Wildlife
What to see
All year round, Steep Holm is home to a wide variety of wildlife. From common bird species to more rare sightings of things like our Peregrine Falcon. We are also home to seals, Muntjac deer and a wide range of insects and butterflies. Interestingly, there is a complete absence of rodents on this island and the once thriving rabbit population is now extinct due to the increase in scrub over the years.
Take a look below at some of the species you may find:
Peregrine Falcon
A pair breed on the island most years and can often be heard long before they are seen, silhouetted in the sky or mobbed by the gulls
Grey Seal
Sam the seal can often be spotted bobbing in the water, when walking along our pebbly beach. Tip: the sound of the stones attracts his attention
Herring Gull
One of our three species of gull, usually seen from April to late August. We have approximately 1400 pairs occupying the cliffs
Cormorant
Having around 100 pairs, the island houses the largest breeding colony in the Bristol Channel. Usually spotted by their nests on the sheer North cliffs
Muntjac Deer
Only a small deer, about the size of a fox, so a full sighting is very rare. Tip: listen out for their bark or a crash through the bushes
Water Rail
A very bizarre spot, we are the second known place in Somerset to have confirmed breeding. Usually found if you hear an obscure squealing in the undergrowth
Pipistrelle Bat
A common sight for late departures, often seen skimming over bushes, buildings, and trees at dusk
Slow Worm
The Trust holds the British record for the longest Slow Worm ever recorded at 52cm - but don't worry they aren't all that long!
Painted Lady
One of our many frequent butterfly species. The best time of year to spot them is late March until early May
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