The opportunity to live rent-free on the mesmerizing Skomer Island is now open for nature enthusiasts and conservationists. But it comes with a unique responsibility: counting puffins and other wildlife.

An Uncommon Volunteering Experience

Located off Pembrokeshire's coast, Skomer Island is renowned for its wildlife, including its iconic puffins. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) seeks volunteers willing to dedicate several months to conservation activities on this 1.13 square mile island.

Those accepted will experience life on the island throughout spring, summer, or autumn. According to Rob Knott, the island's visitor officer, counting puffins, which are considered vulnerable to extinction, is a critical yet challenging task.

Volunteer Perks and Responsibilities

While there's no salary, volunteers receive free housing, travel expense coverage within the UK, and a small bursary between £200 and £400. Knott explains that counting involves using clickers to tally puffins on land, sea, and in the air, usually two hours before sunset. Additionally, volunteers may assist with seabird monitoring, chick productivity checks, and observing grey seals, depending on the season.

Conservation Efforts and Achievements

Skomer Island hosts a plethora of wildlife; beyond puffins, there are 350,000 Manx shearwaters and numerous guillemots and razorbills. Notably, last year marked a record with 43,626 puffins counted, attributed to abundant food and predator absence.

The island's conservation efforts, carried out in part by the WTSWW, are crucial for monitoring seabird populations and supporting species recovery. The nature reserve also sees an influx of 25,000 visitors annually, with volunteers playing a role in daily operations and visitor engagement.

Concluding Remarks

This volunteering opportunity not only promises a unique living experience but also contributes significantly to global conservation efforts. Skomer's marine conservation zone, the only one in Wales, underscores its ecological importance.

Source:bbc uk