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I was recently lucky enough to take a trip to Grassholm - a remote island 9 miles off the Pembrokeshire coast and the third largest colony of Atlantic gannets in the world - to accompany four researchers from Plymouth and Exeter University studying the gannet colony. The name "Grassholm" is a little misleading as this welsh island appears two-thirds white. This is due to the sheer numbers of gannets, 32,000 breeding birds in fact, comprising 12% of the world's population of Atlantic gannets. An awe-inspiring spectacle as I'm sure you can imagine, but also accompanied by a potent aroma of fish and gannet dung.

The work being carried out by the researchers on Grassholm involves ringing adult gannets with GPS (Global Positioning System) loggers which will be retrieved in a years time. The data collected will then give an idea of where the gannets feed and where they travel to in the winter. I had the privilege of releasing a particularly lively ringed gannet into the air, and at 7lb in weight with a dagger-like bill this was no mean feat!

Rebecca Pitman, People Engagement Officer, Ramsey Island 

Like most of the UK, summer has not really reached Ramsey Island yet with the island being closed for 34 days so far since the season started at the end of March. Poor weather has made boat landings onto the island impossible on these days, meaning visitors have been unable to get onto the island and the island’s inhabitants unable to get off! I have suffered grave disappointment on more than one occasion after a change in the weather has made me miss out on a night out in the pub.

Three months have now passed since I began working and living on Ramsey Island and I have learned a tremendous amount in this time, from learning to drive a quad bike; carrying out wildlife surveys such as the Common Bird Census; leading guided walks around the reserve, to learning to cope with living without electricity! It has been the steepest learning curve of my life but I have enjoyed every moment.

Highlight this month: Spotting two killer whales during a boat trip out into the Irish Sea. A truly unforgettable experience and a real privilege to be able to witness such a rare wildlife spectacle.

Rebecca Pitman, People Engagement Officer, Ramsey Island