Skomer, Skokholm and Middleholm are three islands lying off the extreme south-west tip of Pembrokeshire in south-west Wales. They are bounded by cliffs that reach 70 m on Skomer. The plateau vegetation is much affected by salt spray, rabbit grazing and nutrient enrichment from seabirds. The islands have mixed grassland and maritime heath vegetation in varying proportions, and on Skomer especially there are now large stands of Bracken Pteridium aquilinum. The coastal habitats of the SPA support an important resident population of Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. These birds nest at high density in traditional locations within the cliffs and depend on the diverse mix of coastal habitats present and their low-intensity agricultural management. The islands also support a large number of breeding seabirds, especially petrels, gulls and auks. Especially notable is the high proportion (over half) of the world population of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus that nest here.
Skokholm is leased to and run by The Wildlife Trust West Wales.
Britain's first established Bird Observatory.
Skokholm
Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, Choughs, Peregrines, glowing cliffs of Old Red Sandstone, carpets of wild flowers and a way of life totally divorced from the frenetic pace of the mainland. These are just a few of the factors which make Skokholm so important to its band of devotees and have caused them to share Lockley's view of the place.
Skokholm is a small island nature reserve off the south west coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Along with the neighbouring islands of Skomer and Grassholm, it forms one of the most important seabird breeding sites in Europe. The flat top of the island is home to 35,000 pairs of Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, large gull colonies, Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, while the 150 ft cliffs hold Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Peregrines and Ravens. Britain's most charismatic crow, the Chough, is usually present and occasionally breeds. Grey seals inhabit the rocky coasts, and porpoises and dolphins are regularly seen passing the island. At migration times almost anything can turn up.
In many ways, the way of life on Skokholm has changed little in the past 50 years, and it is this as much as the spectacular scenery and wildlife which draws many visitors to return again and again.
Main Picture: Manx Shearwater Martin Reith
Inset picture: Skomer at sunset with Midland Isle foreground Birdersmarket
We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.
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