Lundy Island first National Marine Reserve of England

Atlantic Ocean

Protected Marine Area

Located around ten miles off the coast of Devon, Lundy Island was the first marine reserve to be set up in England in 1986, and is as well the first country’s marine conservation zone since 2010. It is the ideal place to practise water activities and discover marine biodiversity.

Environment
Sustainable policy
Service quality

Lundy Special Areas of Conservation created by the British Government

Lundy offers diversified landscapes; on the west side, exposed to the Atlantic, there are high and rugged cliffs, on the east, sheltered from the prevailing wind, the coastline is gentler with grassy slopes, trees and many types of wild flowers. This contrast explains the rich diversity of the island’s animal and plant life and its attraction to walkers, climbers and divers.

Lundy attracts many visitors for various reasons; the sea is clear, the landscape spectacular, and at night, without competition from street lights, it is truly dark and the stars shine with unfamiliar brilliance.

A highly protected island

Lundy is one of the Special Areas of Conservation created by the British government. It was set up in 1986 and is considered an area of national scientific interest due to the presence of rare species such as jewel anemones and gorgonian corals as well as eight different species of coral.

Lundy is home to protected underwater treasures

Lundy Island also became the first Marine Conservation Zone in England in 2010 to allow the protection of marine habitats and of certain species of crab and lobster. It also complements an area where trawling and drift netting has been banned. It is jointly managed by the Natural England Organisation and the Devon Sea Fisheries Committee. The effects of the measures taken are assessed with the collaboration of the MBA in Plymouth. Growth has been recorded in the populations of lobsters and crabs beyond the protection area but there are less swimming crabs especially due to predation by lobsters. It is to be noted that Lundy has the first no-take zone in the UK since 2003.

The Lundy Booking Office

Pricing (from) - 0.00 €

To be checked with the tourist office.
Lundy is England’s only statutory Marine Nature Reserve.
Diving numbers are strictly controlled. It is essential that you book the diving facilities at the same time as you book your accommodation, or you will not be able to use them. We can transport your diving equipment on MS Oldenburg for a small charge of £ 16 per person.

Opening period - The island is open to visitors between April and October and a non-daily service is provided by MS Oldenburg. It is best to check in advance with the island’s tourism office.

Protected Marine Area, key-features

A remarkable site ★★

The site: Lundy Island is located close enough to the coast of Devon to remain away from many nuisances. This rocky plateau with steep sides measures an average of some 5 km long and 800 m large. It is oriented North – South and is situated where large bodies of water from the Atlantic and the waters of the Bay of Bristol meet.
Particularity: the island is home to a rich land and water biodiversity. Don’t miss out on the observation of seabirds nesting in numbers in the cliffs. Encounters with grey seals residing at different places around the island are also frequent. Moreover, the island is the ideal place to watch dolphins and whales in the close surroundings. Furthermore, not fewer than 320 algae species have been identified.

Exemplary sustainable management of the site ★★★

Protection status: Lundy is one of the Special Areas of Conservation created by the British government and also became the first Marine Conservation Zone in England in 2010 to allow the protection of marine habitats and of certain species of crab and lobster. It also complements an area where trawling and drift netting has been banned. It is jointly managed by the Natural England Organisation and the Devon Sea Fisheries Committee. The effects of the measures taken are assessed with the collaboration of the MBA in Plymouth. Growth has been recorded in the populations of lobsters and crabs beyond the protection area but there are less swimming crabs especially due to predation by lobsters. It is to be noted that Lundy has the first no-take zone in the UK since 2003.
Sustainable management: The anthropic pressure has been contained through the control of the number of trips undertaken by the ferry transporting visitors. This restriction of maritime traffic avoids causing nuisances to the fauna and flora. The island has managed to keep its traditional activities while pursuing an efficient environmental policy to preserve endemic species such as the Lundy cabbage or seabird species like puffins, razorbills and guillemots. During the nesting period, certain specific areas of the island can be closed to visitors.

Various services for visitors ★★

Reception: The information centre is situated in the heart of the village and visitors can enjoy entertainment programmes or get information through brochures that are made available. These are intended to raise awareness about the fragility of the ecosystems with recommendations on the conduct to adopt, such as refraining from collecting any mineral, plant or animal. A recreational area has been set up for the mooring of transient boats and a pier for the birthing of the passenger ferry. Two buoys have been installed for pleasure craft to avoid damage caused by anchors.
Accessibility: The island is open to visitors between April and October and a non-daily service is provided by MS Oldenburg. It is best to check in advance with the island’s tourism office. In winter, the island remains inhabited but there is only a twice-weekly helicopter service! There are 23 houses for rent on the island, each of them with a very different style and tremendous charm, ranging from fishermen’s houses to a 13^th-century castle, through a lighthouse or a Georgian-style house.
Activities: Traditional sports activities are practised on the island such as climbing, hiking and scuba diving, which is offered by operators based on the mainland who can either accompany you by boat or meet you in Lundy. Snorkelling is also possible in certain sheltered parts of the coast, particularly around the landing. Hopefully, you may be visited by seals.