Bardsey Island Trust

Emyr has lived and worked on Enlli since 2019. After three years as a Warden, Emyr is now the Island Manager and lives with his partner Mari and their daughter Lleucu in Ty Bach. Emyr sees it as a great an honor to spend his time and energy on the maintenance and protection of the island, a place that he visited regularly throughout his life and that remains an inspiration to him.

Having grown up in Llansannan, Emyr studied Architecture for a period in Cardiff before following his interest in sustainable building management through natural materials. Emyr worked as the Development Officer at Felin Uchaf for two years.

In his spare time on the island Emyr keeps bees, paints and is a keen photographer; with his images capturing the islands wildlife, light and landscape. In 2018 Emyr walked the Camino de Santiago.

Mari became a Warden for the Trust in 2019. Since the birth of her daughter in 2023 she now balances her time between being a mother, warden and life on Enlli. The island has been a big presence in her life since she first visited as a three year old with her family. Through her day to day practical work and through developing cultural, creative and ecological projects; she is passionate about protecting and sharing this magnificent part of Wales.

Mari studied at Cardiff and Edinburgh Universities and spent time working and studying abroad; in Japan, Indonesia and Spain. She was working as a Producer Director of TV and Documentary Film at Cwmni Da in Caernarfon before leaving her career to become the islands Warden.

In her spare time you will find her snorkelling with the seals o’r gardening in their polytunnel. She is also a printmaker, writer and 35mm film photographer. Mari lead on securing the Dark Sky Sanctuary deignation for the island, and in 2024 she published a book on the island’s Seaweeds.

Sian is the Chief Officer of the Bardsey Island Trust, bringing a deep, firsthand understanding of Bardsey, having previously served as the Island Manager from 2016 to 2018. Her connection to the island dates back to 1997, and she has been a regular visitor and volunteer since childhood—so, it’s safe to say she knows the island like the back of her hand!

After earning an English degree from Goldsmiths College, University of London, Sian’s career has spanned both the third sector and private industry. She’s held roles such as Development Manager for the Community Foundation in Wales, Project Manager for the landscape-scale nature restoration project Tir Canol, and even dabbled in the Welsh food and drink sector.

Sian’s expertise lies in bringing people together and understanding the unique nuances and aspirations of both people and places—skills that are essential when it comes to appreciating the rich history and shaping the future of a special place like Bardsey.

When she’s not working, Sian is kept busy with voluntary activities, coaching at a local football club, and spending time outdoors. Most notably, she’s often seen running after and getting into all kinds of mischief with her young daughter.

With a wealth of experience in the building industry, Owen has been immersed in the world of construction since leaving education. Running his own small company, Owen specializes in electrical work, as well as restoring houses and other buildings. Alongside this, Owen brings a wealth of expertise in health and safety, with a particular focus on fire safety.

A true local to the Llyn Peninsula, Owen has been visiting Bardsey Island since childhood, and though they don’t stay every year, they’ve always felt a strong connection to the island. Owen thrives on the opportunity to collaborate with the passionate individuals who work on the island, whether for the Bardsey Island Trust or otherwise. “It’s also a privilege to work with people who are so positive and enthusiastic—there’s something special about everyone who visits Bardsey.”

Outside of work, Owen enjoys spending quality time with their young children, making the most of their formative years. When it comes to Enlli, their favourite place is at the top of the mountain, watching the sunset over the island—a moment of pure tranquillity.

Theo Shields is the Arts Coordinator for the Bardsey Island Trust, managing the Artist Residency Program and creative projects on Ynys Enlli and the mainland.

Theo studied Sculpture (BA Hons) at Edinburgh College of Art and Queensland College of Art, Brisbane, before completing an MA in London. As a practicing artist, his work has been exhibited internationally, and he has participated in numerous residencies and teaching programs. Alongside his artistic practice, he runs a production company and has played a key role in community-led arts initiatives, including working as a curator at Croesor Contemporary.

One of his favourite aspects of his work on Enlli is witnessing the development of artists’ personal practices and helping build sustainable creative networks in Wales. Outside of work, Theo enjoys being outdoors—sailing, surfing, and climbing. His favourite place on Enlli is on the mountain where he finds inspiration in the sweeping views of land and sea.

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Lois was raised in Cardiff and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Her academic background includes two research theses exploring Welsh language, culture, and identity. Before joining the Bardsey Island Trust, she worked as a social researcher and fitness instructor. Although her first time setting foot on Ynys Enlli was when she started as a warden in 2024, she has felt a deep connection to Gwynedd since childhood, with her family living in Nefyn and Tremadog. She spent many summers camping in Aberdaron, developing a strong appreciation for the landscape of Pen Llŷn.

One of Lois’s favourite aspects of being a warden is the ability to live in tune with the elements, embracing the changing seasons, which encourages a deeper connection to nature. She sees it as a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the island’s conservation efforts, particularly when everyone comes together to work towards a shared goal. She also loves meeting the visitors who come to the island each week, each bringing their own unique stories and perspectives. She always has time for a chat!

In her free time, Lois has a variety of hobbies that keep her busy, including gardening, knitting, running, swimming, baking, and playing the violin. Her favourite spot on Enlli is the bird hide, especially when it’s raining—a perfect place to sit and admire the waves.

Gwenllian is responsible for many of the projects funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund which focus on education, engagement and outreach. There are also historical projects, one of which is the Oral and Photographic Histories project where she interviews anyone with a connection to Enlli. Finding what makes Enlli special for so many people from different walks of life is definitely a highlight.  

After gaining a BSc degree in Psychology with Neuropsychology she worked as a Research Assistant at the School of Health Sciences at Bangor University for 4 years. She has co-authored publications in several scientific journals; The British Medical Journal, The Lancet (Regional Health Europe) and The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.  She is also an elected member of Llanbedrog Community Council and the Chair of Governors of Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedrog.  

Ynys Enlli has always been within sight throughout her childhood and remained a mystery until 2023. Her favourite place in Enlli is Pen Diban, where you can look back and see the rest of Enlli. She finds it’s one of the most peaceful places on the island where you can feel the vastness of the sea surrounding Enlli and Llŷn. 

Gwenllian spends her down-time sea swimming all year round, paddle boarding, sailing and works on her family’s lobster fishing boat (Pedrog). Dry land activities consist of reading, splodging on canvas, attending gigs and walking Llŷn’s ethereal coastline when she isn’t also roped into farming responsibilities. 

First moving to Wales to study at Aberystwyth University, Caroline then spent nearly 20 years in commercial product management in Cardiff before relocating to North Wales to be closer to family. Caroline is a Welsh language learner, studying at Nant Gwrtheyrn

Caroline’s favourite aspect of her role is getting to help people visit the Island, whether its longstanding members returning regularly or new visitors discovering the magic of Enlli for the first time.

Caroline is one of the newest members to the Enlli family, visiting the Island for the first time in 2021, introduced to Enlli by her in-laws who have been visiting for many years. The trip was their first family holiday since the birth of her daughter during Covid, and was a truly special place to bring together the extended family. Having stayed in Carreg Fawr on her first visit, Caroline will always have a soft spot for the view of the sunset from Carreg’s garden. Her daughter took some of her first steps while on Enlli, around the house and on the beach, memories that will always be special.

Since moving to north Wales in 2023, most of Caroline’s time outside work has been spent renovating her new family home. Caroline is also a passionate cook, and has a young daughter, so a lot of non-work time is spent having fun together as a family.

My home is on Llŷn, where my family have lived for over a century. Like many around me, I feel a special affinity, respect, and fascination with Enlli. Having visited the island several times, I believe strongly that it is important to protect and sympathetically develop the island’s natural beauty and its spiritual, artistic, cultural, and economic life.

My background is in the tourist industry which I worked in for just over 16 years holding several senior positions. I currently manage the fundraising across Wales for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

I am happiest sharing a meal with family and friends.

I am the Chief Executive of PYST Ltd. My motivation for being a trustee is varied. In my day to day work I am involved in promoting Welsh and Welsh culture and being able to tell those stories to a wider audience through AM’s digital platform (which I set up three years ago). I have a fundamental belief in the importance of community activity and success to the welfare and development of the nation economically and culturally and the importance and history of Enlli is an integral part of that for me. The evolution of the Island into the future is something exciting although challenging but represents the basic values we should promote: environmentally, socially, culturally and economically. Especially following Covid, I have seen how the digital medium can develop public engagement with specific stories and that is what AM is doing and that to a large audience.

I am from a rural community in north Wales, and have visited, and loved the Llŷn Peninsula for over 40 years. I have a long-lasting personal connection with the area; my brother in-law continues to farm in Boduan.

I trained as a chartered accountant and worked in the profession for 12 years. I subsequently joined the European Commission and have worked in several policy areas. For the latter part of my European career, I was involved in environmental and climate policy matters such as road transport and fuels, air quality, fluorinated gases as well as project funding issues.

My first experience of Enlli was a rushed 2 hr visit to look at Tŷ Pellaf with view to making it my home. Tim and I lived on the island from 1994 – 1998, looking after the sheep flock and playing an active role in the island community, getting married and starting a family during that time.

Working as a volunteer in recent years, together with my daughters, has revived my contact with the island, and now my children are almost grown up I have more time to pursue my interest in it.

In addition to raising a family and building a viable farm business on the Llŷn Peninsula, I have worked as Administrator, Company Secretary and Treasurer to several sizeable membership associations and charities.

I was very young when I lived on Enlli and it was a formative time of my life. I gained so much from it and it made me who I am.

For almost 30 years, I have led large multi-church parishes, where I have been responsible for overseeing ministry, finance and volunteers. I am now a Trustee of the Diocese of Bangor and Bangor Cathedral and am part of the Diocese of Bangor’s Senior Management Team.  

From 2017 until 2022 I was appointed to the Education Workforce Council by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Education.  

I have previously been a Trustee of the Council and chair of the Spirituality Committee and I am a fully-trained volunteer boat crew member of Cricieth RNLI.   

Enlli is one my favourite places. It has been a place for family holidays and very special times. It has been my privilege to be a Trustee previously and I would like the opportunity to be a Trustee again. I am passionate about the development of a regular year-round, self-supporting community on Enlli – to sit alongside the Trust’s visitors. 

Enlli is a place of stillness, wonder, wondering and fun, which needs a year round community.  I’d like to be part of the Trust Council and work towards this goal.

I am a native of Porthmadog but have lived in Clydach, Tawe Valley since 1989. I have visited Ynys Enlli since 2008 as a weekly visitor and also on day trips. I am interested in the history and culture of Ynys Enlli. I am a keen birder and lover of nature in general. I have an honours degree in Theology and the spiritual and religious aspects of Enlli are something that are also close to my heart.

I live in Powys, with family roots on the Llŷn Peninsula, and I stay on Ynys Enlli for a week every year. Enlli is a unique and special place which has become a very important part of my life. I want to help to ensure that Enlli thrives into the future and that its community, wildlife, landscape and heritage are protected and appreciated for current and future generations.

I bring over 30 years of experience in environmental and sustainability consultancy and I believe that I can use my technical and business skills to support the Trust in continuing to make Enlli an exemplar of a sustainable Welsh island community.

I have been a frequent visitor to the local area all of my life and it is on the Llŷn Peninsula where I feel truly at home. I am married with two children and as a family we have developed an affinity with Enlli.

I graduated from Liverpool University and began my career with Kellogg’s before going on to hold leadership positions with companies including Shell and Nike. I have experience of leading change, developing strategy, building teams, transforming businesses and delivering sustainable growth. I have also worked internationally including periods living in the Netherlands, United States and Switzerland.

When not working I like to travel and have become a passionate runner who has completed the London marathon four times in support of different charities.

I was born and raised in the local area, with a big interest in Bardsey Island. I work as a Regional Operational Excellence Business Partner for a UK wide organisation in the tourist industry. I have worked for the company for over 13 years in managerial positions. My role involves supporting business change by thinking strategically. The business change is in efficiency, individual managers’ key skills, financial performance through cost and wages control, and building a sustainable productivity in the future of the department.

It is a privilege to support the Trust.

I was unaware of Ynys Enlli, growing up in west Wales, and I never had the opportunity to discover the Island as a child. And so the essence and distinct features that belong to the Island have unfolded for me over the past few decades whilst living in North Wales.  

Being aware of Enlli’s presence is all-important, as it represents what is distinctly good about Wales – our communities, environment, language and living heritage. It’s not easy to explain the ‘why’ – the desire to contribute to the sustainable future of a small island on the periphery of  Llyn. All I know is  that it’s our duty to protect, develop and cherish a community that encapsulates so much of the vibrancy of Wales that belongs to all of us. 

I have spent the last 40 years regenerating and energising communities in Gwynedd, striving to transform the future prospects of people and communities. I hope to use that experience to invest in Enlli’s future, for the well-being of the Island, its people and future generations, it’s unique ecology and  heritage.

Menna was previously Development Manager at the Trust.

Ynys Enlli has been an integral part of my upbringing and to this end I’m very happy to become a Trustee so that I can help the Trust in anyway I can, in ensuring the future of the Island. I’ve been raised on the Llŷn and continue to live there with my husband and three small children. I have spent a lot of time on the Island over the years and stay regularly with my children.   

The Island is completely unique and I appreciate the importance of safeguarding its interests carefully. I’m hopeful that my experiences outside of the Island will be useful, my degree in Law, my masters degree in Commercial Property Management and the skills I gained from being a Chartered Surveyor, managing the local Council’s estate. I have managed a Bakery, including managing the staff and now work in the Care sector, Commissioning and managing Contracts

I grew up in mid Wales close to the sea, looking out towards Enlli. After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in Ecology, I returned to Wales with a short stint volunteering on Skomer island. Thus began my love affair with the Welsh islands. I lived and worked on Skomer as Assistant Warden in 2017, 2018 and 2019, so I’m very familiar with the challenges and rewards of living on and caring for these important islands, especially on limited funds!

I moved off Skomer in order to return to mid Wales, and now work as the Biosecurity Project Manager for the RSPB. I’m keen to remain involved in the Welsh islands and looking forward to getting to know Enlli as well as I know Skomer.

I have a strong lifelong connection with Enlli having first crossed the Sound at the age of 15 with my father in his friend’s traditional 14ft Aberdaron boat. I returned 9 years later as the local Fisheries Officer and for much of my subsequent 42 years’ career in fisheries enforcement and management, I was responsible for protecting the fisheries around Enlli, working from RIBs and larger Fisheries Patrol Vessels. 

Over the past 2 years, I have spent a week each year on Enlli and hope to continue to do so. The basic living conditions removed from the tech orientated modern-day hustle and bustle provide a much needed reset and transports me back to the simpler life of my youth on Llŷn. There is also the spiritual aspect of Enlli as it bridges the two planes of our current existence with the unknown and I have felt its healing powers following the death of my husband two years ago.  

It is an honour to be a Trustee, and I hope to contribute in some small way to the Trust’s work so that this unique working island continues to thrive allowing others to benefit, as I have, from their visits.