Bardsey - General Information - 2008

Booking Form - When to Come -  NNR - Observatory Information - Charges for 2008 - How to get there - The Crossing

The only sizeable Welsh offshore island in the north, Bardsey is also the most beautiful and diverse.  Surprisingly, because from the mainland it appears little more than a large rocky lump.  In reality, four-fifths of its 180 hectares are cultivated and low-lying, unsuspected richness hidden from mainland eyes by 548 foot high Mynydd Enlli.

Rising abruptly from the sea on the east side to a 500 foot ridge, the mountain slopes gently westwards through furze and bracken brakes to extensive flatlands.  A patchwork of 130 lush green fields comprises most of the latter, grazed by sheep.  To the south a narrow isthmus constricts the island.  The short turf and gorse clumps of the smaller southern end are dominated by the gleaming red and white lighthouse tower.   From it, the single tractor road runs north, over the Narrows, past the little harbour and the 18th century boathouse, fringing the mountain slopes to terminate at the 13th century Abbey ruins, the heart of a remarkable complex of old buildings (and three listed ancient monuments).

Strikingly varied topography, melange geology and rich human history contribute to a diversity of habitat unusual for an island of this size.  The old drainage system through the fields is partially blocked and there are extensive areas of Sedge, Yellow Flag and Marsh Marigold contrasting with the heavily grazed sheepwalk grassland of the coast and mountain, shimmering in the early summer with carpets of Thrift and Squill.  There are three withy beds along the course of the stream, and one by the holy wells near the Abbey which contain some of the island trees, and Cristin (the Observatory farmhouse) has a number as well.  There is also a small plantation of spruce, underplanted with native hardwoods.  In stark opposition are the eastern sea cliffs, scenes of intense activity in summer as Auks, Kittiwakes and Shags commute to and from their small breeding colonies and Gulls fill the air with noisy clamour.  Grey Seals regularly give onlookers excellent camera shots as they bask on the rocks at low tide.  Wood Mice,  Shrews,  Palmate Newts and Slow Worms are also found.

Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory has, since its foundation in 1953, enabled thousands of people to stay on the island.  Its aims are to promote visitors’ interests in ornithology and all other aspects of natural history and to ensure that its visitors, either experts or beginners, have an enjoyable stay.

The only accredited bird observatory in Wales, its emphasis is ornithological but there are considerable opportunities for other interests.  Recent years have seen marine biologists, entomologists, geologists and mammologists making weekly visits.  The full time Island Warden and Assistant Warden help visitors and the Observatory library contains identification guides in most branches of natural history.  Talks and slide shows are held in the School House every week during the season for the benefit of all visitors to the island and other talks are given at Cristin from time to time.   Visitors are welcome to bring their own slides to show.

The season opens in late march with the first Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Wheatears passing north, harbingers of the busy spring migration period.  Visitors assist the daily censusing of birds and the full scale ringing programme starts.  Up to 8,000 birds of 97 species have been ringed in a year, caught mostly in mist nets or heligoland traps.  Instruction is given to those who wish to see ringing in progress, whilst for the trainee or experienced ringer, a visit to an Observatory is a valuable opportunity to increase their knowledge.  As spring advances Sedge Warblers, Willow Warblers, Whitethroats and Spotted Flycatchers become abundant passage migrants.  Chances of a rarity are high in May and early June: Black-eared Wheatear,  Great Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Subalpine Warbler and Common Rosefinch being recent examples.

Censusing the breeding birds takes increasing precedence in late May, June and early July.  Over 30 species nest regularly including Raven, Little Owl, Oystercatcher and 10 species of sea-bird amongst which are Razorbill, Guillemot and Fulmar.  Bardsey is famous as a stronghold of the Chough (up to 7 pairs nest and valuable research work is carried out on them) and Manx Shearwater (thousands nest in deep burrows).  On dark nights until mid September the Shearwater’s weird cackling calls are heard as they fly over Cristin and visitors can accompany nocturnal ringing expeditions.

By late July autumn migration has started with August to October the busiest period.  Common species appear in large numbers, together with some unusual species including: Melodious Warbler, Icterine Warbler and Greenish Warbler. August’s abundant warbler migrants are followed in September by chats, crests and flycatchers.  September is a good month for observing sea-birds on migration and among impressive numbers of commoner species Great Skua, Sabine’s Gull, Sooty Shearwater and Leach’s Petrel are regular in occurrence.  There are sea-watching hides at the island’s southern tip and at its Northwest corner.

It is October which has the most to offer anyone wishing to see the full strength of autumn migration.  It is a vibrant month with continual passage of restless migrants.  Spectacular overnight arrivals of Redwings and Blackbirds are matched on occasion by massive diurnal movements of Chaffinches, Skylarks and Starlings;  over 25,000 have been counted flying over in a single morning.  Mist netting and ringing take place whenever possible and it is probably true to say that this is the best month for uncommon vagrants, whether from North America, Europe or Asia.   Rose-coloured Starling, Isabelline Shrike, Ortolan Bunting, Radde’s, Pallas’s, Red-flanked Bluetail (first for Wales) and Lanceolated Warbler are recent October records whilst Firecrest, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler are seen almost every year.  Common Yellowthroat in 1996 was a fifth record for Britain and the island list now stands at just over 300 species.

Bardsey is well known as one of the few sites where night migration can actually be watched taking place.  Under certain weather conditions following the new moon, migrating birds are attracted to the revolving beams of the lighthouse, sometimes in thousands, and the night is noisy with the flight calls of diverse species.  Since 1978 the observatory, in co-operation with Trinity House, has had a unique ‘false lighthouse’ - powerful quartz-iodide lamps atop a high mast, in place near the lighthouse proper.  The lamps draw some bird species safely away from the lighthouse to the gorse bushes, so that as many as 3,000 migrants have roosted there on one night alone.  Visitors may watch these ‘attractions’ and help the wardens, under their supervision.

Inevitably this is but a brief description of Bardsey and its Observatory;  it is intended as a guide to prospective visitors to help decide at which time they would prefer to visit.  The only adequate way to enjoy island life is to sample it;  so do pay us a visit soon.  Once you have made one trip to this lovely and interesting island you are likely to wish to return, as so many do, time and time again.        

National Nature Reserve

Bardsey is a National Nature Reserve with a unique and often fragile flora and fauna, constantly under study.   There are certain restrictions of access to some areas, especially the East side of the mountain, that must be adhered to strictly otherwise those breaking this rule will be asked to leave the island.   There is a ban on any introductions of plants and animals by visitors as they could damage the existing wildlife.  This applies especially to cats, dogs, rats, mice, wild flower and bird seed or living plants.  Please respect the needs of the wildlife.  Further details are available on the island.  If any visitor wishes to collect specimens of any description, permission must be obtained in the first instance from the Trust Office, Swyddfa Enlli, Sarn Mellteyrn, LL53 8DW, Tel: 08458 112233 or email: yenlli@aol.com and the request will be forwarded to the CCW.

No overnight visitors are allowed except at the Observatory or at the hostels run by the Bardsey Island Trust Ltd.  Commercial photography may only be undertaken with the Trust’s permission.  Visitors stay on Bardsey at their own risk.

Observatory Information

Staying at the Observatory

When you arrive on Bardsey you will be met by the Warden plus tractor to transport your luggage the half mile or so to Cristin, the large double-fronted 19th century farmhouse located in the centre of the island.  Downstairs there is a common room, dining room, pantry, washroom (with hot and cold running water) and a well equipped kitchen with calor gas cookers and fridge.  There are five bedrooms available for guests (2 single, 2 double and 1 treble).  There is drinking water in the kitchen and lighting is by calor gas and limited electricity. A new central heating system has just been installed so staying at the beginning or end of the season is now very comfortable and warm!  Once the generator has been switched off there will be no light upstairs.  For your own safety candles are not allowed in the Observatory so please make sure you bring a torch.  The toilets are composting closets.  All non-burnable and non-compostable rubbish must be removed from the island at the end of your stay and plastic sacks are provided for this purpose.   Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Observatory.

 Once you are at the Observatory, contact with the mainland may be irregular.  Postcards may be purchased from the small sales area (please bring your stamps with you) and can be sent to the mainland mid-week most weeks in the summer.  There are also many other items for sale including sweatshirts, tea towels, aprons, cards, pencils, pens, badges, locally made jewellery etc.  There is also an exhibition area in the same building and books on Bardsey may be purchased here.

Please be aware that the upstairs fire escape involves exiting from a window and climbing down a rope ladder which may cause difficulty for people with impaired mobility.

Please be careful when walking around the Observatory grounds, especially when it is wet – the ground can become very slippery.

In cases of emergency (such as serious illness or accident) messages can be passed to and from Bardsey via the Coastguard Station at Holyhead.  There is also an island telephone available for emergencies only (Tel: 07855829486).  Particularly in the early spring and late autumn delays do sometimes occur and are not viewed as emergencies.  In case of delay you should therefore advise your family and friends of the possibility and keep a clear diary at work.  You can then enjoy the delay and not worry about people worrying about you!

Parents:  Parents with young children or babies should note that we do not stock nappies, baby food  etc. in the shop so please bring sufficient with you.  There are also very few toys at the Observatory with which to amuse them so please bring along some of your children’s favourite playthings.

Party Bookings and Full Board Weeks:  Bookings of the whole Observatory by organised parties from bird clubs, schools etc. are particularly encouraged.  If advance notice is given the Warden can assist in the Group’s needs or interests.  Whilst such groups will normally be self-catering, full catering for an additional charge of £130 per person, may be possible for parties of eight or over, if three months notice is given. Enquiries to the Booking Secretary in the first instance.

General Booking Information

All enquires should be made to the Booking Secretary in the first instance, enclosing a S.A.E. please. A non-refundable deposit of £25 per person per week, made payable to Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory, should be enclosed with the application and the balance will be due four weeks before the holiday commences. If a booking is made less than four weeks before the start date the full amount will be due.  A booking will only be considered as ‘firm’ when a deposit is received.    If you have to cancel please inform the Booking Secretary at the earliest opportunity. 

Anyone 18 years or over, expert or beginner with an active interest in natural history, will be welcomed at the Observatory.  Unaccompanied young people over 16 are allowed but must be responsible for their own actions.  Those under 16 are also welcome but should be accompanied by an adult.  Ringers with permits and trainees are welcome to take part in the ringing activities under the direction of the Warden.  Please bring your permit with you.

Please also bring with you the following items:

Food:  a food store of basic essentials is maintained by the Observatory for sale at prices comparable with local shops and a full stock list will be sent should you make a booking. Please do not bring items which are available in the shop as space on the boat is limited. 

Observatory Charges for 2008

The charge for crossing to and staying at the Observatory  (including tuition and help from Observatory staff) is:  Adults £132;  Students,  OAPs (those of State pensionable age) & Children 14 years and over £115;  Children 3 years and up to 13 years £90;  under 3 free, for the first week.  Any consecutive weeks will be charged at the following rates:  £104, £87, £62.  These charges INCLUDE the Boat Fare for crossing which is £28 per person regardless of age.  A non-refundable deposit of £25 per person per week is payable when the booking is made and the remainder of the charges will fall due four weeks before the date of the holiday.  All charges are to be sent to the Booking Secretary with cheques made payable to B.B.F.O.  To avoid any misunderstanding we would recommend our guests to insure against cancellation or delays by inclement weather. There is a charge of £12 per week to park your car at Cwrt Farm, payable to the Warden on the island.   Booking Form

How To Get There

Bardsey is two miles offshore off the tip of the Lleyn peninsula.  The boat leaves each Saturday during the season (or the first suitable day thereafter).  Details of the crossing point and assembly instructions will be given separately when a firm booking is made.

The Crossing

There is limited space aboard the boat which crosses to Bardsey so please do not bring more than essential luggage.  Because it is an open boat it can be cold and wet, so wrap up well.  All your belongings, including any hand luggage must be well packed, enclosed in plastic sacks, tied with strong cord and clearly labelled with your name.

Delays

The final decision rests with the boatman and must be abided by.  If you are delayed on the mainland the boatman will advise you as to the likely length of delay.  There is good bird watching in the area and Aberdaron, at the tip of the Lleyn, gets similar migrants to Bardsey itself.

When should I come to Bardsey?  -  Click here to see the Booking Form (which can be printed off)