Wildlife wins on Bardsey Island
Farming on the island of Bardsey has entered a new era with the island’s
wildlife firmly at the forefront.
In a new development that ensures the island is farmed effectively for
its wildlife, RSPB Cymru has become the farming tenant and will work with
the Bardsey Island Trust in a new working relationship to provide support
and advice on the best way to maintain habitats for birds and other resident
wildlife.
The island - just off the Llyn Peninsula - is owned by the Bardsey Island
Trust and has been farmed by a series of tenant farmers in recent years,
trying to make their living from this beautiful but isolated farm.
RSPB Cymru is now working with local farmer Gareth Roberts who will farm
the island and carry out practical land management. Gareth said: ‘ I’m
looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference on the island’.
The Countryside Council for Wales,which works closely with RSPB Cymru,
has designated the island as a National Nature Reserve.
It provides vital
habitat for a range of wildlife including key Welsh bird species such as
chough – the rarest member of the crow family. Wales is particularly
important for chough, with around three quarters of the UK’s population
living here.
Manx shearwaters are also important nesting birds on the island. More
than half the World’s population of Manx shearwaters can be found
in Wales, with up to 16,000 pairs on Bardsey Island at the height of the
breeding season.
Richard Farmer, RSPB Cymru Senior Reserves Manager said: ‘The island
is a special place for many people, and wildlife is a crucial part of its
identity, history and culture. It’s wonderful that the Bardsey Island
Trust and RSPB Cymru can work together to maintain the island as a vital
habitat for wildlife.’
Michael Francis, Vice-Chairman of the Bardsey Island Trust said: ‘Over
the last year an excellent understanding and working relationship has been
established with RSPB Cymru and we are looking forward to this continuing’.
