Follow the footsteps of pilgrims, pirates, fishers and farmers
As you take your first steps onto Enlli you follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, pirates and generations of families that have worked the land and sea. You’ll see bird-life and one of Wales’ strongest Grey Seal colonies enjoying their native habitat. Enlli is an island far from the busy-ness of the world, a place where the sense of history, spirituality, heritage, culture and wildlife are closer to one another than any other place.
Our Wardens
Working in an office from 9-5 didn’t suit me. Working on Enlli is a busy life, the work is endless, but being able to give my energy towards protecting and improving somewhere as special as Enlli is a privilege.
Mari Huws Jones
Warden
Today, Enlli is a living island, and an island of work. There is a permanent seasonal community of 12 who work the land and sea, welcome visitors and protect the heritage and wildlife. Everyday life is impacted by the wind, rain, sun and tides, with plans dictated by the elements in a way which reconnects us to reality.
The island is Europe’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary, a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is something on Enlli for everyone!
Atlantic Grey Seal haul out
Wildlife
Our wildlife
The land and sea around Enlli are thriving with wildlife
Thanks to generations of sustainable lobster and crab fishing the waters off Enlli 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.
abbey ruins at nant
The island of 20,000 saints
Celtic Christianity dating back to the 6th century
Discover the remains of the 13th century abbey of the Augustinian Canons, following in the footsteps of the ancient Celtic foundation of the sixth century.
Gareth Roberts
I’ve been visiting Enlli since 1973, my father was a part-time fisherman who used to put his pots on the mainland side of the Sound, fishing from Porth Meudwy. I’ve held the tenancy for Cwrt for nearly 30 years and have been the farming tenant of Enlli for the last 18 year. Its a wonderful place and our grandchildren are growing to enjoy and appreciate it as much as we do, and I hope they'll get the opportunity to be part of its future
Gareth Roberts
Farmer and fisherman
History
Steeped in over 2000 years worth of history
Since the 2nd century BC there have been signs of people living and using Enlli as a key place in their lives. Discover the stories of the pilgrims, pirates, fishers, farmers and the artists that have called Enlli home.
Enlli cows by Emyr Owen
Working the land
Conservation farming at work
A flock of 200 sheep and a small herd of 20-30 Welsh Black Cattle help to maintain and manage the land on Enlli for the wide range of plants and wildlife which thrive in its fields, withies and heathland.
Where next?
