The pupping season is now in full swing here at Ramsey Island with about 50 grey seal pups already born on the bays and in the caves around the island. Ramsey has the biggest grey seal population in Southern Britain - with around 500 pups born between late August and late November. Quite a spectacle and very popular with visitors during a time of year when the number of bird species isn't as abundant as it is earlier in the season when the passerines and seabirds are in the midst of their breeding seasons.
After more than 5 months living and working on Ramsey Island as People Engagement Officer, my season here is shortly drawing to a close. There have been some hardships to endure with the atrocious weather this so-called summer, but nonetheless this challenge has not been enough to taint the wonderful experiences I have had here. The most memorable being a visit to Grassholm island getting hands-on with the gannet colony and most unforgettably catching a glimpse of 2 killer whales on a boat half-way between Wales and Ireland.
I therefore say a sad farewell to Ramsey Island (and any readers of this blog!) as I pass the baton onto wardens Greg and Lisa Morgan who will continue writing the Ramsey blogs as the only residents on the island during the winter. I will hopefully return to the island in the spring and take up the reins with the blogs once more. Here's hoping that winter passes quickly so that I am back on this beautiful island again before I know it!
Rebecca Pitman, People Engagement Officer, Ramsey Island