Species shown in Plant Species 1 and Plant Species 2:

Common Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). Red Campion (Silent dioica).

As we visited right at the beginning of the breeding season, the island was covered with Puffins, charismatic, goofy and shy, they were preparing for their first hatching of Pufflings.

Species shown in Puffin 1 : Common Puffin (Fratercula arctica)

My first impression of these surprisingly small marine birds (~30cm in length), is how innocently goofy and clown-like they were; in the most endearing way. They clearly were not made for life on land, with their rough, non-strategic landings from the air, it was clear they hadn’t yet mastered the best way to hit the ground without potential for injury. I witnessed many Puffin dive bombs and head plants, but they seemed completely fine with the ‘techniques’ they had and continued to patter around the island inquisitively.

We were what you would call ‘extremely lucky’ when it came to the weather … although due to the climate crisis, this was a spring that showed new records of prolonged high temperatures, the label of ‘lucky’ just doesn’t fit. I would have been more than happy with our typical UK weather conditions of cloud and rain … at least then I’d be dealing with softer lighting. The beaming rays cascading down from the sun didn’t make for great photography conditions, I was constantly battling over-exposure, but I of course worked with what I had - nature wont wait for better conditions!

Skomer Island is a world of bliss, it almost feels untouched–pristine and pure, but at the same time completely wild and untamed. We experienced the island in the brightest light which gave almost a heavenly feel and I can only imagine how it could turn into an unforgiving wilderness when the conditions flip.

Although the scenes surrounding us were so full of brightness and life, there was a darker side that subtly made itself known … as I snapped away, the sharp realisation of what I was looking at caused horror to flood my body. Ticks. Ticks peppered the entire face of some Puffins, ready to fall off and land in their Puffling’s nests.

Skomer Island feels like an isolated paradise, hiding the secret lives of wildlife, from seals and marine birds to the thriving life on land, including rabbits and long-eared owls. I can’t wait to visit this island again and build an even deeper connection to its thriving ecosystems.

The Wildlife Trust of Skomer Island