Grassholm facts for kids
|
Native name:
Ynys Gwales
|
|
|---|---|
Grassholm
|
|
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 51°43′52″N 5°28′47″W / 51.7311°N 5.4796°W |
| Area | 10.72 ha (26.5 acres) |
| Highest elevation | 42 m (138 ft) |
| Administration | |
|
United Kingdom
|
|
| County | Pembrokeshire |
| Community | Marloes and St Brides |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Grassholm is a small island off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales. It's about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the mainland. This special island is the most western point in Wales, except for some rocks with a lighthouse. Grassholm is famous for its massive group of northern gannets, which are large seabirds. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has owned Grassholm since 1947. It's one of their oldest nature reserves. The island's highest point is 42 meters (138 feet) above the sea.
Contents
Gannet Colony and Wildlife
Grassholm is a very important place for northern gannets. It is the third most important gannet site in the world. Only two places in Scotland, St Kilda and Bass Rock, have more gannets.
Gannet Reproduction and Population
About 39,000 pairs of gannets nest and raise their young on Grassholm. This means the island supports about 10 percent of all the gannets in the world. The waters around Grassholm are also good for other sea animals. You might spot porpoises and bottlenose dolphins swimming there.
Marine Plastic Problem
Grassholm faces a big problem with plastic waste from the ocean. Gannets often mistake floating plastic for seaweed. They then bring this plastic back to the island to build their nests.
Impact on Nests
This issue has been happening for many years. Surveys show that about 80% of gannet nests on Grassholm contain plastic waste. This is a challenge for the RSPB's efforts to protect the birds.
Visiting Grassholm
Boats can take you close to Grassholm from places like St Davids Lifeboat Station and Martin's Haven. However, people are not allowed to land on the island. This rule helps protect the gannets and their nesting grounds.
Island Geology
The island of Grassholm is mostly made of a type of rock called keratophyre. But the northwest coast and a small islet called West Tump are made of basalt. There are also some cracks in the rock, called faults, that cross the island. You can also see old beach levels in some areas.
Shipwreck History
On July 15, 1945, a cargo ship named the SS Walter L M Russ hit the rocks near Grassholm. The ship then sank. Nine crew members were saved by the Angle Lifeboat.
