Grassholm Island
About 39,000 Gannet nests are crowded onto this tiny island, which makes it appear white when viewed from the mainland.
Due to the risk of disturbance, landing here is not permitted but a close approach by boat to be among the noisy, swirling clouds of these supreme masters of the air will never be forgotten.
Where is it?
Grassholm is eight miles west of Skomer – a tiny (11ha) speck in the sea, and often inaccessible due to rough seas. It is a part of a volcanic ridge that runs from the mainland out through Skomer to the Hats and Barrels reef and to the Smalls Lighthouse a further seven miles out to sea.
What’s there?
Grassholm was once the site of a huge Puffin colony which is thought to have held at least 200,000 pairs, but their extensive burrowing activity eroded the shallow soils to the point that the island was no longer suitable as a breeding site and by 1920, most puffins had abandoned Grassholm. A small Gannet colony became established in the mid 1800’s. The colony has expanded to become the third largest single rock gannetry in the world with over 39,000 breeding pairs (2009).
When to visit?
It is one of the RSPB’s oldest reserves and although no landing is now permitted, there are regular boat trips around the Island. The Gannets are resident from March to October and a visit during this period makes the ultimate sight, sound and smell experience – one of the world’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
Species
Gannets
Gannet the largest of the British seabirds and unmistakeable with its large white body and wings tipped jet black. Although mostly found offshore it is also a common sight around coastal headlands as it follows Porpoise and Dolphins in search of mackerel and any other fish disturbed by these cetaceans.
