Until next time. Wela i di wedyn!

This was never going to an easy one. After a phenomenal two and a bit years on Skomer, I’m heading back to the mainland…well, sort of.

I will be honest, I’ve been dreading writing this blog. What on earth are you supposed to say when you’re leaving a team and an island that you love?! However, I have now procrastinated enough and, with a box of tissues at the ready, it would seem that it is time.

A very stormy day up at Garland Stone © Skomer Assistant Warden

Working on Skomer was, inevitably, always going to be so much more than a job. It wasn’t until visiting friends on the mainland during my first winter off, that someone pointed out I was referring to returning in the Spring as ‘going home’. It’s very much set the tone for my time on the island. I still find it baffling how such a small mound of rock, a mile off the coast of Pembrokeshire, could have had such a huge impact, over such a short period of time. Skomer, it would seem, has a habit of leaving a mark on the soul. I’m certainly no exception.

'Home'. View of the Farm from my first island walk back in April 2021 © Skomer VO

The last two years have been filled with the most incredible highlights – both wildlife and people. I’ve learnt an awful lot, and am leaving with a tonne of memories, new skills (and friends), and a handful more stress lines than when I first arrived. Picking high points is a challenge, but has got to include:

• Singing whilst counting seabirds. No seabird count from the boat on Skomer could possibly be completed without singing… ABBA specifically (sorry Izzy!). I’d like to say we improved somewhat over the course of the season, but I think that would probably be a lie. Good things the birds don’t seem to mind.

Singing and clicking. The last day of boat counts in 2022. L-R: Ceris, Freya, and Beth © Skomer Assistant Warden

• The final sunrise of 2022. Watching sunrise from Harold Stone on moving off day became something of a ritual. Huddled amongst the rocks last year, wearing every layer that wasn’t already packed, a flock of starlings whooshed past a mere metre from our noses. You could feel every wing beat.

• Abseiling into our hidden caves. Important for monitoring, and spraying our seal pups. But also an excellent chance to explore some rock pools!

My first gem anemones in the Lantern © Seal Fieldworker

My favourite cave - Seal Hole on the west side of the Neck © Skomer Assistant Warden

• My first jumplings in 2021. A group scurry down to the Amos with scopes over shoulders. Scanning the cliff face for the first brave guillemot chicks of the year. The excitement, kept quiet to avoid disturbing the birds, when the first one jumped was electric. Synchronised gasps and grins all round.

Leaving the Amos at sunset to the sound of gargling guillemots © Skomer VO

• Evenings curled up by the fire. From Welsh cakes and whiskey, to knitting with folk music, to the occasional board game night. Probably the most stereotypically 'island' thing we could possibly do. But the absolute best way to spend a foul Autumn evening - especially with Manxies calling outside. 

• Every island swim. Every single one.

Swimming with puffins (and Ceris) on a calm day in North Haven © Skomer Volunteer Warden

An impromptu swim off the boat, at Little Will Bench on the west coast of Skomer. L-R: Beth, Freya, and Ceris © Skomer Warden

After a quick dip in November. L-R: Beth and Ceris © Skomer Assistant Warden

As for thank yous, there are more than I possibly have room for…in fact you may wish to skip this paragraph. To my island family, Ceris, Leighton, and Freya, thank you for filling the last two years with laughter (often at my expense), good food, sleep-deprived chaos (the very best kind), and ‘oof choofs’. To our researchers, Sarah, Bee, Trina, Lewis, Joe, Annette, Jules, Kirsty, Josie, Simon, and everyone else, thank you for sharing your knowledge, for the late nights and early starts, and for being the most wonderful of beans. To our long-term volunteers, Becca, Samanta, Izzy, Rowie, Ed, Eve, Kelda, Becci, Lira, Anna, Erin, and Lotti, thank you for working your socks off, and for finding the positive vibes on even the longest of days. To our weekly volunteers and visitors, thank you for sharing your love of the island, and for reminding me just how special a place Skomer is on pretty much a daily basis. To all at Dale Sailing, thank you for the numerous lifts, postal deliveries, chat, and beautifully perfected chain at changeovers. To Chrissy and Gary, thank you for always finding the time for a natter, and for somehow continuing to smile no matter how busy the day. To Lisa and Dave, thank you for everything…I really don’t know what else to say, just for all of it. To the mainland team, but particularly Jon and Jane, thank you for providing calm amongst the chaos – except of course in the first week of October! To my long suffering family and friends, thank you for accepting that I hardly ever text back…what can I say, I do live on an island. Finally, Tom, thanks for putting up with me, and for dealing with all the tears once I’d decided I was leaving Skomer this winter; you are the very best of eggs.

Successful count of Bull Hole in 2021. L-R: Becci, Kelda, Eve, and Beth © Skomer Assistant Warden

Farm Fest '23. Full of folk music, food and whiskey © Skomer VO

One of the few all team photos we've managed to take! L-R: Ceris, Leighton, Freya, and Beth © Skomer Assistant Warden

Blimey. Well I’m almost out of steam (and tissues). So, what next you may ask? It’s an excellent question. Although gutted to be leaving, I’m excited to be moving on to a seabird research assistant role with the RSPB. I’ll be spending 2.5 months out on the Outer Hebrides, before heading down to Bempton Cliffs for a further 2 months. After that, who knows. Back to going where the wind takes me.

It's been a genuine pleasure to get to share even the smallest part of Skomer with you all. I’m sure this is not a goodbye. But until then, for one final time, wela i di wedyn.

Beth, Visitor Officer 2021 – 2023.