What an odd weather year it’s been!

The wet early spring may have lessened the usual concerns about our water supplies but sadly it does seem to have reduced the number of insects we’ve seen this year. The insects, such as butterflies either struggle to survive or don’t emerge in good numbers until the weather is more suitable. Still, we’ve had around 12 different species so far this year, including the richly coloured peacock and more subtle speckled wood butterflies. And many visitors have said they’ve actually seen more butterflies here than on the mainland – so that reassuring!  The island is part of a UK wide butterfly monitoring scheme so once all the results are in, it’ll be interesting to see how we compare.

Rats have also contributed to our odd year. As we explain to visitors, rats can float or swim for up to 72 hours… meaning that they can find their way to the island quite easily. When Cornwall Wildlife Trust were given the island there were a large number of rats here. In 2006, following the advice of experts we set up a monitoring and eradication system.

The last time we spotted signs of rats was back in 2008 but earlier this year they came back! In the winter we will run another eradication programme. In the meantime we fear they may have affected this year’s breeding success of some of the island’s birds. If numbers are down, it’s more important than ever to give the birds space. If the birds are to thrive they mustn’t waste energy being disturbed by us. We ask all our visitors to be considerate of this and if on the water please avoid approaching the island too close/fast.

On a more positive note, surveying of the island’s seals means that we now have recorded around 280 individuals! This reflects the amazing efforts of local volunteers (mainly from Looe Marine Conservation Group), Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust and members of the public. One particular seal that we’ve seen a lot of this season is called Teapot – a prettily marked young female who appears to be pregnant right now.

Our surveys also record human/seal interactions. Some of the seals around the island are very inquisitive and will approach water users, but in the main seals need to be left undisturbed so that they can rest. In fact did you know that they can sleep in the sea (both at the surface and under the water!)  as well as on the land?  Resting is really important for seals, particularly when they are moulting or pregnant. With so many people on the water we have recorded repeated disturbance to the seals – every time someone gets too close or spends too long near the seals, their stress levels will go up. It’s this accumulation of stress from disturbance that can build to the point where it is detrimental for their health. So we ask people to help. How? Respect the need for napping! Simply remember to Give Seals Space. For more details see Watching Seals Well and the Cornwall Marine Coastal Code. 

You'll find lots more information about the island on the Looe Island Nature Reserve page, including how to book a place on an official trip to the island with Looe Sea Safari where you can come here and follow our beautiful self-guided trail.