A unique opportunity has arisen for wildlife enthusiasts to spend several months living on Skomer Island, a breathtaking nature reserve off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Those selected for the programme will play a crucial role in counting puffins, a species currently facing significant threats to its population. The roles, while unpaid, come with free accommodation and travel expenses, making it a remarkable chance to engage in conservation efforts while enjoying the stunning surroundings.
Puffin Conservation Efforts
Skomer Island, covering just 1.13 square miles (2.92 square kilometres), is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW). The island is renowned for its diverse seabird population, particularly the iconic puffins, which are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Rob Knott, the island’s visitor officer, emphasised the importance of these birds, noting that their declining numbers are a pressing concern.
Successful candidates will be tasked with counting puffins, a meticulous job that involves splitting the island into sections and conducting counts shortly before sunset when the birds are more likely to be on land. Knott explained, “We get our clickers out and we count all the ones on the land, then the sea and the ones in the air as well.”
Volunteer Positions Available
The WTSWW is seeking volunteers for three long-term positions, alongside a role focused on seabird monitoring. Volunteers will be expected to assist with various tasks throughout the year, including monitoring the productivity of seabird chicks in summer and observing grey seals during autumn. These positions will last approximately three months, from the end of March to the end of September.
Last year, Skomer Island recorded a remarkable 43,626 puffins, thanks to favourable conditions that provided an abundance of food and the absence of predators. The WTSWW attributes this success to the island’s healthy ecosystem, which supports not only puffins but also around 350,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwaters, along with guillemots and razorbills.
Access and Living Arrangements
While Skomer Island does not have permanent residents, seasonal staff from WTSWW stay for around nine months each year. There are limited guest accommodations available through the WTSWW’s hostel, but volunteers will need to bring their own supplies, as there are no shops on the island.
Access to Skomer is primarily via boat, with services running regularly from April through to August. During September, trips become less frequent, highlighting the island’s remote and untouched nature.
Why it Matters
This volunteer programme not only offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in nature but also plays a vital role in saving a species at risk of extinction. By engaging in conservation work on Skomer Island, volunteers contribute to the broader efforts aimed at restoring the puffin population while gaining invaluable experience in wildlife management. As the challenges facing seabirds grow, the commitment of individuals to support these initiatives is crucial for the preservation of our natural heritage.
