A spot in South West England is said to be an ideal place to watch dolphins play and has been likened to a Caribbean island.
Lundy Island is a granite outcrop which sits off the coast of North Devon in the Bristol Channel that is home to a « fascinating » array of wildlife.
The National Trust, the owner, and the Landmark Trust, the manager, led restoration efforts after the island was put up for sale in 1968.
The sea around the island boasts a rich marine life, with seals, jellyfish, porpoises, whales and dolphins « not uncommon », according to the National Trust.
Corals and fish populate the reefs around Lundy, which was the first designated Marine Conservation Area, an area of the sea where habitats and species are meant to benefit from enhanced protection.
On the island itself, seabird colonies abound, with puffins and Manx shearwater mingling with herds of goats and wild ponies.
Described by Somerset Live as « reminiscent of the Caribbean », the publication recommends Jenny’s Cove and Phillip’s Stone as ideal places to spot puffins.
Lundy’s coastline supports the largest single-island seabird colony in the south of England, according to the Landmark Trust.
Birdwatchers flock to the island from March to June and August to November as thousands of birds stop on Lundy during their migrations.
Lundy has a resident population of about 180 Atlantic grey seals, which can be seen at a safe distance almost anywhere on the island. The National Trust advises anyone who sees them to keep a distance to avoid disturbing them and to keep dogs on leads if you have any with you.
Dolphins, whales and porpoises can be seen from the deck of MS Oldenburg, which ferries visitors to the island.
The Landmark Trust recommends watching out for large numbers of feeding gannets as these seabirds can give away the location of the shoals of fish which would be a tempting feast for whales, dolphins and porpoises.
It says the most common species around the island are bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and harbour porpoises. Other species include minke whales, Risso dolphin and the long-finned pilot whale.
The three-mile long island’s rugged scenery make Lundy an attractive spot for walking while its 42 scheduled monuments and listed buildings provide numerous points of interest.
Getting to Lundy means a trip on MS Oldenburg, which sails three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe on a two-hour crossing each way.
You can book a daytrip via the Landmark Trust’s website. Or for a longer stay, the charity offers a range of accommodation, including Lundy’s Old School building and cottages, some of which lie within the Keep of a castle built by Henry III in about 1250.
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