Flatholm Island in Trouble?

It is that time again for another pointless post with promises I can only hope but make but hopefully Danny from Dannysdigiscoping having a little competition being held in a few months could be that push to make some time to get back out there. The fun of competing, which granted isnt as fun as winning but never the less I am hoping it gives me that push.

 The biggest news that has hit me as I waste days not digiscoping is the selling of Flatholm Island, I have been to Flatholm twice, yes you heard twice and despite the bombardment of lesser black back gulls and rabbits suffering on myxomatosis, it is an enjoyable time out with nice weather, spectacular wildlife and pretty flowers if you are into that stuff. I don't tend to get political with my posts partly because it is not relevant. As part of the wonderful government budget cuts that have been going on for a while now, which as you can see...are not helping at all, they say this for flatholm:

  Proposal: To Cease Operation of Flatholm Island and Consider Options for Disposal.

  The visitor and income profile for Flatholm demonstrates that demand for the island is highly concentrated in the summer months and is insufficient to cover the operating costs of the facility. It is proposed to cease all visits to the island, and dispose of the island to a third party with no further Council involvement. Visits to the island could be ceased promptly whilst options for disposal are explored. The budget saving reflects retention of a small contingency for service visits during closure.The proposal also includes the disposal of the Lewis Alexander, the vessel currently used to service the island which has increasing costs associated with keeping it serviceable and licensed due to age. If minded to retain some operation of the Island whilst disposal is explored and effected, revision of operations so that visits and overnight stays are only facilitated in the summer could be implemented saving the lower amount of £100k, with visitor access provided by partner commercial boat operators, with emergency/service visits by Council staff facilitated through the Harbour Authority's "survey vessel"



So what does this mean? it means less work for the council of course! but will there be a buyer? I have no doubt there will be and it is not likely to be an ideal place for a "Maccy D's" either but you can help save it! (Apparently) just sign here and all your worries will be gone, if you view below you can see some of the excellent wildlife it has.

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