 Skomer Island is a site of special scientific interest |
Wildlife watchers on a west Wales island caught a glimpse of an unusual flock on Thursday. Nearly 40 chiefs from Wildlife Trusts across the UK descended on Skomer Island as part of their annual conference, the first time it has been held in Wales.
As well as enjoying the spectacular scenery, the directors and chief executives were made to pay their way by coming up with ideas on how to make the already popular nature reserve even better.
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, which hosted the conference, manages Skomer Island under a lease from the Countryside Council for Wales.
 One sobering comment was we should do nothing to change how fantastic the place already is, and that is something we have always tried to keep in mind  |
Chief executive Derek Moore said the excursion proved very successful.
"It's been a really fantastic day - although some of the directors had been there before for many it was the first time on the island," he said.
"It's an incredibly important site and it's also a wonderful nature reserve."
The site of special scientific interest boasts the largest colony of breeding seabirds in southern Britain - including thousands of puffins and the around 250,000 manx shearwaters.
Other species which attract thousands of birdwatchers each year include kittiwakes, oystercatchers, choughs, and fulmars.
Mr Moore added: "We are looking at ways of improving the interpretation for visitors to the island.
 Kittiwakes are among the species bringing birdwatchers to Skomer |
"If we had better facilities we could extend the season a little but longer.
"We had a chat about funding and what we can be done to get the money for what we want to do.
"But one sobering comment was we should do nothing to change how fantastic the place already is and that is something we have always tried to keep in mind."
The conference ends on Friday evening and Mr Moore said other important topics had been discussed.
"One of the reasons Wales has been chosen is because the majority of the English trusts are now facing up to the fact that devolution is on its way.
"And, of course, Wales is ahead of the game in this respect, because we already have an assembly," he added.
"Organisations like ours have had to learn how to deal with a devolved government.
"We haven't cracked it completely yet, and there is still a long way to go, but at least we have four years' experience."
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