Nature Conservation
Flat Holm is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. The Project conserves the Island's natural and cultural features, from maritime grassland to Victorian barracks, from seabird colonies to wartime bunkers.
Both the Lesser Black-backed Gull colony and the maritime grassland are considered important for nature
conservation. The Island is managed in 2 separate ways for these features. The north side of the Island is
managed for the maritime species and the south side is kept as the gull colony with minimal management.
Management Plan
The Flat Holm Management Plan outlines the important features of
the Island. It provides a basis from which to improve the island habitats.
In 1982, the Flat Holm Project was established. The aim was to manage Flat Holm as a local nature reserve
and to encourage visitor access and opportunities for education.
The Island has a long and varied history having been used by man since prehistoric times. It was farmed for
some 800 years and stopped in 1942. It has been fortified twice, most recently during the 2nd World War.
The Island has many buildings and structures of historic interest, many are listed buildings and
scheduled ancient monuments.
Flat Holm's natural history and geology is both interesting and important. Some of the notable features
are:
- coastal limestone grassland
- cliff ledge habitats
- wild leek
- colony of breeding Lesser Black-Backed gulls
What can you expect to see on Flat Holm?
The following is a list of some of the species that may be seen on the Island throughout the year;
Birds: Shelduck, Oystercatchers, Rock Pipits, Finches, Turnstone and Dunlin
Animals: Rabbits, Slow Worms, Common Lizard and Butterflies
Plants: Wild Leek, Wild Peony, Thrift, Rock Sea Lavender, Sea Campion and Bluebells
For further details please contact the Project Office:
Flatholm Booking Office
Cardiff Harbour Authority Queen Alexandra House Cargo Road Cardiff Bay CF10 4LY Tel:029 20 877912Fax: 029 20877901 email: flatholmproject@cardiff.gov.uk
Website: www.flatholmisland.com
ID: 267 Revised: 9/3/2010
