Wildlife in Pembrokeshire
Skomer Island
Skomer Island, with its neighbour Skokholm , are homes to some of the most important seabird breeding colonies in Europe. Literally thousands of pairs of birds, including Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Fulmars, Razorbills and, of course, the famous Puffin, can be seen during a visit to these islands. The best time of the year to visit is early spring through to mid-summer and again in the autumn to see the many seal pups that are born on or around the beaches.
Skomer Island walks involve travelling from Martin’s Haven, two miles west of Marloes, by open boat to Skomer Island, before walking around the island (the warden & his team are very helpful as guides). Skomer Island is very exposed so make sure that you bring warm and waterproof clothing, even if it the weather seems good on the mainland. There are no shops on the island so bring all the refreshments and food that you require for the day. And pack your binoculars and camera – you will see an amazing variety of wildlife on this island. Please note that boat fares and island landing fares are payable in addition to National Park charges, which you will pay when booking.
The boat fare is £8 for adults and £5 for children under 14. The landing fee is £6 for adults, £5 for retired, £3 for students and under 16 are free. You will be asked to pay these directly to the boat and island staff on the day.There will also be a National Trust car park charge at Martin’s Haven.
Please be aware of the following points before booking:
You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow plenty of time for parking and walking to the embarkation point. There are no prepared landing stages on the island, and in certain conditions getting on and off the boat can be difficult. You can check sailing conditions by contacting the boat operator directly, just before your trip. You'll be given the operator's phone number (normal office hours) when you book. Island visits aren't advisable for the elderly, infirm or children under five, and the islands aren't suitable for pushchairs. No dogs are allowed on the islands.
Dale Sea Safari
Leaving the pretty fishing village of Dale, the modern RIB will take you out either around the islands of Skomer & Skokholm, or further out to Grassholm – the second largest Gannet colony in Britain (35,000 breeding pairs!). It is an amazing experience watching hundreds of these birds diving around the boat while seals swim close by. If you are lucky – and you are mostly lucky this far out – you will also see Harbour Porporpoise, Sunfish and Dolphin on your safari.
Welsh Wildlife Centre
The stunning visitor centre stands within the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve on the banks of the River Teifi. The Welsh Wildlife Centre building won an award for architectural design in 1993 when it was first constructed, and still astonishes the visiting public today. It is constructed largely of wood and glass and has panoramic views over the Teifi River, Cardigan town and woodland.
There is a café and shop, as well as toilets, and the interpretation centre houses a suite of interactive cameras that are out on the marsh watching the wildlife go about its business and the tale of how Teifi Marshes has been created by the Ice Age, Geology and industry. It will give you an insight into what you might be able to find on one of our four nature trails.
These selected, picturesque, wildlife trails are of varying lengths that will take you out across the marshes or into the woodland. A wide diversity of habitats in one place is a major benefit to a visit to this Centre, together with the chance of seeing many species from the several hides that are dotted around the reserve.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
3 flooded limestone valleys best known for their covering carpet of lilies, which are at their best in June. A footpath winds its way around the banks to the spectacular beach at Broad Haven South. The ponds also offer good course fishing and are well stocked .
There are 810 hectares of outstanding countryside and coastal landscape set in the Pembrokeshire National Park
National Nature Reserve including these famous Lily Ponds (with wheelchair access to some parts)
Historic environment includes the site of Stackpole Court, the home of the Cawdor family, Bronze and Iron age settlements and Stackpole Quay
Shearwater viewing evening trips
The sun is setting on Skokholm and the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve, and the Manx Shearwaters are rafting awaiting the darkness of night to provide cover to return to their nests on these beautiful Pembrokeshire Islands. This is the setting for one of nature’s European spectacles so bring your camera - and dress warmly! The darker it becomes, the noisier the Shearwaters become as they return to their nest burrows on the islands from fishing as far away as the Bay of Biscay. The cawing noise and mass of activity is truly unforgettable – there are an estimated 120,000 pairs (that’s ¼ million birds - ¾ of the world’s population!) so the darkened skies are full of these wave-skimming travellers.
Times of Departure: 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 2nd May - 28th July
