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My favourite green space: Lundy Island

Submitted by richard on 5 April, 2008 - 16:42.

The Times 'Green Spaces' travel awards launched this month. Here Richard Hammond, one of the award judges, gives his favourite green space: Lundy Island, Devon.

Ten miles off the north coast of Devon, Lundy Island is England's only marine reserve. It is a quiet, gentle place - free from cars and city lights - where wild ponies, Soay sheep and sika deer roam among moorland and heath. The reserve was set up to protect the huge variety of marine life around the island, including sea fans, branching sponges and cup coral.

The only inhabitants are the few people who look after the island's buildings - a church, a small convenience store, a pub, and the island's 20 or so holiday properties, including dormitory-style barns, restored cottages, a lighthouse, a late-Regency house (for 12) and a 13th-century castle.

Go there for blustery walks along the west coast where seabirds swoop among the steep cliffs pounded by waves, and to the sheltered east side, where you can scramble down to rock pools and hidden coves. I have sought refuge by the log fire of the cosy pub during new year gales, spent a clear Easter morning admiring the views from the lighthouse, and snorkelled with the island's resident population of grey seals in the summer.

Details: For accommodation contact the Landmark Trust (01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk) and for boat tickets to the island contact the Lundy Shore Office (01271 863636).

Send in your nomination for The Times Green Spaces Travel Awards. For details, see: Times Green Spaces

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