Rspb cymru Group learns more about the South Stack wildlife
THE splendid variety of wildlife we have at South Stack and their continuing ability to surprise and excite us – even when facing the challenges set by climate change – is quite remarkable.
Nature provides us with so many benefits, whether it’s clean air and water, food, or improving our physical and mental health. However, nature also depends on us and increasing our support and understanding for the wildlife that enriches our lives has never been more important.
Connecting children and young people with nature and encouraging a new generation to care about wildlife and conservation is something we love doing at RSPB South Stack, and over the last few months we’ve had the opportunity of welcoming a wonderful group of young people from Digartref Cyf to the reserve to enjoy exactly that.
It was a cold, wet and windy day at South Stack, when the group arrived and Ellin’s Tower proved a warm and welcoming shelter and an ideal place for everyone to get a closer look at the infamous seabird city.
Gannets, the UK’s largest seabird with a wingspan of nearly two meters, could be spotted diving just off South Stack Island.
Gannets are excellent divers and can dive from a height of 30 metres (98ft), achieving speeds of 100 kilometres per hour (62mph) as they strike the water – enabling them to catch fish at greater depths than most airborne birds.
Two harbour porpoises also Pic: Laura Kudelska RSPB Cymru made an appearance. These beautiful small marine mammals at just under 2 meters in length are often seen at South Stack.
The English word ‘porpoise’ is derived from the Latin word for pig – porcus. The harbour porpoise used to be known as the “puffing pig”, because of the sneeze-like puffing sound it makes when it breathes!
Of course, no visit to South Stack would be complete without meeting the charismatic chough which made an acrobatic appearance, performed perfectly to cut through the wind.
After a brisk walk back to Plas Nico and a well-deserved cup of tea, the group were helped to complete their workbooks and to gain more insight into the wildlife that’s made South Stack its home.
The group will be back at the reserve in November to look at animals found in coastal areas, so we’re hoping they’ll be in for a treat when seal pups should be arriving in October.
They’ll also learn more about the varied habitat at South Stack and gain practical and outdoor skills all aimed at encouraging participation in recording; protecting and conserving the amazing natural resource that we have on Anglesey.
Digartref Cyf – celebrating 21 years this year – is a registered charity based in Holyhead which provides a diverse range of services for people who are or at risk of homelessness, including: Supported Housing and Night Stop for 16 to 24 year olds, a Day Centre (The Light House) for those aged over 18, Advice and Guidance, Mediation and Learn4Life.
The Learn4Life project – an accredited training programme, gives young people support and assistance to help increase their employment, training and educational opportunities.
Through ‘Inspire,’ an Agored Cymru Accredited programme, young people are assisted in gaining recognised qualifications, and offered support to access volunteering opportunities and employment.
What’s about? Choughs, peregrine falcon, fulmars, ravens, skylarks, meadow pipits, rock pipits, stonechats, gannets, Manx shearwaters, swallows, porpoise and linnets.
Building project update
The build at South Stack is progressing well. The demolition has now been completed and the foundations are being laid.
The steel frame has arrived and will start to give everyone a sense of what the new two-storey structure will look like, which will house our new much-needed office facilities for our staff and volunteers and the new ground floor, glass fronted café space which will showcase this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
RL Davies will also be working on repairing the existing roof structure which is old and needs some much- needed attention.
This critical redevelopment of the site has been made possible with support through the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-20, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.
Together with our own financial contribution, this redevelopment equates to over £1m investment in the site, and years of work to help ensure a quality attraction, safeguard jobs and visitor services in the area. For weekly updates, look at our blog which is available on the RSPB South Stack website: rspb.org.uk/southstack.
Morlais. The seas west of Holy Island are important for marine wildlife, particularly for the seabirds that nest at RSPB South Stack nature reserve.
An application has been made to construct and operate tidal energy devices in a 35 square-kilometre area off Holy Island, known as the Morlais Demonstration Zone. RSPB Cymru is currently scrutinising the planning documents, including an environmental statement, that were submitted last month.
Our principal concern is whether there is a risk of seabirds, especially razorbills and guillemots, colliding with the infrastructure when they dive for fish.
Floating devices pose the greatest Pic: Laura Kudelska RSPB Cymru
risk and in the worst case could lead to the loss of the razorbill colony from South Stack.
We are also concerned about the risks to marine mammals particularly bottle-nosed dolphin and harbour porpoise.
After consultations under the Transport and Works Act (which closed on October 31), Welsh Government will decide whether to permit the development or call a public inquiry.
More information about the application can be found on the Holyhead Town Council website: www.holyheadtowncouncil.com.
What’s Going On: Keep an eye on our Facebook page for guided walks throughout the autumn. Meet the Shepherd Experience Come and spend a morning with Pete our shepherd as he looks after our herd of Hebridean sheep on the reserve. You’ll help drive the sheep up onto the reserve and meet the hardworking sheepdogs and learn how the sheep are used to help manage the land for wildlife. After all that hard work enjoy a well-earned sandwich and hot drink.
Until 24 November, Monday – Friday. Adults £20 & children £10. Booking essential
Get in touch: We would also love to hear direct from you with your own stories, experiences and local knowledge of the site. Visit us at the reserve; give us a call or send us an email. RSPB South Stack. South Stack, Holyhead, Anglesey LL65 1YH, 01407 762100, south.stack@rspb.org.uk, rspb. org.uk/southstack