This was my first Lundy Wildlife Ambassador (WLA) trip in over a year! After arriving at Ilfracombe, I popped into the shore office to get my ticket and have a quick chat to Jacqui before joining others waiting to board the boat. Once on board I was warmly greeted by Captain Jason and first mate Vernon, who I hadn’t seen for some time.

Once I’d sorted myself out I headed out onto the decks to speak to the passengers and explain why I was there. It was great to have a very receptive and engaging number of passengers willing to learn more about MARINElife and the work we do.

It was a full boat with around 250 passengers, and with those on the outer deck keen to get searching for wildlife, we slipped our mooring and made our way to Lundy in flat seas. Gulls and a couple of Fulmar were seen initially and then a brief sighting of two Harbour Porpoise as we passed Lee Bay. Bird numbers and species increased slightly as we made our way to the island, with sightings of Guillemot, Razorbill, and many Manx Shearwater.

With Lundy Island in sight and about half an hour away while I was talking to a passenger, a shout came out of dolphins on the starboard side. I quickly identified them as Common Dolphin, a small family group of six animals. Shortly after leaving the dolphins behind us, a single Harbour Porpoise was seen, and I manged to get a few passengers on to it.

Nearing the island, I pointed out some Grey Seal hauled out on Mouse Island to those passengers nearby and once tied off at the Landing Jetty, I disembarked and met Simon the warden.

I accepted a lift up to the village in the Landrover and once there, opted for a short walk to the Old Lighthouse and back as I wanted to spend some time in Millcombe Valley and a sea watch at the ‘Ugly’. On route, I popped into the tavern briefly for a cuppa and although there were many new faces (to me) it was great to see a couple of familiar faces before heading back down.

Back at the Landing Bay I spent some time watching the seals that had been washed off the rocks by the rising tide. Moon and Compass Jellyfish, as well as many Sandeels, were easily visible in the clear water. A ‘mountaineering’ goats that were precariously grazing on grassy patches on the rock face under the South Light caught my attention, it was obviously an expert. I then heard the distinctive call of an Oystercatcher and observed one chasing off a Carrion Crow, presumably it had chicks or a nest nearby.

Back on the ‘Oldenburg’, we began our journey back to Ilfracombe, sightings were similar on the return, with Manx Shearwater now being seen in large rafts due the lack of wind. Guillemot peppered the sea on the way back along with a couple of Puffin, which delighted those that saw them.

Around mid-channel some more Common Dolphin were seen, although a little distant. With the north devon coast looming closer, another Harbour Porpoise was seen, then a little further on, a large gathering of birds was seen. This large group of seabirds was made up of around c.50 Herring Gull, c.20 Manx Shearwater, c.20 Kittiwake, and a single 3rd year Gannet (the only one seen on the crossings).

Back at Ilfracombe I thanked Jason, Vernon and the crew and disembarked to make my way home via the scenic route along the coast.

On behalf of MARINElife, my sincere thanks to the crew of the Oldenburg, the island staff, and volunteers and I hope to see you all again soon.

MARINElife Wildlife Ambassador: Rick Morris

Weather: Sunny, wind force 1-2, sea state 1-3