Buy your own Pembrokeshire Island

Ever wanted to own your own island? Now is the time to jump! Skokholm Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire is up on the auction block. This 247 acre three mile island has been under private ownership since 1646 when it was purchased from the Earl of Pembroke for £300 by William Philipps. The family is now preparing to sell the island to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales for £750,000 to meet death duties. The decision to sell the island came after the death of Mrs. Osra Lloyd-Philipps.

The trust has preferred bidder status, as it has been leasing and managing the island for more than fifty years. The trust has already raised half the total amount and is in the process of appealing for the remainder.

The word Skokholm is of Norse origin and it means wooded island. The island surely stands up to its name and its wooded shores are home to a multitude of bird wildlife. This island along with its two neighbors constitutes one of the most important breeding grounds for seabirds in Europe. Among the flocks are Manx shearwaters, Puffins, Storm Petrels, Razorbills, Guillemots and Oystercatchers. Skokholm was designated as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest' and as a ‘European Natura 2000' conservation site. The island first came into the limelight when author Ronald Lockley set up the first bird observatory in Britain there in 1933.

There is no electricity on the island and no running water. There is an 18th century farmhouse, two accommodation blocks for visitors and wardens, and an onsite laboratory for field studies. The lighthouse on the tip of the island is owned by Trinity House, it is not included in the sale. There are no showers and only two chemical toilets on the island. Solar panels run the small amount of electronics and the kitchen is powered by bottled gas.

Skokholm is a prized jewel to the Wildlife Trust, they consider it a magical place where nature is still pristine and man has not imposed his will on the land. The trust is working very hard to raise the money to purchase the island and is positive they will be successful. They are receiving help from all of the different wildlife trusts.

So if you want to purchase this island, your price will be above £750,000 and you better be able to raise it quick. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is determined and they have a lot of supporters behind them. Maybe you should just settle for a nice chunk of nature somewhere on the mainland and leave this beautiful island to the creatures of the sky, ocean and forest floor.

On the other hand, if you'd like to make a donation to the Trust so they can purchase Skokholm, you may send a cheque payable to "Skokholm Appeal" to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, The Nature Centre, Fountain Road, Tondu, Bridgend, South Wales CF32 OEH. Alternatively, call 01656 724100 to make a donation by telephone.

This article was written on behalf of Celtic Haven Luxury Cottages Wales which make ideal accommodation for a Short Break in Pembrokeshire