The Island of Grassholm

Grassholm Island is a RSPB Nature Reserve and is not open to the public. The white in these photographs is not snow, but thousands and thousands of Gannets (about 32,000) who dive for fish in the waters around the island. They are not really a small bird - more the size of a Goose and the noise they make is quite awe inspiring.

"The strong smell, raucous noise and the sight of thousands of birds wheeling above your head and plummeting like arrows into the sea around you is one of the most outstanding and memorable wildlife experiences in Wales" (RSPB)

In 1921 there were only 1000 pairs, so this is a major conservation success story (about 8% of the world's population now). There are other breeding birds (Black backed Gulls, Kittiwake, Razorbill) on the island, but in much smaller numbers.

Dale Sailing depart from Dale & Martins Haven, Thousand Islands Expeditions from the life boat station at St Justinians and Venture Jet from St Justinians & Whitesands Bay. (Weather Permitting - April to October)