A spring update from Looe Island Nature Reserve

Looe Island Warden Claire Lewis shares some exciting spring sightings, such as chiffchaffs, butterflies and hawkmoths.

Humming-bird hawk-moth! Painted lady butterfly! Chiffchaff!

Yes, spring must be here as we’ve already recorded these three (usually migrant) species here on Looe Island Nature Reserve – exciting sightings indeed. It’s always uplifting to spot signs of spring such as these early arrivals from more southerly climes… and no more so than after what seems to have been the wettest winter ever! Still, at least the island’s water supplies have been refilled.

A painted Lady butterfly on hebe in the sunshine — A painted lady butterfly on hebe in the sunshine. Image by Claire Lewis

Spring also marks the start of opening the island back up for public trips. As usual, since last October we have been closed to the public, however over the winter we still have visits from the brilliant seal surveyors. These volunteers make monthly surveys of the seals – identifying individual seals and recording their behaviour. The volunteers also record birds and other wildlife too. The most recent (March) survey was not ideal weather but the data collected is incredibly useful for understanding ‘our’ seals and how best to protect them. So thank you to all the dedicated seal surveyors!

Two grey seals playing in the surf on a pebble beach — Seals playing in the surf. Image by Claire Lewis

Anyway, back to re-opening for 2024...

The public boat trips are the only way to visit the island - it’s how Cornwall Wildlife Trust manage the site for the benefit of wildlife and us humans too! This year public trips start on Sunday 31st March. The first visitors can expect to see the island coming back to life with fresh fronds of ferns, bursting tree buds and plenty of chick action amongst the breeding cormorant colony.