LUNDY ISLAND

By J. Mundell (Area 22).

Lundy is an island in the Bristol Channel and is some 24 miles from North Devon coast. It is 3 miles long, half a mile wide and stands some 400ft out of the sea, commanding a view of England, Wales and the Atlantic. The climate is milder and rainfall lower than the mainland.

The island is a granite mass and the soil is light and seldom very wet, about a fifth of the island is enclosed by stone walls and the remaining nine hundred acres are rough grazing interspersed with heather, peat and bracken.

The sea, the space, the silence, the life of the island and the natural beauty on every hand make a visit to Lundy, a rare experienced which those who come here share and treasure.

Lundy is famous for its birds and some 280 different species have been recorded and about 35 species breed on the island every year.

Lundy has always been associated with Puffins and during 1939 there were some 3500 pairs but now it is estimated there are only about 100 pairs, this change is thought to result from a decline in the number of Sandeels which is the food preferred by Puffins. In May, June and July Puffins can be seen nesting in crevices on the cliffs around Ballery Point, Jenny`s Cove and the North end of the island.

Other seabirds that nest on Lundy are Gillemotes, Razorbills, Kittywakes, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Shags, and Fulmars. Most of the seabirds breeding population is concentrated on the higher cliff slops of the West and North where Ravens may also be found.

Grey Seal breed in Seal`s Hole and many other caves around the coast and can be seen on the rocks and in the sea around Lundy. There are often a number of seals basking at Brazen Ward and in Gannets Bay.

Rhododendrons abound on then island and the island is famous for it`s Lundy Cabbage plant which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

There There are 17 people who live on the island and are farmers. There is a shop-cum Pub-cum Restaurant called the Marisco Tavern, also there is a brewery which was installed in 1884 and the beer can be sampled in the Tavern. Electricity is supplied by generators and there is also an Aerogenerator which supplies all the islands needs.

The island was bought by the National Trust in 1968 and they lease it to the landmark Trust who have virtually completed the expensive task of restoring the buildings & improving the services for residents & visitors. The Landmark Trust aims to keep Lundy a tranquil & unaffected place with a life of its own for the islanders & visitors to share and enjoy.

The Landmark Trust provide places to stay so that visitors may spend time on Lundy, by taking a holiday however briefly, the visitor will get far more out of the island than just by looking at it. There are many holiday places on the island and are available throughout the year and booked through the Landmark Trust.

The island is reached by ship in Approx. 2 hours from Bideford quey in North Devon or Ilfracombe, and sail on most days of the year. Sailing on the MS Oldenburg (300tons) is an experience itself. She has comfortable saloons, a snack bar and ample space on deck. A time table can be obtained from the Landmark Trust.

For details of travel & accommodation on Lundy please contact:-

The Landmark Trust, Shottesbrook, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3SW. Tel. 0628-825925.

This then is a description in brief of the island and over he last two years I have made many visits, and last September we stayed for a week.

For photography I would suggest the best times are, late April, May & the beginning of June. I can only sum up by saying, a day on Lundy is a rare pleasure, where you will find peace, surrounded as you are by sea and the sky. Its a unique experience not to be missed.

I have taken many photographs of then island and wildlife & seabirds and hope to put a programme together to show at the A.G.M. If possible.