Skomer, Skokholm's big sister island, is also a nature reserve managed by the Dyfed Wildlife Trust, and owned by the Countryside Council for Wales. Skomer is designated as a National Nature Reserve, Specially Protected Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The waters around the island are designated as one of only three statutory Marine Nature Reserves in the U.K.
Skomer is the largest single seabird colony in southern Britain with large colonies of Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes in addition to around 160,000 pairs of Manx Shearwaters - 40% of the world's population.
Skomer is home to the second largest colony of Grey Seals in Wales, the largest being a few miles north on Ramsey Island. Up to 160 pups are born each autumn on the beaches and in the caves of Skomer, and seals are to be seen around the island throughout the year. Probably the best place on the island to see them is on the Garland Stone just off the north coast which is regularly used as a low tide haul out.
Another of the island's claims to fame is the Skomer Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus skomerensis), a distinct island form of the Bank Vole. This is a common, though rarely seen, resident, with a population of some 20,000 individuals. It is found mainly among the bracken, and forms a major item in the diet of the island's thriving population of Short-eared Owls.
Skomer is more accessible for day visits than Skokholm, being open every day except Mondays (but open Bank Holidays). The boat trip from Martinshaven takes about 15 minutes and the boat leaves at 10 am, 11am and 12noon (weather permitting). Return trips start at 3pm.
Boat fare for 1996
£6 adults, £4 children
Reserve entrance fee
£6 adults, children free, £2 students (with card).
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