Skokholm Island
Annual Report 2012
Jerry Gillham and Lewis Yates
1
GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
3
1
5
RECORDING
1.1 FLORA: HABITATS AND COMMUNITIES
1.3 MAMMALS
1.4 BIRDS: INDIVIDUAL SPECIES
1.4.1 BIRDS: ASSEMBLAGES
1.4.2 OTHER BIRDS
1.5 HERPTILES
1.6 INVERTEBRATES
6
14
17
30
36
38
38
2.0 HUMAN IMPACT
39
2.1 VISITOR NUMBERS
2.2 DISTURBANCE TO WILDLIFE
2.3 POLLUTION
39
39
40
3.0 RESERVE ADMINISTRATION
41
3.1 FINANCE
3.2 STAFF
3.3 VOLUNTEERS
3.4 TRAINING
3.5 HEALTH AND SAFETY
3.6 MANAGEMENT PLANNING
3.7 TRUST NEW MEMBER RECRUITING
3.8 FRIENDS OF SKOKHOLM AND SKOMER
41
41
42
42
43
44
45
45
4. 0 RESERVE MANAGEMENT
46
4.1 MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
4.2 LIAISON AND RELATIONS
4.3 HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT
4.4 INFRASTRUCTURE
4.5 MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
4.6 FOOD DELIVERIES
46
46
46
47
48
49
5.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
50
6.0 REFERENCES
50
2
General Introduction and Summary
2012 was the second year of accepting guests since being reopened and saw visitors
staying in the middle block as well as in the recently completed cottage. Work parties
were present in spring and autumn once more and much progress was seen.
Core monitoring was carried out, as it has been throughout the years of closure, and a
range of other monitoring was able to be completed including some vegetation and
invertebrate surveys. Breeding bird surveys could be carried out as well as better
recording of migrants.
Core management for the islands is still handled from Skomer by warden Chris Taylor,
while day-to-day management on Skokholm was carried out by a Skokholm Warden.
This year saw the departure of Jerry Gillham with the remainder of the season being
covered by William Whittington and Lewis Yates who both first came to the island as
long term volunteers. Overall the wardens were in place on the island from 12th March
until 26th October. Alongside this there were four long term volunteers who maintained
continuity during the changeover of wardening staff.
Office work, administration and paperwork have been kept on Skokholm again, although
a backup of computer files will be kept on the Skomer external hard drive. Scanning
important documents continued as conditions on Skokholm are not ideal for long term
paper storage.
Breeding Bird Overview
Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Lesser Black-backed Gull populations are all still
below the lower limits of acceptable change (LAC) set out in the management plan.
The majority of species on Skokholm seem to have steady populations. Some of these;
Manx Shearwater (in study plots), Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull, are low
numbers compared to recent peaks in the population. Others, including Puffin, Fulmar
and Oystercatcher, are as expected for a stable population. Storm Petrel monitoring sites
and methods established in 2010 were found to be repeatable and gave a similar figure.
Renovation Work
Restoration work was carried out for four weeks through April then all through August
and September. The majority of the work was performed by volunteers, with supervision
and specialist jobs carried out by professionals.
Spring work concentrated on getting the cottage habitable, following the replacement of
the roof and most walls last autumn. The floor was pulled up and approximately eight
tons of earth was dug out. Concrete pillars and some beams were put in before the new
floors were placed in the common room and angel loft. Work on the walls was finished,
including several layer of lime-putty wash and there was loads of painting inside as well
3
as putting in all the furniture and furnishings. Electric lights were placed in the majority
of the rooms.
The kitchen was re-arranged to make it more suitable for more people, although the
weather meant we were unable to replace the roof as planned.
Work in the autumn continued this progress with the kitchen and Officer’s Mess being reroofed alongside the new garage roof, which had collapsed during the previous winter.
The new water system was also started with two large tanks being constructed from a
modular kit as well as a small, preformed header tank being put in place. These were
connected with pipework, with the ram pump being relocated nearer South Haven, but
the pipes were not all buried.
A new ringing shed was constructed in the main courtyard as the old paint shed was
demolished with its contents being relocated to the garage. 3 heligoland traps were
constructed by the Wheelhouse, in the cottage garden and by the well pond. These traps
need finishing off in the spring with small amounts of meshing to be completed alongside
the catching boxes.
4
1
Recording
This year the recording of the island’s wildlife was more comprehensive and systematic
than last, but there were still limitations from the small number of staff and volunteers
and differing expertise. More work was possible on projects such as common bird
census, moth trapping and some vegetation surveys and the main bird counts were all
carried out including the Spring Puffin count, all Gull counts, Shearwater plots, cliffnesting birds plots, whole island cliff-nesting bird counts, Gull breeding success and
Fulmar productivity. Prioritising these tasks was still somewhat arbitrary, relying more
on the availability of staff and volunteers with time and expertise, than a drawn-up plan
of action. It is hoped that just such a ‘plan of action’ can be created over the next year,
identifying other key monitoring areas so large gaps in recording can be avoided.
The possibilities of having field courses return to Skokholm are being discussed for the
near future. These courses could prove their worth in more ways than one if the students
attending carried out some of the smaller projects as part of their learning. The limited
diversity of island flora and fauna for most taxa means that misidentification would be
limited and if necessary small sections of data could be assessed by staff to check
accuracy (however if courses are led by knowledgeable individuals known to the island
then even this should prove unnecessary). This kind of cooperation could improve field
courses by giving students purpose and a better level of satisfaction whilst helping the
island by relieving time pressures on staff and volunteers (and still bringing in new
investment and visitors to the island).
The management plan identifies targets and limits of acceptable change for the ‘features’
of the reserve, this section indicates whether the features are currently in a favorable
condition, and the condition of the operational limits for various factors that are likely to
affect the feature. Reading this section along with a copy of the management plan will
make it easier to understand, the feature number has been added to enable this.
Note that not all features and attributes are checked annually.
Each suite of features is detailed in a table with the 2012 data and the state of the
operational limits, followed by a summary table of available data from the last five years.
Following these two tables are some notes regarding their content and other observations
of interest.
5
1.1 Flora: Habitats and communities
Feature/mixture component habitat,
and attributes
Checked in
2012?
Within Limits of
Acceptable
Change?
Operational limits
(factors affecting
feature)
Notes on operational
limits
Coastal grassland (feature 1)
Extent of coastal grassland
Extent of Thrift
% Thrift in transect
Extent Silene dominated turf
Extent of other maritime grassland
dominated communities
% Thrift tussocks alive in transect
quadrats
% Vegetative cover (November)
Soil erosion (cm)
Coastal
grassland
transects
carried out
-
Unknown
Unknown: Data
collected but
awaiting analysis
Bracken distribution
Exceeded 1989 limits
by 2000, significant
expansion since then.
Rabbit density
Regular counts of above
50/Ha are above LAC
Bare earth footpaths
Very few bare earth
footpaths, none
exceeding 1m width.
Golden rod extent
Now covers Home
Meadow and is
becoming widespread in
the middle of the island.
No unauthorized access
off footpaths
No instances of
unauthorized access on
cliffs
No person to leave
paths, nor to access
shore from boats
No instances of such
behaviour
-
Maritime cliff and associated crevice habitat and communities. (feature 2)
Extent
-
Unknown
Diversity
-
Unknown
Mixture component habitat: Intertidal zone (feature 6)
Quality
-
Unknown
6
Other habitat (not included in SSSI notification) : Heathland (feature 20)
Extent of Calluna vulgaris
-
Unknown
Diversity
-
Unknown
-
Unknown
-
Unknown
Proportion of bare earth: building
Calluna : mature Calluna : degenerate
Calluna
% cover Calluna in transect 1
No more than 5% of
heather will be covered
by bracken, bramble or
shrubs
LBBG will not be
tolerated within the
heath
No rabbits will be
tolerated within the
heath
Bracken removed from
exclosure
None present
The rabbit exclosure has
received more work but
may need complete
replacement in 2013.
Summary table – Flora: Habitats and Communities
* As no vegetation monitoring was carried out 2008 – 2010 these years have been grouped and data from previous years, where
available, has been included.
Feature
2006
2007
2008-2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
Coastal grassland (feature 1)
Extent of maritime grassland
Extent of Thrift
% Thrift in transect
79.1
Extent Silene dominated turf
Extent of other maritime
grassland dominated communities
% Thrift tussocks alive in transect
93.4
quadrats
% Vegetative cover (November)
78.2 (Oct)
Soil erosion (cm)
Feature
2006
Unknown.
Unknown.
Unknown. Yes in 2006.
Unknown.
Unknown.
Unknown. Yes in 2006.
Unknown. Yes in 2006.
Unknown.
2007
2008-2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
7
Maritime Cliff and associated crevice habitat and communities (feature 2)
Extent
Diversity
Unknown
Unknown
Mixture component habitat: Intertidal zone (feature 6)
Quality
Unknown
Other habitat (not included in SSSI notification) : Heathland (feature 20)
Extent of Calluna vulgaris
Diversity
Proportion of bare earth: building
Calluna : mature Calluna :
degenerate Calluna
% cover Calluna in transect 1
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
62
No limits set.
8
1.1 Flora – Habitats and Communities – Notes on tables
Coastal / maritime grassland monitoring remains a huge task. Working out its extent is a
combination of eight different projects, only one of which had time to be carried out in 2011 –
coastal grassland transects. Three of the four were carried out in July rather than August this year
due to other work commitments. Time restraints also meant results could not properly be
analysed, but some observations are listed below;
 Thrift – decrease in all transects.
 Sea Campion – increase, particularly covering any bare earth toward the coast.
 Bracken – increased in density and extent of its outer limits.
Bracken has remained relatively unchanged this year, with a consolidation of colonized areas
becoming dense growth and boundaries slowly expanding. This looks set to continue without a
coordinated effort to thin out growth and try to push back the encroaching edges through
bashing/cutting/pulling of fronds.
Bracken was remapped this season with small differences in extent noted since last season,
mainly the southern sections recorded as more broken. This is probably due to observer error in
both years as much as any real difference and work with aerial photography should give much
more detail, this approach is currently being assessed for accuracy levels.
Bracken in 2000.
9
Bracken coverage in July / August 2011.
Mapping the coastal and maritime grasslands of the island remains a large task and if it is to be
completed regularly with any degree of accuracy will need special attention from a long term
volunteer or additional staff member as a possible secondment from another reserve.
10
1.2 Flora: Species
Features and attributes
Checked
in 2012?
Within limits of
acceptable change?
Operational limits (factors
affecting feature)
Notes on operation limits
Yes
673 ind.
Yes
Yes
No unauthorized public access
off paths
No unauthorised access
around golden hair lichen
Maintain the seabird assemblage
(feature 18)
Not met – see that section
Golden hair lichen (feature 7)
Presence
Extent
Assemblage of saxicolous lichens (feature 16)
Quality (no. of species)
Diversity (prescience of
communities)
-
Not set
No unauthorized access off paths
-
Not set
No management practices that
will affect lichens
Very few instances of
unauthorized access
No activities carried out that
knowingly affect lichens
Assemblage of terricolous lichens (feature 17)
Quality (no. of species)
-
Not set
Maintain the seabird assemblage
(feature 18)
Not met – see that section
Unknown. Campion has
spread in recent years
Very few instances of
No unauthorized access off paths
unauthorized access
No management practices that
No activities carried out that
will affect lichens
knowingly affect lichens
Maintain limits of Sea Campion
Diversity (prescience of
communities)
-
Not set
Other species : Three-lobed Crowfoot (feature 22)
Quality (no. plants in
November)
-
Unknown
Ensure seasonality of pools
continues where Crowfoot
occurs
Ensure no gulls nest in vicinity
of pools
Water in Dip Pool in March
and November
No gulls nesting too close
11
Ensure that Brookweed does not
out compete Crowfoot
Unknown
Summary table – Flora: Species
Feature
2006
2007
2008-2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-
Yes
-
Yes
673 ind.
Yes
Yes
Golden hair lichen (feature 7)
Presence
Extent
Assemblage of saxicolous lichens (feature 16)
Quality (no of species)
Diversity (prescience of
communities)
None set
None set
Assemblage of terricolous lichens (feature 17)
Quality (no of species)
Diversity (prescience of
communities)
None set
None set
Other species: Three-lobed Crowfoot (feature 22)
Quality (no. plants in November)
<50
>50
-
Unknown
12
1.2 Flora – Species – Notes on tables
No specific species surveys were carried out in 2012, aside from the checking for the
presence of golden hair lichen.
13
1.3 Mammals
Features and attributes
Checked in
2012?
Within limits of
acceptable
change?
Operational limits (factors
affecting feature)
Notes on operational limits
House mouse (feature 24)
Population size
No
None set
No mammalian ground
predator will be tolerated
No other small mammal
will be tolerated
None recorded
None recorded
Rabbit (feature 25)
Population size, whole island
(individuals)
Population size, study plots
(individuals / hectare)
No
Unknown
Approx.
70/Ha
No above 50/Ha
At least 4 (as
of Oct 10th)
Yes
(LAC of 4 pups)
No mammalian ground
predator will be tolerated
Bracken extent will not
exceed that of 1989
None recorded
Limit exceeded in 2001
Grey seal (feature 26)
Number of pups born
annually
No unauthorized access off No instances of unauthorized
paths
access onto shore
14
Summary table - Mammals
Feature
2006
2007
2008-2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
House mouse (feature 24)
Population size
None set
Rabbit (feature 25)
Population size, whole island
(estimated individuals)
Population size, study plots
(individuals / hectare)
3000
1600
-
-
-
Not in 2007
30
16
-
-
Approx. 70
No
1
0
(incomplete
monitoring)
5 (at least)
5 (as of Oct
16th)
Yes
Grey seal (feature 26)
Number of pups born annually
0
15
1.3 – Mammals – Notes on table
House mouse
Upon return in March there was extensive sign of mouse habitation, particularly in the Pantry and Warden’s Quarters (where six were
trapped in the first 24 hours!). After an initial purge only the occasional one was seen through the summer months. During September
and October low numbers were caught in the Wheelhouse, Kitchen/Pantry and Shop- around one or two per week.
Rabbit
A basic monitoring of rabbits was carried out this season with a set hectare on North Plain being surveyed on a regular basis in the
evening.
The population grew into the Autumn with high numbers during September and October, however no counts were possible in
November due to the island being vacated at an earlier date than previously. This means counts are not directly comparable with
historic data so cannot be relied upon but still indicate there has been a significant rise in rabbit numbers. The study plots on North
Plain regularly reached 70 individuals when 50 is the upper limit of acceptable change as set out in the management plan.
No Myxomotosis or Viral Haemorrhagic Disease was noticed this season.
Grey Seal
Regular counts of seal haul outs were made throughout the season with the peak count being 24 at Crab Bay on May 21st. These
counts are largely subject to observer presence – the highest regular counts occurred during May to July, when the island was most
occupied with visitors round the island all through the day.
As of October 16th (time of writing) there were four recorded births on North Haven beach and one in Peter’s Bay with the sighting of
at least two other young seals around the north coast, presumably recently moved from Skomer or the mainland. Unfortunately one of
16
the pups on North Haven did not survive to weaning age. As the pupping season here continues into December it is likely these were
not the only pups on Skokholm.
Cetaceans
Regular cetacean watches were carried out throughout the season, with Harbour Porpoise seen almost every day when conditions were
favourable. Common and Bottlenose dolphin were seen, occasionally in large groups.
1.4 Birds: Individual Species
Features and attributes
Checked in
2012
Within Limits of
Acceptable
Change?
Operational limits
(factors affecting
feature)
Notes on operational limits
Manx Shearwater (feature 8)
Population size in study plots (AOB)
Whole-island population (AOB)
521
Partial (see
notes).
Mammalian ground
predators will not be
tolerated.
None recorded.
Coastal Bracken
distribution will not
exceed that of 1989.
Limit exceeded in 2001and
continually since then.
No – LAC 550
Unknown.
Soil erosion should not
exceed 0.5cm/yr.
Not measured.
17
Features and attributes
Checked in
2012
Within Limits of
Acceptable
Change?
Operational limits
(factors affecting
feature)
Notes on operational limits
No unauthorized access
off paths.
No significant instances of
deviation from footpaths.
No photography of
Manx Shearwaters away
from permitted areas.
None reported.
Storm Petrel. (feature 9)
Population size in study walls (AOB)
Population size in study transects
(AOB)
Population size, whole island (AOB)
14
84
-
No – LAC 80
None set
Unknown
Mammalian ground
predators will not be
tolerated.
None recorded.
Little Owls will not be
tolerated.
None recorded.
No encroachment of
Bracken in contact with
walls.
Bracken was bashed back
around the Cottage Garden
walls.
No unauthorized access
off paths.
Very few instances of
unauthorized access.
Walls will be maintained
No work done in 2012.
18
Features and attributes
Checked in
2012
Within Limits of
Acceptable
Change?
Population size ( no. of territory
holding pairs)
1
Yes
Breeding success (fledged young)
2
Yes
2200
No – LAC of <
2500 pairs in 3
consecutive
years.
Operational limits
(factors affecting
feature)
Notes on operational limits
Peregrine (feature 10)
No unauthorized access
off paths
No instances of
unauthorized access near
Peregrines.
No unauthorized access
off paths
Few instances of
unauthorized access.
Distribution within
specified areas.
Largely
No mammalian ground
predators tolerated.
None recorded.
Bracken will not be
reduced to less than half
1989 cover.
Limit exceeded in 2001 and
not reduced since.
Lesser Black-backed Gull. (feature 11)
Population size (AON)
Breeding success (fledged young /
AON)
0.16
Unlikely: LAC
of < 0.4 in 3
consecutive
years.
Guillemot (feature 12)
19
Features and attributes
Checked in
2012
Within Limits of
Acceptable
Change?
Operational limits
(factors affecting
feature)
Population size (individuals)
2330
Yes
No unauthorized access
off paths
Number in study plots (individuals)
625
Yes
Breeding success in study plots
(fledged young / active site)
-
Unknown
Population size (individuals)
1463
Yes
Number in study plots
250
Yes
Breeding success in study plots
(fledged young / active site)
-
Unknown
No mammalian ground
predator
Notes on operational limits
No instances of
unauthorized access onto
Guillemot breeding areas.
None recorded.
Razorbill (feature 13)
No unauthorized access
off paths
No instances of
unauthorized access onto
Razorbill breeding areas.
No mammalian ground
predator
None recorded
Puffin (feature 14)
Population size (individuals – optimal
spring count)
4637
Breeding success (chicks / active
burrow)
-
Yes
Unknown
No unauthorized access
off paths
No mammalian ground
predator
Bracken will not be
tolerated on Puffin
slopes
Few instances reported,
immediately dealt with.
None recorded
Bracken is present on some
slopes. Controlled in some
areas.
20
Features and attributes
Checked in
2012
Within Limits of
Acceptable
Change?
Operational limits
(factors affecting
feature)
Notes on operational limits
No unauthorized access
off paths
No instances of
unauthorized access
Rabbit density in June =
higher then 8/ha
Exceeded;
Mean 18.6, Max 70
There should be 65%
vegetative cover to bare
ground in Nov
Unknown (last count 78.2
% cover in Oct. 2006)
Chough (feature 15)
Population size (apparent pairs)
Breeding success (fledged chicks /
pair)
3
0
Yes
No
21
Summary table – Birds: Individual species
Feature
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
Population in study plots (AOBs)
620
525
499
495
521
Whole island population (AOBs)
Last completed count in 2001: c.45,000
No – Below LAC of
550
Unknown
Manx Shearwater (feature 8)
Storm Petrel (feature 9)
Population in study walls (AOBs)
Last census 2006: 23
AOBs
13
13
14
No – Below lower
limit of 80 AOB
Population in study transects
(AOBs)
Sites established 2010
84
78
84
No limit set
Thought to be below
lower limit of 2500
AOB
Whole island population (AOBs)
Peregrine Falcon (feature 10)
Population size (no. of territoryholding pairs)
Breeding success (chicks fledged)
1
1
1
1
1
Yes
2
1
0
4
2
Yes
Lesser Black-backed Gull (feature 11)
Population size (AONs)
2763
2396
2468
2412
2200
Breeding success
0.06
-
-
0.03
0.16
No – Below LAC of
2500 pairs for 3
consecutive years.
Unlikely
22
Feature
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
1538
333
1697
556
1795
557
2212
613
2330
625
Yes
Yes
-
-
-
-
-
Unknown
946
180
950
236
1140
257
1486
298
1463
250
Yes
Yes
-
-
-
-
-
Unknown
Population size (IND)
3198
(unreliable
count)
3055
(unreliable
count)
-
4553
4637
Yes
Breeding success (young / active
burrow)
-
-
-
-
-
Unknown
2
4 (best
guess)
2
3 (best
guess)
2
2
3
Yes
2
4
0
Yes
Guillemot (feature 12)
Population size (IND)
Number in study plots (IND)
Breeding success in study plots
(young / active site).
Razorbill (feature 13)
Population size (IND)
Number in study plots (IND)
Breeding success in study plots
(young / active site).
Puffin (feature 14)
Chough (feature 15)
Population size (apparent pairs)
Breeding success (total fledged
young)
23
Birds – Individual Species – Notes on table
Manx Shearwater
Study plots B to K (excluding the discontinued sites E and G) were monitored by callresponse around the first week of June. A full-island count was partially completed and at
the time of writing it appears that the figures are similar to those in the 2001 (45,000
AOBs), although further work is needed (C. Perrins, pers. comm.).
As part of the full census we carried out a study on 100 burrows to establish a response
rate, giving us a conversion factor that is used to estimate the number of AOBs from the
number of responses recorded. This factor was 2.06, slightly higher than the previously
used 1.98.
The total of apparently occupied burrows (AOBs) in the study plots is 521. This is the
fourth consecutive year it is below the lower LAC of 550 AOBs.
It is perhaps worth a more detailed look at some of the study plots to try and see what is
happening to the island as a whole.
24
The weather, and in particular the rain, has probably been the biggest factor affecting
Skokholm this year, but how it affected the shearwater breeding season is unclear. There
was standing water in several burrows, particularly in plots D and J (located near North
Pond and The Dip respectively), while others were clearly wetter and muddier than usual.
While some well drained areas showed increases (plot C) and poorly drained ones
decreases (plots B and D) the others are not so simple. Plots J and K look like they should
be well-drained but results would indicate not. Plots F and H are on similar brackencovered ground, with F slightly more inland; they had wildly differing results.
My personal feelings as to how the rain has affected the shearwaters, based on
observations but no data, is that while some have been flooded out of their burrows,
mostly those from the island’s interior, a greater number than expected have remained.
As these birds are so long-lived it may be reasoned that the more mature breeders have
witnessed similar breeding seasons in the past, and established themselves in more
resistant burrows in better-drained parts of the island.
25
Storm Petrel
Transect monitoring took place between 25th June and 22nd July. 98 AOBs in the transect
study areas is a very similar count to the last two years that the study has been running.
While this could easily be accounted for by natural variation or observer experience there
also appears to be some movement among some of the more fragile areas of the quarry,
in particular the lower end of transect 2. Storm Petrel table 1 shows this in clearer detail.
Year
2010
2011
2012
North
Pond
Wall
4
7
5
Little
Bay
Wall
9
6
9
North
Haven
Gully
18
19
21
Quarry
Transect
1
8
11
12
Quarry
Transect
2
15
13
8
Quarry
Transect
3
11
10
10
Quarry
Transect
4
32
25
33
Total
97
91
98
Storm Petrel table 1. AOBs in each transect for the past three years.
Storm Petrel table 2 shows that for the second successive year response rates are low,
with birds calling, on average, less than 3 times in the 10 visits. There were several sites
known to be occupied (researchers could see the bird) but no response was forthcoming.
This figure emphasizes the need for not rushing each transect and listening intently for
any response.
Year
2011
2012
North
Haven
Gully
3.56
2.76
Quarry
Transect
1
3.36
3.67
Quarry
Transect
2
1.77
3.10
Quarry
Transect
3
2.40
2.30
Quarry
Transect
4
3.32
2.64
Average
2.88
2.89
Storm Petrel table 2. Response rates (number of responses by each bird out of 10 visits).
The wet weather meant that Storm Petrel monitoring was delayed (access to the quarry
was often deemed too risky) so was still being carried out at a time when several chicks
could be heard. Curiously this didn’t lead to lower response rates later in the season (as
adults spent more time at sea), with some of the peak visits occurring late on.
Peregrine Falcon
One pair nested on the Bluffs, overlooking Wallsend Bay. The same place they nested in
2009 and 2011 (and possibly 2010). They raised two chicks which successfully fledged.
This is the average for the last ten years.
Lesser black-backed Gull
Walk-through and vantage-point counts of all colonies were carried out 20th to 23rd May.
The cold April weather meant that it was early in the nesting season, although the lower
bracken made vantage counts easier.
This gave a figure of 2412 AONs.
26
This is the fourth successive year that the population has been under 2,500 AONs, the
lowest acceptable limit set in the management plan. 2012 saw a drop in numbers to the
lowest level yet. While the major colonies held similar numbers it was clear that the
smaller ones were spread very thinly.
Productivity was calculated by counting fledged chicks within specific colonies. This
may lead to bias as it is carried out at the smaller, easier to observe colonies. The figure
of 0.16 fledged young / AON is very low, yet higher than last year. It is higher than
expected as much of the year was very wet, and chicks spending a long time hiding in
damp bracken and long grass tend not to survive.
Guillemot
Once again there were record counts of guillemots in the study plots (625 ind.) and on the
whole island (2,330 ind.). The study plots have been counted for 10 years now and show
a 239% increase since 2003 (the whole island counts have increased 217% in the same
time).
Unfortunately, due to rough seas, we were unable to carry out a count by boat this year,
so there remains a section of north coast that was missed, while other parts of the north
coast and The Bluffs were counted less accurately at a distance.
Attempts to carry out productivity studies proved unsuccessful due to a lack of time.
27
Razorbill
Counts of the whole island and study plots (1,463 and 250 individuals respectively) were
marginally lower than 2011s record numbers. The study plots in particular showed
massive variation in the extremely mixed weather conditions; from 164 ind. on 7th to 338
the next day when the wind died down and the sun came out.
Attempts to carry out productivity studies proved unsuccessful due to a lack of time.
Puffin
An island-wide count on 21st April gave us a figure of 4,637 individuals.
The above graph includes counts of around 3,000 birds in 2008 and 2009. These should
probably be ignored as they were carried out on sub-optimal evenings when the island
was mainly closed. With this in mind it appears the population has been steady between
4,000 and 5,000 for the last ten years.
64 birds were fitted with colour rings, making 196 individuals with those done last year.
99 of the 2011 birds and 44 of the 2012 ones were seen, a total of 143 individuals, 73%.
28
Chough
Three pair of Chough were regularly seen around Skokholm, but their nesting statuses
were very difficult to pin down and no chicks were recorded. It appeared as if one pair
nested in their usual place in Steep Bay, with the second pair again trying on the south
coast, east of The Dip. This second pair seemed to start quite late and fail or abandon
quite early, both adults being regularly seen associating with another pair around the
quarry from early June. This last pair were often seen in that location but didn’t appear to
make any attempt to nest.
This is the sixth successive year that two pairs have attempted to nest on Skokholm,
although they were not as successful as last year. Chough can be particularly difficult to
monitor and with the infrequent occupation of Skokholm in the three years before reopening records can not be 100% reliable.
29
1.4.1 Birds: Assemblages
Features and attributes
Checked
in 2012?
Within limits of
acceptable change?
Operational limits (factors
affecting feature)
Notes on operational limits
Seabird assemblage, species other than those as features in their own right (feature 18)
Fulmar
Population size (AOS)
Breeding success (fledged young /
active site)
136
Yes
0.59
Yes
274
Yes
1.15
Yes
Herring Gull
Population size (AON)
Breeding success (fledged young /
active site)
Great Black-backed Gull
Population size (AON)
Breeding success (fledged young /
active site)
73
No – Upper LAC 70
-
Unknown
Seabirds assemblage, feature as a whole
No due to Manx
Shearwater, Storm
Petrel & Gulls.
Note: This feature includes those seabird species
previously identified as features. For this feature to be
in a favorable condition, all the components must be
within limits.
No LBBG will nest
outside permitted areas
No nesting outside of
permitted areas
Bracken will not encroach
on 1989 limits
Bracken exceeded 1989
limits in 2001 and continue
to do so.
Soil erosion not exceeds
0.5 cm/yr
Not measured
Little owls will not be
tolerated
None recorded
Mammalian ground
predators will not be
tolerated
None recorded
No unauthorized access off Few instances of
paths
unauthorized access.
Other species; assemblage of important ground-nesting birds (feature 23)
Oystercatcher
Population size (AOT)
32
Yes
Bracken will not encroach
on 1989 limits
Bracken exceeds 1989
limits (measured in 2001)
30
Breeding success (fledged young /
active site)
-
Rabbit density in June
above 20/ha
Gull counting methods
will be developed to cause
less disturbance
Mammalian ground
predators will not be
tolerated.
Unknown
Lapwing
Population size (AOT)
0
No – LAC 2
Skylark
Population size (AOT)
7
No – LAC 8
Wheatear
Population size (AOT)
10
Exceeded; Max 70
Walk through counts kept
to a minimum, more
vantage point counts
None recorded
No unauthorized access off Few instances of
paths
unauthorized access
Yes
Summary table; Birds - assemblages
Feature
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Within limits?
Seabird assemblage, species other than those as features in their own right (feature 18)
Fulmar
Population size (AOS)
Breeding success (fledged young
/ active site)
119
116
118
0.36
(estimate)
128
136
Yes
-
-
0.49
0.59
Yes
Population size (AON)
287
353
312
257
274
Yes – LAC <270 in 3
consecutive years
Breeding success (fledged young
/ active site)
-
-
0.82
0.67
1.15
Yes
61
69
80
84
73
No – Upper LAC 70
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Population size (AON)
31
Breeding success (fledged young
/ active site)
0.97
-
0.71
0.89
-
Unknown
Other species; assemblage of important ground-nesting birds (feature 23)
Oystercatcher
Population size (AOT)
25
31
31
28
35
Yes – LAC 30 in 3
consecutive years.
Breeding success (fledged young
/ active site)
-
-
-
-
-
Unknown
0
0
0
0
0
No
-
-
4 (estimate)
6
7
No – LAC 8 in 2
consecutive years
-
-
8 (estimate)
14
10
Yes
Lapwing
Population size (AOT)
Skylark
Population size (AOT)
Wheatear
Population size (AOT)
32
1.4 Birds – Assemblages - Notes
Fulmars
Study plot counts and five whole-island counts were carried out during the first ten days
of June, giving figures of 20 and 136 AOSs respectively. While the number in study plots
is the same as it has been the last five years, the whole-island population appears to be
rising again after a slight dip. It is likely that some fulmars were missed this year as no
boat count was possible.
The productivity of 0.59 is established from 56 sites in Little Bay, North Gully, Twinlet
Bay and Peter’s Bay. A total of 37 chicks hatched in these and 33 fledged from these
nests. This is slightly above the average of 0.42, taken from the years 1981 to 2004 and
again higher than last year’s figure of 0.49. This is significantly above the Lower
Acceptable Limit set and shows a continuation of the recent short term rise in numbers.
Herring Gulls
Counts were carried out on the cliffs and within other gull colonies in mid-May. This
gave us a figure of 274 AONs. This is low compared to the Herring Gull population 35
years ago, but the mean AONs since 1984, when the figure first fell below 500, is 320,
and for the last ten years it is 285, so this years count is within the expected range.
33
Like the Lesser Black-backed Gulls and other gull populations across the UK, the
Herring Gull population experienced a big increase between the late 1950s and early
1980s, reaching a peak of 1400 AONs in 1975. It is interesting that the Skokholm
population appears to be stabilizing around its 1930s population of 250 – 300 AONs, this
year the island total being 273 AONs.
An estimated productivity of 1.15 fledged young / AON (based on the population on the
Neck) is significantly higher than the average for the years 1989 – 2011. It is also
significantly higher than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gulls, thought to be a result of
the birds (at least those being monitored) nesting on the cliffs rather than amongst dense
vegetation so in-between rain showers the young birds had a chance to dry off and warm
up rather than be surrounded by wet grass and bracken.
Great Black-backed Gulls
Nesting pairs were noted throughout April and May, giving a whole-island total of 73.
This is a slight drop on the last two years, perhaps reflecting the increased occupancy of
the island and the disturbance that comes with that; four pairs nested on Little Bay Wall
in 2011 compared with two this year. The steepest rise in breeding numbers was 20072011 so a target to maintain pre-closure numbers of 50-60 pairs may prove to be more
sensible than maintaining present numbers alongside increased disturbance from renewed
activity on the island. The upper limit to acceptable change as stated in the management
plan is 70 AONs so this new dip in population should remove the need for limiting
numbers.
Counts of roosting birds stayed high through to October with around 100 birds present on
North Plain in the twilight hours. This shows the continued importance of the island to
34
the birds and increased disturbance in future seasons will hopefully be managed to limit
any reduction in numbers.
Oystercatcher
There were 35 AOTs, well within the expected
range. Since 2002 there has been an average 34
AOTs, with a maximum of 48 and minimum of
25.
Skylark
Seven territories is below the lower LAC of 8.
Wheatear
Ten AOTs is low both in terms of historic and recent populations, although recording of
the latter has been sporadic.
35
1.4.2 Other Birds
Canada Geese
16 AONs (excluding relocations of disturbed
nests) were found in 2012, although up to 50
birds were regularly present. These totals are
fewer than the last few years, suggesting that
increased occupancy and nesting disturbance (see
2011 report) is being successful.
Up to 17 goslings were seen on North Pond but
they were either predated or failed in some other
way as only one appeared to fledge.
Raven
For the fourth year in succession three pairs of Raven were present, but they had very
different levels of success; a pair near Twinlets appeared to abandon their nest very early
on; a pair in Crab Bay used the same nest as last year which collapsed in mid-April,
dropping the one remaining chick that was then lost to large waves; and the pair near
Blacksmith’s fledged three chicks.
Assuming the three pairs are nesting in roughly the same place each year, it is interesting
to note that the pair that were successful this year were the pair that failed in 2011.
Similarly, the pair at Twinlet Bay have successfully bred or abandoned early in alternate
years since 2009.
36
Common bird census
Other breeding birds are summed up in the following table. Many of these were recorded
during common bird census. Numbers for Jackdaw, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit and Wren
are best estimates – there may be more birds within gull colonies, areas of fragile ground
or on cliff edges.
Species
Pairs /
territories
Shelduck
2
Shag
1
Water Rail
1
Moorhen
2
Buzzard
1
Swallow
5
Meadow Pipit
42
Rock Pipit
35
Pied Wagtail
3
Wren
52
Blackbird
4
Sedge
Warbler
4
Jackdaw
15
Carrion Crow
5
Reed Bunting
2
Notes
Two sets of parents with young ducklings were seen
two weeks apart in June. It is unclear how well they
fared but on was seen taking five young down to the
sea.
A pair nested on the north side of The Neck, possibly
the first Shag pair to attempt nesting on Skokholm
since 1987. Despite getting three chicks to quite a
large size they all died in one rain storm in early June.
Regularly heard and occasionally seen around Well
Pond.
Territories in North Pond and Well Pond, although
there could be more than one pair in each place.
One pair was successful and raised two chicks.
Two around buildings, one at red hut, one at
lighthouse, one in North Pond hide. Appeared to have
a very successful year.
Apparent territories, although much of the island was
not checked e.g. close to gull colonies, over fragile
ground. Very similar to 2011 count.
Present all around the coast and seemed to have a very
successful year raising chicks.
Pairs around the Garage, East Bog and the Lighthouse.
Very abundant – singing from every bay and boulder.
Very similar to 2011 count.
Behind Wheelhouse, near The Well, North Haven and
East Bog.
After the exceptional year in 2011 a return to more
familiar numbers.
Very difficult to estimate but this is conservative
approximation is very similar to the 14 pairs last
census (in 1996).
Five definite nest but can be a difficult species to
census.
Pairs at Well Pond and East Bog.
37
1.5 Herptiles
Slow worms were present underneath corrugated sheets throughout the season.
1.6 Invertebrates
Butterfly transects were not carried out weekly, but occasional ones were done. Wet
weather for much of the summer meant that numbers were low.
The following species were noted as present at least once in 2012: Small White, Large
White, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock,
Meadow Brown, Small Heath.
After the purchase of a battery powered trap, recording effort was increased this year and
varying locations across the island were sampled. Wet and windy weather meant results
were often limited but hopefully more regular and systematic trapping can occur next
season.
A full list of moths is available separately.
38
2.0 Human Impact
2.1 Visitor numbers
Overnight guests
Skokholm was open for up to sixteen overnight guests, staying in the Middle Block and
newly-refurbished Cottage, between 11th May and 3st August. With changeover boats on
Mondays and Fridays stays were in blocks of three of four days, with a handful of visitors
staying a full week.
The maximum number of people that could stay on Skokholm this season was 432- if all
16 beds were full and we were fully booked with no one staying a full week to ensure
maximum turnover of guests. 202 guests were booked on to stay in 2012, but some of
these did stay a full week and several guests paid extra for single occupancy of rooms so
the figures are not quite as stark as they seem.
The largest problem this season was bad weather disrupting boat services with 72 guests
being affected with either total or partial cancellations of their stays. These lost days (and
relevant refunds) represent over 15%* of the island’s capacity at present, and when
combined with rooms that were never booked out in the first place it shows there is
considerable margin for increasing revenue from residential visits.
Obviously it has been an extreme summer of weather but these figures alone justify
further time and effort being spent on maintaining and improving the landings at South
Haven and Blacksmith Ledges. The latter of these will require significant work on both
the path leading to it and the steps of the landing if it is to be used safely on a semiregular basis.
*16.2% of “bed-nights” out of a maximum 1,520 (16 beds x 95 nights) were refunded in 2012
2.2 Disturbance to Wildlife
Island visitors
There have been no serious incidents of visitors disturbing wildlife this season.
The reduction of day trips has undoubtedly helped with this. The significantly increased
number of people combined with a brief introduction to the island and day-trippers need
to cover the whole island in a few hours frequently led to disturbance, mainly from
people leaving the paths. Confusion arising from day-trippers and overnight guests
arriving on the same boat also led to problems in previous years. The Founders day trip
39
this season did have a few minor incidents with groups straying slightly from paths but
no real damage was done.
As done last season, the South Coast path was left in place from the lighthouse and
diverted off to the main track before reaching Crab Bay. This path was open but not
advertised and the start/end of the park was unmarked to minimise interest. This led to
little disturbance from its use but it may be wise to make it entirely off-limits to guests
due to disturbance and health and safety considerations (although this will inevitably
draw some criticism from long term visitors of the island).
Boats
During the time Skokholm was inhabited there was no serious disturbance noted from
boats.
Sea Safari, dive boats and kayakers all come in close, especially to South Haven, but
those observed have appeared aware of the marine code and done their best not to disturb
seals or puffins. As these are what is drawing these visitors out here they are treating
them with respect, keeping a reasonable distance away, moving quietly and slowly.
Moving with less care is the occasional lobster-potting boat coming in close; however
this was not noted during the main breeding season.
Low flying aircraft
There were no sightings of aircraft while wardens were on the island. The lighthouse was
visited several times by Trinity House employees, each time the helicopter arrived over
the sea.
2.3 Pollution
No incidents of pollution were encountered or reported to the island staff.
40
3.0 Reserve Administration
3.1 Finance
Island Budget
Budgeting was handled by the mainland and Skomer staff.
Fees
Regular day trips were not run in 2012 but a Founders Day trip did proceed, this was free
of charge as usual.
Overnight guests were charged £125 for a three or four night stay (Monday to Friday or
Friday to Monday). This did not include boat fares.
Volunteers were not charged for staying on the island.
Tuck shop
The shop was stocked with a range of dried and tinned goods so self-catering guests
would not have to bring everything for themselves. There was also a range of snacks that
sold well. There was a large variation in the amount that guests used the shop, with some
relying on it, others barely using it.
This year the shop was almost emptied at the end of season to generate a turnover of
stock, and will be restocked in the spring.
Island Shop
The Friends’ shop was set up in the library, having a range of books, sweatshirts, hats and
keyrings available in return for donations. Money from this went to the Friends of the
Islands.
Donations
Donations of any items, many of which have been made for the restoration project, have
been handled by the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer.
3.2 Staff
Jerry Gillham was employed as Skokholm Warden from 2nd March – 29th November.
William Whittington was employed as Skokholm Warden from 19th August - 30th
November.
Lewis Yates was employed as Skokholm Warden from 20th August – 26th October.
Chris Taylor was employed as Skomer Island Warden with responsibility to oversee work
carried out on Skokholm.
41
3.3 Volunteers
A series of Long Term Volunteers was vital to the running of Skokholm in 2012. Their
stays were staggered so through peak season there was always two volunteers, one of
whom had at least a months experience when the other arrived. This reduced the amount
of pressure on the warden and meant one could learn from another. The initial long term
volunteer also stayed on for the entire season so that three volunteers were present for
much of the year, which helped with the transition between staff members.
Alongside helping with monitoring, visitor work, daily cleaning and maintenance, most
volunteers had their own specialist interests and carried out individual projects.
Name
Dates present
Will Whittington
March 12th to
Sep 27th
Molly Heal
Start of April
to June 1st
Teresa Donohue
June 1st to
Oct 26th
Leighton Newman
July 9th to
Sep 22nd
Notes
Helped with getting island up and running in
Spring, work party projects, running of the island
and took on Warden position for two months as
cover.
Helped with running and maintenance of the island
and did a large portion of bird counts.
Helped with running and maintenance of the island,
joined work party groups and stayed on after to
close down island and keep records of birds
present. Also aided and wrote up much of the bird
monitoring- Gulls, Fulmars etc.
Helped with running and maintenance of the island
and stayed for all but one week of the work parties
in the Autumn. Did a lot of bird monitoring and
vegetation work, writing up a report on the status of
the Heather remaining on the island.
The volunteers who carried out all the restoration work are too many to list here (a full
report will be produced separately) but thanks must go to all who put in vital weeks of
hard labour.
In addition there were many volunteers from Skomer, Dale Sailing and the Marloes /
Dale local community who aided with the delivery of materials for the building project.
In particular John Walmsley and Steve Sutcliffe, who organized the purchasing of
materials, their delivery, the work-parties and the restoration plans.
3.4 Training
Minimal official training was needed this year, with Jerry Gillham already holding the
First Aid at Work and Powerboat Level II certificates. Neither of these was needed but
could have been.
42
First Aid at Work training was received by Lewis Yates, Will Whittington and Teresa
Donohue.
In house training was given to all volunteers associated with day trips, monitoring and
restoration work.
3.5 Health and Safety
General
All Risk Assessments were reviewed and in some cases rewritten by J. Gillham at the
beginning of the season. These were read by all Long Term Volunteers in the first week
of their stay.
First aid kits were replenished at the beginning of the year.
Fire blankets were visually checked and extinguishers were taken to Skomer and checked
by the fire brigade.
Working equipment, including helmets, harnesses and ropes, were checked by J. Gillham
before use and sent off for professional checks in October.
Accident forms have been completed for any incidents or near misses that occurred
during the year. The health and safety record was very good, especially when considering
the nature of work party tasks.
Visitors
All visitors were given an introductory talk, which highlighted the dangers of the fragile
ground and cliffs. Any specific areas of fragile ground were pointed out during the
compulsory guided walk. The south coast footpath was closed to visitors as it has eroded
somewhat and become particularly difficult to follow. Other footpaths had become
somewhat overgrown so a large effort was made to remark them with white stones and
temporary canes.
Night walks to observe Storm Petrels in the Quarry were carried out only in the company
of staff and volunteers. Everyone was instructed to take torches and warm clothes and
were warned about the terrain. Future consideration may be made as to putting ropes and
handholds down there.
The landing was scrubbed with Dairy HypoChlorite to keep it free from algae and
seaweed growth, ensuring it was safe to walk on for all visitors and for deliveries of
building material. In addition to this it was painted with anti-fouling paint which
restricted algae regrowth and significantly reduced the quantity of hypochlorite required.
43
Work parties
Risk assessments were drawn up by those organizing the restoration work. Personal
protective equipment and clothing was supplied and training was given as required. Some
specific jobs, including removing asbestos roofing and rebuilding the roof, were carried
out by professionals.
3.6 Management planning
There has been no development of the management plan since 2007 and it is in need of a
re-write. The register of conservation projects to take place on Skokholm is also in need
of rewriting as it is very comprehensive and would require additional staff to be
completed to proper standards. Many of these projects are in need of updating whilst
some could very possibly be done without.
44
3.7 Trust New Member Recruiting
Trust membership leaflets were available in the Wheelhouse on day-trips. The map that is
given to visitors contained revised information about the restoration project and details of
the Trust.
3.8 Friends of Skokholm and Skomer
Friends of the islands leaflets left on the island have suffered in the damp conditions and
had to be removed. However the publicity of the blog and general information have been
prominent in the Wheelhouse and many visitors showed a great interest in the group.
Recent newsletters were displayed in the Wheelhouse and information about the Friends
was on the reverse of the visitor map.
45
4. 0 RESERVE MANAGEMENT
4.1 Media and publicity
Several programmes were filmed out on the islands this year with the majority taking
place on Skomer, there was one exception however.
Dream Island was a six part documentary on the history, wildlife and life of Skokholm.
It had been filmed over the previous two seasons by Gordon Main and an associate. It
was aired in between episodes of Coronation Street at 8pm on Fridays in September and
October.
The program seemed to get good feedback and combined with the large range of media
coverage from 2011 the profile of Skokholm should continue to increase.
Social media efforts were also expanded with a new Facebook profile for the warden and
page for the island increasing routes for communications. This builds upon the
Skokholm blog which continues to get relatively high viewing ratings. Visiting
photographers were again encouraged to attach links from their blogs to the island’s
website, with a reciprocal arrangement from the Skokholm blog proving mutually
beneficial.
Bird sightings were publicized in the back of Bird Watching magazine as well as on the
Pembrokeshire Birds blog.
In the future this could be expanded to a Twitter feed and very possibly small articles in
bird watching and general wildlife magazines. Journalists should continue to be
encouraged to visit as there are many angles to conservation and island life, and most
individuals have a very positive on first visiting the island.
4.2 Liaison and relations
A good relationship was maintained with all relevant organizations and individuals and
effort was put into improving communication between the island and mainland staff and
other organizations.
4.3 Habitat and species management
Bracken
Bracken was cut back mainly from the paths, using a combination of bashing, pulling and
cutting with shears and the brush-cutter. Some cutting of bracken on puffin slopes was
accomplished.
46
The distribution of Bracken is very similar to that of last year – see section 1.1. and above
acceptable limits of the management plan.
Heather
Despite repeated repairs the exclosure is still not fully rabbit-proof and has further
deteriorated. This is something that needs to be addressed urgently and a complete
rebuild may be necessary in 2013. No gulls nested in the exclosure and bracken was
removed by pulling but this needs repeat efforts. Small mesh exclosures were made for
individual plants and a volunteer project was to assess the state of the heather.
4.4 Infrastructure
Buildings – visitor accommodation and storerooms
See introductory section for report of works carried out on the buildings as part of the
restoration project.
Communal buildings cleaned daily, visitor rooms cleaned before new arrivals. Small jobs
done as necessary.
Buildings – hides
Minor repairs were needed to the North Pond, Neck and South Haven hides, mainly on
the doors and flaps. Some re-painting and wood-staining was needed. This work may
well need repeating in the spring as some sections of wood are deteriorating quite rapidly.
Water and sewage
Rainwater tanks were not used for anything more than casual hand-washing and kitwashing. Water from the well was used for all cooking and washing.
The semi-compost toilets were emptied into a spoil pit, this one is not on the hill so will
not drain into the well catchment area. This pit was filled at the end of the season so a
new one was dug, also in a separate catchment area.
Rubbish disposal
All visitors and volunteers were asked to take away their recyclables (metal, glass, thick
plastics). Of the rest, that which could be composted or safely burnt was done so. This
worked well but needs to be done with every group to prevent build up.
A large amount of refuse collected due to building works and should be shipped off the
island when possible.
Paths
All path markers were checked and re-painted at the beginning of the season, with more
markers added when needed. Bracken was cut from edges of paths on an irregular basis.
Again the South Coast path was open but not publicized, and a stretch toward the Crab
Bay end was altered to avoid the most fragile ground.
47
Landing places
Landing cleaned of algae on a fortnightly to three-week basis during the visitor season.
The new steps received more layers of white anti-fouling paint which lasted several
months last season. This seems to be a worthwhile effort and reduces the amount of
hypochlorite required to remove algal growth.
Separate efforts were required to reduce seaweed growth in the more open waters in
South Haven, which consisted of cutting by hand the longer fronds to stop them
interfering with the Dale Princess’s water intakes and propeller.
4.5 Machinery and equipment
Island computer
The island laptop has continued to function well, even in the sometimes damp conditions.
The dongle has also provided sufficient internet access with signal being acceptable in
the new cottage office. Backups of computer data are still as important as ever.
Dumper truck
The dumper truck worked throughout the season with very few problems, only a few
idiosyncrasies. The steering ram is functioning but in need of replacement, the parts for
which have been acquired and are awaiting delivery to the island. Regular repainting and
liberal application of duck oil at the end of season should see it well through another
winter. In addition the garage has been re-roofed and should be a considerably better
shelter this time around.
Gator
The Gator is a small petrol powered buggy which was included in the sale of the
lighthouse. It has proved relatively reliable and much more suitable for moving lighter
items around the island, especially to and from the lighthouse. Two slow punctures in the
rear tyres meant that it was put away early for the winter but these should be fixed for
next season and this vehicle will certainly prove its worth.
Power barrow
The power barrow had been temperamental in 2011 and in need of regular use. This did
not occur in 2012 and the decision was made to take it off island. The acquisition of the
small Gator vehicle with the lighthouse provides a much better alternative for smaller
jobs.
Gas system and appliances
Gas system checked by the Warden at start of season and some minor works carried out.
The gas system was checked and adapted by a qualified contractor and may need some
small changes for next season as one bottle is very prominent in the courtyard.
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All of the gas lights have now been removed. The two cookers in the kitchen continue to
function well.
All gas appliances, isolator switches and gas bottles turned off at the end of the season.
Electricity generators and system
The electricity system installed last April has provided ample power through even the
worst weather again this season. This is despite it being extended so that the solar panels
now power all of the main buildings. All of the accommodation now has LED lighting
and charging sockets in the library have been supplemented with two more in the
Wheelhouse and some in the office for staff/volunteer use.
Generators were used when using power tools, cement mixer, etc. but outside of work
party weeks this is minimal.
Old system was removed during autumn work parties and the batteries used to
supplement items such as extractor fans in toilets.
Batteries were left connected over winter to maintain condition.
Hydraulic RAM pump
The RAM pump was dismantled and serviced by a long term volunteer at the start of the
year and has been relocated during the autumn work parties. This included it in the new
water system and should give it enough header pressure to ensure efficient working.
Radio
The handheld VHF radio has continued to be essential for communicating with boatmen
and coastguard if necessary. It has remained in good working order and battery life has
stayed high. The old VHF remains unmounted and boxed up but could well be reinstated
for future use in the office in the cottage.
4.6 Food deliveries
Food deliveries to restock the shop were made approximately once a fortnight. Stock
levels were checked casually each week and more thoroughly roughly every three weeks.
The system in place (warden emailing a list of what is needed) worked well although it
needed some fine tuning and undoubtedly will need more.
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5.0 Acknowledgements
As well as those mentioned in the volunteers section above, thanks must go in particular
go to Wendy Barnes-Jones for her expert organizational skills with regards the day trips.
Thanks to the boatmen – Kenny, Karl, Peter, Tom and John - for their help with some
tricky landings.
6.0 References
J. Milborrow (2007) – Storm Petrel Pilot Study on Skokholm Island. Report for the
Countryside Council for Wales, contract no. FC73-01-583
S. Smith, G. Thompson & C.M. Perrins (2001) - An estimate of the Manx shearwater
population on Skomer, Skokholm and Middleholm islands. Report for the Countryside
Council for Wales, contract science report no. 342
G. Thompson (2007) – The Natural History of Skokholm Island. Trafford Publishing.
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