This was my first trip departing from Bideford this year and always enjoyable as you get seven hours to explore the island. It was another full boat of passengers and once onboard I was warmly greeted by Jason (Captain) and first mate Vernon.

After a brief visit to the bridge, I headed out onto the decks to introduce myself to the passengers and tell them about the conservation work done in partnership between MARINElife and Lundy. It was encouraging to have a very receptive and engaging number of passengers wanting to learn more about MARINElife and the work we do.

Once we slipped our mooring at Bideford Quay, we ventured down the river Torridge looking for any shore birds before going over the sandbar and onwards to Lundy Island with many of those onboard keen to look for wildlife, including a party of local school children. Black-headed Gull, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Shelduck, Carrion Crow, and Wood Pigeon were seen initially and then out into the open water of the Bristol Channel, we started to pick up small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Guillemot, and Razorbill but sadly, species and numbers remained low!

Around the halfway point a shout came out of three dolphins on the starboard side and, although it was a brief sighting, I could identify them as Common Dolphin. Shortly after this encounter, a passenger mentioned he’d just seen a single Harbour Porpoise from the port side, after he described his sighting, I was happy to agree with him

It was high tide when we arrived at the island, so no Grey Seal were hauled out on Mouse Island, although one was seen bottling close by.

Once up on the island, I opted for a walk on the west side up to the ‘Old Battery’ as I wanted to spend some time watching the Puffin colony there. From there I made my way back to the tavern for a ‘cupper’ but it was quite busy so I headed down to Millcombe Valley for a look around in the woods, followed by having my (late) lunch at the ‘Ugly’, where I got talking to a lovely likeminded couple.

Back at the Landing Bay I caught up with the island manager whilst I waited for all the passengers to board first, then once back on the boat, got myself ready for the return to Bideford.

Sightings were similar on the return, with Manx Shearwater, Guillemot, and Razorbill the predominate species seen. A single second year Gannet was observed, which was good to see as this species was badly hit by avian flu. Around halfway back, two Common Dolphin (an adult and juvenile) were seen, although briefly, only surfacing twice before they disappeared!

Back at Bideford I expressed my gratitude to Jason, Vernon and the crew and disembarked to make my way home.

On behalf of MARINElife, I’d like to thank the crew of the Oldenburg, the island staff, and volunteers and I hope to see you all soon.

Rick Morris MARINElife Wildlife Ambassador

Weather: mostly cloudy with a few sunny spells, wind force 2-4, sea state 3-4