Over the past month we have had several reports of rats living and feeding in Martin’s Haven. Sightings have been reported from around the toilet block down to the beach itself.

The rats are benefiting from the summer influx in human visitors passing through Martins Haven and the food waste they may drop. For example, when picnicking on the beach or snacking whilst waiting for their boat.

This makes the boats that take visitors to the islands and the islands themselves much more vulnerable to rats. Part of our work to reduce the risks is raising awareness among our visitors. 

We need everyone's help to protect our seabirds. 

Important rules to follow when visiting Skomer and Skokholm Islands:

• At Martins Haven, put all rubbish and food waste in a bin or take it home with you. This includes apple cores, banana skins and sandwich crusts (all seem harmless but are much loved by rats).
• Pack your bags and boxes securely. They must be zipped or sealed before they will be allowed on any boat landing on Skomer or Skokholm.
• Open bags and carrier bags will be refused on all boats landing on Skomer or Skokholm.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended in Martin’s Haven to ensure rodents cannot enter your bags. 

The islands in our care are internationally important for their seabird populations. In particular, burrow nesting species like Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Puffin. Also, they provide safe breeding sites for ground nesting birds, many of which are in serious decline across Wales. These include the large Gulls, Cormorants and wading birds.

There are many reasons that these islands are refuges for seabirds. This includes the fact many are wardened and protected from disturbance by our resident staff. But the most important reason is that they remain free of land predators.

Preventing predators like rats reaching the islands is our top priority.

Rats can reach islands by several ways. They are very strong swimmers, but the biggest risk is them stowing away on boats. They can hide away in luggage being taken to the islands. And the stats are alarming - one pregnant rat can produce a colony of over 300 in just 8 months! The simple truth is that rats eat seabird eggs, chicks and adult birds, destroying populations.

It might sound unlikely but it has happened on seabird islands around the world. Rats or mice unintentionally taken to the island in a visitor’s bag have devastated seabird populations. It might sound like a problem of the past but we currently face rat issues in harbours and marinas across our region.

We’re asking for everyone’s help in limiting the risk and the amount of food available to rats near boat departure points like Martins Haven.

See our FAQs About Visiting Skomer Island for everything you need to know before your visit. 

See our Skokholm Island page to find out more about visiting Skokholm.