South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve
South Stack Cliff RSPB Reserve is one very special place for a number of reasons, keep reading to find out more.
South Stack is home to some of the countries most unique plant and animal life. Rare fauna and several protected bird species call South Stack home, if not year round at least during the breeding season.
Come March the cliffs at South Stack RSPB begin to fill up with nesting sea birds. These include Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwake, Fulmar and everyone’s favourite- Puffins. It is the puffins that people will often travel far and wide to see as there are not many locations with nesting pairs in the UK. The noise can be tremendous on calm, still days as the birds come and go. It really is a sight to behold as they bring in mouthfuls of food for their young.
The nesting birds number in the many thousands, you can even smell their fishy smelling waste at times. It’s estimated there can be up to 9000 birds on the cliffs at its peak. That I can tell you is a lot of noise! The cliffs and also the island are literally covered in a carpet of nesting birds.
South Stack RSPB is not just a home to nesting sea birds. You will often see the famous and fastest bird on the planet, the Peregrine Falcon hunting for a meal. The cliffs are also home to Ravens and the now quite rare Chough. Of course there are also the ever present seagulls of varying species too.
There are several ways you can watch the birds as they come and go. Ellins Tower is a good covered look out spot and there are binoculars you can use whilst in the building. During the breeding season there is usually a live camera with a feed of the birds showing, far closer viewing than you could ever hope to get. The cliff are sheer all round and are often used by climber outside of the nesting season.
Following the path down from the visitors centre you get commanding views of the eastern section of the cliffs. By using the stairs down to South Stack island you get great views of the western side. The advantage of the steps is that you are often closer to the birds and can see them at eye level. If you want to catch the nesting birds on camera you can rest on the walls to steady your shots. This is one of the best ways to see the nesting Puffin too.
Even if birds are not one of your interests then the area also has amazing views. The Llyn Peninsula and the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland are viewable on clear days. The RSPB centre also has a decent café with outside seating benches with sea views if you fancy something to eat or drink. The centre also has internal seating, a small shop and toilets.
RSPB South Stack can be found at – South Stack Rd, Holyhead, LL65 1YH.
Please make sure to arrive early as there is somewhat limited parking during the summer holidays, much quieter out of season. The car park is pay an display and not too expensive, it is free for RSPB members. Just leave your card in the window in case anyone checks.
