How we protect a working island rich in wildlife, history and spirituality
Since 1979, the Bardsey Island Trust (Ymddiriedolaeth Ynys Enlli) has been the proud steward of Enlli, safeguarding its heritage and shaping its future. As a small but passionate charity, our dedicated team of trustees, staff, and volunteers are united by a shared mission: to preserve this extraordinary island for generations to come.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with Enlli’s residents and a wide range of stakeholders to preserve the island’s unique character while carefully planning for its future.
Together, we’re keeping Enlli a truly special place.
Ty Nesaf and Ty Bach
Accommodation
Our properties
There are 15 properties on the island, each of which is Grade II listed.
One property is home to our Wardening family, while another is leased to the farm. A third is leased to the Bardsey Bird & Field Observatory, and one more is privately let to a family who has called Bardsey home for three generations. Our seasonal staff and volunteers are based in Beudy Plas in the centre of the island. The working Lighthouse, meanwhile, is privately owned.
The remaining nine properties are available through the Bardsey Island Trust as unique holiday accommodation. These range from spacious five-bedroom farmhouses to cozy converted lofts and a traditional ‘crog loft’ cottage. If you’re looking to experience the beauty of Enlli, more details about holiday accommodation can be found here.
Ynys Enlli by Myles Jenks
Support our work
Investing in Enlli for future generations
As a small charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to fund our important work. Our income comes from memberships, the holiday properties we manage, and grants and private donations.
If you’d like to help us continue preserving Enlli for future generations, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. Every contribution makes a real difference!
cormorant
Staff Team
Working for Enlli's future
Throughout the year, we’re hard at work maintaining Enlli’s land, historic buildings, and essential infrastructure.
With the help of our talented team and a network of committed volunteers, we’re driving forward major restoration projects that ensure Enlli’s continued beauty and significance.
lighthouse by elin gruffydd
Bardsey Island Trust
Bardsey Island was put up for sale at the end of the 1970s, and a campaign was launched to purchase the island. There was a sense of passion and urgency at the time to secure the future of the island for the generations to come.
The campaign was led by enthusiastic individuals across Britain and was supported by several prominent Welsh people, including R S Thomas and William Condry, as well as the Church in Wales. People from all walks of life came together and worked alongside each other to raise the necessary funds.
Seal pup sleeping
A Site of Special Scientific Interest
Thanks to generations of sustainable lobster and crab fishing the waters here are full of life and an important place for Risso Dolphins, Porpoises and Grey Seals.
An important nesting site for the Manx Shearwater, the island is now home to over 30,000 breeding pairs of these incredible sea birds. The Manx Shearwaters return annually to the same underground burrow and partner bird after wintering off South America.
Dark Sky Sanctuary
Proud to be the first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe
Benefiting wildlife, people and a way of connecting us to our heritage, Enlli’s Dark Skies are some of the darkest in Europe, having been certified with the darkest designation possible, a Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark Skies Association in 2023 after 10 years of monitoring.
Aurora Borealis by Emyr Owen
Stars over Storws by Emyr Owen
Stars over Enlli by Emyr Owen
Where next?
