Off the shores of Wales sits the picturesque Skomer Island, renowned for its colonies of puffins and a popular destination for day-trippers who come by boat to explore its tranquil surroundings.
While a fortunate few can spend the night at the island’s hostel, most visitors opt for a day trip to stroll the paths and observe puffins with binoculars. However, this summer presents a unique opportunity for four volunteers to reside on the island for extended periods, with complimentary accommodations provided, in exchange for assisting with conservation work.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales is currently seeking volunteers for three long-term roles: one spanning from March 28 to July 4, another from April 25 to August 1, and the third running from July 4 to September 30. These volunteers would aid the wardens in managing the island, engaging with visitors, and overseeing the wildlife.
Moreover, there is an open position for a Seabird Monitoring Volunteer, focusing on seabirds, from May 23 to June 23. The volunteer would gain knowledge in seabird monitoring techniques, contributing to tracking the population of seabirds on the island, including puffins and Manx shearwater birds.
The responsibilities require a resilient nature and readiness to work long hours in varying weather conditions, as specified. Volunteers should also possess a deep-seated passion for nature and adaptability to handle unforeseen circumstances in this distinctive environment.
Apart from monitoring the island’s wildlife, volunteers on Skomer Island would engage in tasks like welcoming and guiding visitors.
Volunteering on the island offers the chance to relish its natural allure, with approximately four miles of mostly unpaved coastal trails offering glimpses of numerous bird species from razorbills to guillemots. The Wick, a renowned inlet, is ideal for photography and bird watching, so bringing binoculars or a telephoto lens is recommended. Most visitors complete a leisurely walk around the island in roughly five hours, making stops for puffin sightings and picnics.
For day visitors, boat trips are available from Martin’s Haven in Pembrokeshire between April and September, albeit with reduced services in the final month. Direct boat rides to the island take about 20 minutes, or visitors can opt for a Skomer Cruise that circumnavigates the island without docking, catering to those uninterested in extensive walks or facing physical challenges.
Certain boat excursions also include visits to the smaller Skokholm Island to the south, boasting substantial puffin populations and providing a serene atmosphere for bird watching enthusiasts. Longer journeys occasionally venture to Grassholm Island, home to one of the planet’s largest gannet colonies. From a distance, the island appears snow-covered due to the multitude of birds densely packed on this petite landmass.
