Anyone been to Flatholm Island, off Penarth, South Wales... (1 Viewer)

[theMusicMan]

Hi All

I have a free day tomorrow, and am fancying a trip to either Skomer Island (2 1/2 hours drive away) or to Flatholm Island (25 mins drive away). Now I have been to Skomer Island before and it is an awesome trip for bird life, but I have as yet never been to Flatholm. I have contacted the office and they advise that there is a sailing tomorrow at 12:45, returning at 18:15, and so I am wondering if anyone here has been on a trip there, and if so, was it worth the trip...?

I have asked if I can go off alone to see what's about, and not have to take part in the guided tour (which is more about history and buildings etc), and the kid lady I spoke with said that this would be perfectly fine.

So, my plan is to take my E-3, 70-300mm plus 1.4x, my monopod, some wet weather gear and a stool to have a fun day. Has anyone been there, any advice about what I might see and is it worth it...?

Thanks.

John

 

[Stranger]

Hi
Not actually landed on Flatholm,though I have done a boat trip round both Flat and Steepholm.
I did not see much in the way of bird life,just the common gulls.
I have a book about Flatholm which mainly contains historical details.
However it does list some of the wildlife you might see,
Rabbit,Black Rat,Pipistrelle Bat,Slow Worm,Common Lizard,Thrush,Blackbird,Robin,Wren,Meadow Pipit,Rock Pipit,Oystercatcher,LBB Gull,GBB Gull,Shellduck,
During Migration birds use theisland as a resting place,so there is always the chance of a rarity.
At dusk the island is used as a roosting place by waders such as Dunlin,Purple Sandpiper,Turnstone and Oystercatcher.
Ravens,Heron,Kestrel and Cormarants often visit.
Flatholm has an extensive list of plants,some of them quite rare.Wild Leek and Wild Peony.
The book I have is "Flatholm Bristol Channel Island by Bob Jory and friends,"
published 1995 by Wincanton Press.ISBN No 0 948699 50 7

 

[theMusicMan]

Many thanks for the information, much appreciated. I have decided after asking a few other people that I am going to go to Skomer Island instead. Gazzillions more birdlife to see too!!

 

[Nigel Addecott]

for a full up to date list for flat holm go to www.cbcsightings.blogspot.com

 

[theMusicMan]

Went to Skomer - here's a few shots I managed...

All taken on the E-3 with 70-300mm plus 1.4x

Wheatear