Off the shoreline of Wales sits the enchanting Skomer Island, renowned for its puffin communities, and a favored destination for day-trippers who come by boat to explore this serene location.
While a fortunate few can spend the night in the island’s hostel, most visitors opt for a day trip to hike the trails and observe puffins through binoculars. However, this summer, four fortunate volunteers have the opportunity to reside on the island for extended periods, with complimentary accommodations, in exchange for assisting with conservation initiatives.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales is currently seeking three long-term volunteers: one from March 28 to July 4, another from April 25 to August 1, and a third from July 4 to September 30. These volunteers will aid the wardens on the island, engaging with visitors and monitoring wildlife.
Additionally, a role is open for a Seabird Monitoring Volunteer for bird enthusiasts available to commit from May 23 to June 23. The volunteer will be trained in seabird monitoring techniques, contributing to tracking the population of seabirds on the island, including puffins and Manx shearwater birds.
However, the position comes with challenges. As per the job requirements, volunteers must possess a resilient nature and be prepared to work long hours in all weather conditions. They should also have a deep passion for nature and be adaptable to handling unforeseen circumstances in this distinctive environment.
Apart from wildlife monitoring, those residing on Skomer Island will undertake tasks like welcoming visitors and guiding them around the area.
Volunteering on the island offers the chance to revel in its natural allure, with approximately four miles of mostly unpaved coastal paths where numerous bird species, from razorbills to guillemots, can be spotted. The Wick, a bay on the island, is a favorite spot for photography and bird-watching, so remember to bring binoculars or a telephoto lens. Most visitors can complete a circuit around the island in about five hours, pausing to watch puffins and enjoy a picnic.
For day visitors, boat services operate from Martin’s Haven in Pembrokeshire between April and September, although they may be reduced in the final month. Direct boat rides to the island take 20 minutes, or you can opt for a Skomer Cruise that circumnavigates the island without docking, a suitable choice for those less inclined towards long walks or facing physical challenges.
Some boat tours also extend to the smaller Skokholm Island to the south, known for its vast puffin colonies, ideal for bird enthusiasts or those seeking a tranquil atmosphere. Longer excursions sometimes visit Grassholm Island, home to one of the world’s largest gannet colonies. From a distance, the island appears white, seemingly covered in snow, but upon closer approach, it becomes evident that the whiteness is due to the sheer multitude of birds clustered on this small landmass.
