Lundy Island
Lundy Island is a wonderful gem nestled in the Atlantic, located about 15 km off the coast of North Devon. The region is known as a refuge for wildlife and is also Britain’s sole Marine Nature Reserve. The region attracts people from all over the globe and the British Isles for its pristine nature and its peaceful surroundings. The area also attracts top researchers from around the world and serves as a major scientific hub.
Unique Wildlife
The wildlife in the area is so unique that thousands come to the region every year simply for bird watching. While the island does have a few mammal species, it is largely known for its vast bird population. The area is full of migrating and indigenous bird varieties and has some of the rarest bird species in the world. Many of these rare bird species were actually North American birds who ended up getting swept over the ocean.
But Lundy Island is also known for its unique flora as well. The Lundy Cabbage, a species indigenous to the region, has the unique characteristic of having its own endemic species, the Bronze Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle.
Lundy is also known for its many seabirds as well. As a matter of fact, the puffins that inhabit the island are where its name originated from (Lundy is the Norse name for Puffin Island). You’ll also find all sorts of plants and animals around the island and in the waters surrounding it.
What to Do on Lundy Island
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll find your match on Lundy Island. You can engage in all types of activities like wildlife watching, diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and much more. This is also a great place if you want to do some wildlife photography as well.
You can also explore Lundy’s murky past with a visit to a cave that used to serve as a prison, see ancient burial chambers or go up the highest lighthouse in the British Isles. The tiny island is full of historic sites and is a must for anyone who wants to take a trip back in time.
How to get to Lundy
There are many ways that you can get to the island. You can take the MS Oldenberg from Ilfracombe or Bideford which carries period and day return passengers. Regular day returns start at around £35 for adults, £18 for people under 16 and £6 for children under four. You can also get a family pass for two children and two adults for around £80.
You can also reach the area by helicopter depending on when you’re intending to visit. Helicopters leave from Hartland Point. Not only will you be able to get to the island in style, but you can take in the wonderful scenery as well. You can also get to the island with your own boat or through a charter but note that there is a £5 per head fee to get on the island.
