It was a lovely day and we are glad we came and is a must see attraction. It’s less than 3 kilometres square, making it the perfect size for walkers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts like me to spend a day out. 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