Skomer Island

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Grid reference: SR734096 (at the North Haven landing site)

Mainly volcanic from the Silurian period with later sedimentary deposits.

The cliffs around the island are home to many breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars. Puffins nest in holes at the top of the cliffs. Manx Shearwater are plentiful, although they at constant threat from Great Black-backed Gulls.

	The Wick is a haven for sea birds		Bull Hole provides good shelter for seals.

In spring, Skomer is awash with colour. Surprisingly flowers more associated with woodlands help to provide this colour. Bluebell, Lesser Celandine, Ground Ivy and Wood Sage suggest a relic woodland flora. By the end of spring bracken will dominate the landscape. This then provides shelter from the sun for the early flowering plants. The bracken acts very much like a deciduous woodland canopy.

	North Haven looking towards St. David's		Bluebells galore

	Sunset over Skomer (from the Deer Park)		Skomer from the west - the Mew Stone is on the right and the Garland Stone is on the left

Islands lying off Skomer are Skokholm and Grasholm. Skokholm is just to the south whereas Grasholm is 7 miles west.

	Skokholm on the horizon		Grasholm with its Gannet colony clearly visible

Last updated: 21st May 2005