Islands
There are four large islands (over 100 Ha) and numerous small ones around the coast.
Their importance for wildlife varies according to their rock type and aspect (which influences their suitability for breeding seabirds) their past land use history and their current management. Most are nature reserves now with the exception of the popular Caldey Island, off Tenby which is the site of a Monastery and a small village with a resident population.
Caldey is farmed and also has extensive woodland, planted by the monks over the decades, which makes it very different from the other exposed and rugged islands.
Monastery at Caldey
Caldey also has a large rat population which means that it has few ground nesting birds again in total contrast to the other islands which abound with wildlife.
Adjacent to and linked to Caldey by a low tide reef is the small Nature Reserve of St Margarets Island which holds one of the largest colonies of Cormorants in Wales as well as numerous other cliff nesting seabirds. No landing is allowed but there are frequent round the island trips.
St Margaret's Island, Caldey
The other islands, especially Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey and Grassholm, are renowned for their seabird colonies which are of world importance for both Gannet and Manx Shearwater. They are also easily accessible and a visit is always an exciting and memorable wildlife experience.
The birds choose the islands to nest on in order to avoid ground predators such as foxes and especially brown rats, the presence of which can decimate huge colonies. However they are not just seabird islands; their management has been conservation biased for many years they are some of the best places to see carpets of coastal flowers in the spring. There are also some good examples of coastal heath. Their location, mainly off the western tip of the county, also makes them a magnet for migrant and vagrant birds.
Skomer Island
This national nature reserve is home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds and is easily accessible via a short boat crossing.
Ramsey Island
This is a national nature reserve managed by RSPB to encourage breeding Chough and Lapwings.
Grassholm Island
About 39,000 Gannet nests are crowded onto this tiny island, which makes it appear white when viewed from the mainland.
