20/3/2004

Bardsey Island comes of age on March 24 as it celebrates 18 years as a National Nature Reserve providing a peaceful sanctuary for birds, marine animals and plants.

“Bardsey Island has long been known as an important site for birds, marine and botanical wildlife and pilgrims alike. It is one of Wales’ magical National Nature Reserves. The blend of landscape, wildlife and history create an unique experience for anyone who visits the Island” said Elinor Gwynn of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

Bardsey attracts an amazing variety of birds. On the east side of the island, Bardsey mountain rises sharply from the sea to a height of 150m. A number of seabirds nest here, such as kittiwakes a black legged gull, and razorbills, black and white birds that look like soldiers standing on the clifftops. There are also a few pairs of puffin. And around 12,000 pairs of Manx shearwater nest on Bardsey by adopting and adapting rabbit burrows all over the mountain. This bird has a distinctive call as it returns to the island from the sea at night. Legend has it that this eerie sound is the call of sailors’ lost souls at sea.

The reserve is important for the chough which nest and feed on the cliffs. This red-legged crow is best seen in flight, diving and swooping dramatically. Over 30 other kinds of birds also breed on the island. Oystercatcher, stonechat and meadow pipits are commonly seen on a walk around the island and visitors might also catch a glimpse of little owls and peregrine falcon.

Elinor Gwynn said: “Like many other Welsh islands, Bardsey is a good place for migrant birds. The first to arrive in early spring are the chiff chaff and wheatear. The feathered visitors keep on streaming through until early June, with most moving of them staying for a brief respite. But in no time at all, the return migration begins – starting in late August and reaching a peak in October when large flocks of birds such as finches and starlings descend on the island to break their journey. It seems Bardsey continues to be a place for all kinds of pilgrims!”

Some of the more interesting plants on Bardsey include adders tongue fern, rock sea lavender, sharp rush and western clover. The maritime grassy edges of the cliffs are glorious in spring when the thrift, sea campion, spring squill and birds foot trefoil flower in pink white blue and yellow.

During the summer months grey seals are frequently seen in Rhonllwyn bay, where they haul themselves out on the rocks and call solemnly for hours. From the land, keen eyed visitors might see bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins or the harbour porpoises which feed and breed in the seas off the island.

Michael Wynne, Director of the Bardsey Island Trust said: Bardsey Island has welcomed thousands of visitors since becoming National Nature Reserve 18 years ago. The Bardsey Island Trust has worked effectively with the Countryside Council for Wales during this time in developing a strong partnership that will help sustain this unique natural treasure far in to the future.”

Source:	Countryside Council for Wales
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