Visitors flock to seabird islands (From Western Telegraph)

Visitors flock to seabird islands

A major survey carried out among visitors to the bird sanctuary island of Skomer last summer confirmed that the nature reserve has a worldwide reputation.

Canvassers, who operated from April through to October, reported that among those interviewed were people from America, Japan, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Ireland.

During the summer months, Skomer Island is home to tens of thousands of breeding sea birds and is regarded as one of the most important seabird reserves in the world.

Each year substantial numbers of people visit the island and plans are now well in hand for this year's influx with an island spokesman confirming that inquiries were steadily arriving.

'We are getting inquiries from mainland Europe and America with the internet playing an ever bigger role in spreading the word about the off-shore islands and, no doubt, Pembrokeshire in general,' said the spokesman.

This season the 50-seater Dale Princess will make the 15-minute crossing to Skomer Island at 10 am, 11 am and noon each day except on Mondays ... the only exception to the no Monday rule is Bank Holidays. There are no scheduled day visits to Skokholm Island this year although like its sister island of Skomer the on-island accommodation remains popular.

A Skomer visit remains a wonderful experience with tens of thousands of sea birds nesting on the island each year.

The most popular of the visitors is no doubt the comical looking puffin with its clown-like multi-coloured beak. The puffins, about 6,500 pairs, arrive in early April and leave for the open sea in first weeks of August leaving plenty for the visitor to see including cormorant (an estimated 8,000), razorbill (3,000), guillemot (8,000) and gannet.

Another memorable sight is the acre upon acre of bluebells, which must surely rank as among the most photographed floral scenes in Wales. Apart from the Skomer landings, there are round Skomer cruises departing Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Bank Holiday Mondays at 1 pm and every Monday (weather permitting) at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

Also popular with visitors and locals alike are the Pembroke-shire Coast National Park Seabird Spectaculars. These cruises depart on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 pm from May 3rd.

There are no landings on Grassholm - one of the most important gannet colonies in Europe - but close quarter observation can be enjoyed during voyages organised by Dale Sea Safaris or a Dale Princess guided cruise on Friday afternoons.

Additional information about any of the visits or cruises can be obtained from any of Pembroke-shire's tourist information centres or by telephoning 01646 603123.