Paul Lightfoot
Looe Island Nature Reserve
Please note that visits can only be made on official, organised trips and access by any other means is not allowed.
Looe Island is a marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teaming with life. The island provides a quiet haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats
Looe Island is part of the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and has a variety of precious wildlife habitats including woodland, maritime, grassland, sand, shingle and rocky reef.
Size of reserve: 9 hectares / 22 acres
OS map number: 107
Grid reference: SX 258 519
Best time to visit: Summer
Please note that visits can only be made on official, organised trips and access by any means (including by foot) is not allowed. The island and its foreshore is managed for the benefit of wildlife and our team are working incredibly hard to keep Looe Island Nature Reserve special. Craft such as boats, jet skis, kayaks/canoes and paddleboards etc. as well as snorkelers/divers and swimmers are therefore asked to respect the no landing sign.
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the island and fishing is not allowed on the island during two hour visits also.
Please understand that part of the island appeal for many visitors is its tranquillity and an escape from the intrusions which are often a part of mainland life. The use of camera drones are therefore considered intrusive and unacceptable. See more.
Live Looe Island Nature Reserve webcam
Our Looe Island Nature Reserve webcam will return in the spring. We have taken the feed down over the winter in order to preserve it from the elements, but mainly to save energy. The set up requires us to run three pieces of electrical equipment. Over the winter our green energy systems can struggle to produce sufficient energy. Consequently, we disconnect or avoid using lots of electrical items - and the camera and its associated equipment is one of these things. We will update this page again with the webcam in spring 2025.
Looe Island Nature Highlights
An autumnal update from Looe Island Nature Reserve
As autumn arrives on Looe Island, Island Warden Claire reflects on the changing season and key species who visited over the summer, and…
An update from Looe Island
Looe Island Warden Claire Lewis shares an update featuring birds and butterflies, a pregnant seal, drone safety and the new webcam!
A spring update from Looe Island Nature Reserve
Looe Island Warden Claire Lewis shares some exciting spring sightings, such as chiffchaffs, butterflies and hawkmoths.
(c) Claire Lewis
No drone zone
Why we don't allow drones
For the safety and enjoyment of other visitors, and to protect wildlife from disturbance, please do not fly unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) or other remote-control flying devices on Looe Island Nature Reserve without permission.
The use of drones is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority and is an area where regulation is currently developing. Drones require permission and licensing to operate, and operators must have sufficient training and insurance to use them safely and responsibly.
Our reserves are important areas for wildlife and many of them are used for breeding. These sites are sensitive to disturbance; for instance, birds may feel threatened by drones and abandon their nests.
We do obtain drone footage of our reserves to assist our conservation work, but it is done by our own licensed operator, or with our permission if we are confident the operator is licensed and insured and that wildlife will not be injured or disturbed. If you have any questions about drones on Looe Island, please contact looeisland@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.