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Lundy Island
Introduction Just twelve miles from the North Devon coast, Lundy Island is a unique and unspoilt island, home to a fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic secnery. This 3-mile long island features one small village with an inn and a Victorian church. Nearby, the 13th-century Marisco Castle keeps guard. There is a resident population of up to 12 during the summer, who tend animals and look after the tourists staying in holiday cottages and arriving on day trips. Lundy is owned by the National Trust and leased to the Landmark Trust who promote the island as a peaceful holiday stay.
Visiting the island Lundy Island can be reached by ship or by air. The MS Oldenburg, the island's supply ship, sails regularly from Ilfracombe and Bideford with journey times of under two hours. Day trips can be booked online through the Lundy Sales Office and current prices are: adult £28, child £14, infants £5 and family £65. (Prices last checked 25th July 2004). Period returns and helicopter trips can be booked by phoning 01271 863636. Alternatively, book direct with Lomas Helicopters. They take off for Lundy from Lake Heliport in Abbotsham, near Bideford. For further information telephone 01237 421054 / 424060.
Environment
Events on Lundy Island Ben Sampson, the warden of Lundy Island, runs the following events to raise awareness of the Island's ecological importance. Events are open to all and are free of charge - except for snorkelling where a nominal charge of £5 covers equipment hire and maintenance. For further information, contact the Lundy Shore Office in Bideford on 01271 863636 or email info@lundyisland.co.uk
Lundy postage stamps In 1929 Lundy's first stamps were issued in local 'currency' - ½ puffin pink and 1 puffin blue. Today's issues depict local flora, and highly collectable commemorative stamps are issued annually. The latest commemorative issues were published in 1998 to mark the 100th Anniversary of the founding of St Helena's Church on the Island and the centenary of the North and South Lighthouses.
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Onlookers
helped save Lundy crash pilot
Adapted from an article in the North Devon Journal, December
2004
The dramatic rescue of a pilot from his crashed plane on Lundy has been highlighted in an investigation report. The unconscious pilot was hauled from his flaming aircraft after crashing on take-off on the island in July. The report, by the Air Accident Investigation Branch, concluded that the brave actions of three witnesses prevented the pilot from suffering serious injuries. The experienced pilot, Andy Swain, took off in good weather with a north-westerly surface wind. But the aircraft was seen to veer to the left of the airstrip's centre line, pitching nose-up before stalling and crashing. It was the second accident on the strip on the same day.
The report said: "On
take-off, he became airborne earlier than expected. Due to the crosswind,
the aircraft drifted to the left and the pilot was aware he was heading
directly for some parked aircraft and people. The aircraft stalled and
entered a 'spin' to the left before impacting." There
were numerous witnesses - and three ran to aid the pilot. They found him
unconscious and became
aware of a fire on the left hand side of the plane and managed to pull
the pilot clear, moments before an explosion ripped through the area of
the left tank.
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Page last updated: 30 December 2004