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Discovering Lundy

A Guide for Teachers

lundy, Channel, , EX39 2LY

Contents Introduction ...... 4 How to book ...... 4 Contact details ...... 4 Activity themes ...... 5 Lundy is...Inspiring ...... 5 Lundy is...Timeless ...... 5 Lundy is...Special ...... 5 Lundy is...Blue ...... 5 Lundy is...Sustainable ...... 5 Outline itineraries ...... 6 sailings ...... 6 sailings ...... 7 Preparation for your visit ...... 8 What to Bring ...... 8 Health & safety ...... 9 Risk Assessments ...... 9 First aid ...... 9 Facilities on lundy ...... 9 Supervision ...... 9 Safeguarding and DBS Checks ...... 10 Travel to your port of departure ...... 11 Bideford...... 11 Ilfracombe ...... 12 More about lundy ...... 13 A wealth of wildlife ...... 14 ...... 14 ...... 14 Feral ...... 15 LUNDY Ponies ...... 15 Rabbits ...... 15 Birds ...... 16 Lundy Farm ...... 17

2 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Lundy’s Underwater Kingdom ...... 18 ATLANTIC GREY Seals ...... 18 Lundy Landmarks ...... 19 Island Facilities ...... 20 ISLAND Code of Conduct ...... 22 Terms and Conditions (January 2019) ...... 23

3 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Introduction Lundy is just three miles long and half a mile wide, lying eleven miles off shore, and is an important part of the Biosphere. It is a unique environment, and an ideal place for children to learn outside of the classroom. The island’s rich history, natural environment, and remote community provide many curriculum opportunities, and an inspiring adventure which help children’s personal development and understanding of their world. This guide describes the learning opportunities Lundy has to offer and guides you through from booking to the day of your class’s visit. MS Oldenburg, Lundy’s passenger , sails to the island on Tuesdays and Thursdays from after the start of the summer term until October Half term. The ship sails from either Ilfracombe and Bideford. The fare for children and students in a pre-booked educational group is currently £10 each, with 1 accompanying adult travelling free for every 10 children. For safety reasons we can only accommodate one class per visit. There is no charge for the activities undertaken with our education officer. A pre-visit talk in your school is also available, free, from one of our trained volunteer Lundy Ambassadors. They will also join you on your visit, meeting you at the quayside and providing support throughout your day. How to book • The first thing to do is look at the sailing timetable and pick your preferred date: https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/Timetable/

• We suggest you pick 2 or 3 dates so that you have some alternatives in mind should your preferred date not be available. School visits to Lundy are very popular and availability is limited by the sailing schedule. • Next look at the Activity Themes section of this guide and decide what theme you would like to focus on during your visit. • Now email our Education Officer on [email protected] who will let you know which of your chosen dates are available and start the process of planning your day. Once the date of your visit has been confirmed, the Education Officer will put you in touch with the Shore Office who will process your booking for travel on MS Oldenburg. Confirmation of your booking for your group’s visit implies acceptance of our Terms and Conditions, which can be found in full at the end of this guide. We ask you to read this section carefully. Contact details Lundy’s Education Officer Tel: 01271 431831 Email: [email protected] (please note that the Education Officer is likely to be out & about on the island so email is advised as the best way to make contact) The Lundy Shore Office Tel: 01271 863636 Email: [email protected]

4 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Activity themes The activities outlined below are all suitable for Key Stage 2 classes but can also be adapted for Key Stages 3 and 4. Please contact our education officer to discuss any particular interests you may have. Lundy is...Inspiring Lundy’s natural beauty inspires creativity. The many visual delights give a wealth of opportunities for pupils to explore their artistic side. Bring your sketch books to record what you see on a walk with the Education Officer, visiting some of her favourite places. Design your very own Lundy stamp and Lundy postcard to send back to your school by Lundy Post - the oldest private postal service in the world with its unique set of -priced stamps. Lundy is...Timeless Lundy has a vast and colourful history, and aside from learning about our infamous piratical past, a day visit can also focus on fascinating island life during the Victorian times and World War 2 years. The island is a fantastic case study for local history with sites going back to the . There’s much to see with a castle, 3 and even a secret smugglers cave below the castle where the notorious MP Thomas Benson kept contraband and unsuspecting prisoners from North Devon! Lundy is...Special Conservation is key for Lundy, an excellent and precious example of wildlife and habitats both special in their local area and of international importance. Step off the ship and you are immediately surrounded by nature – blue seas, glorious wild flowers, and hosts of birds. In May or June you’ll see our unique Lundy Cabbage – a plant that grows nowhere else in the world! September brings the seal breeding season and, on a Bideford sailing from April until the end of June, you will have the chance to view Lundy and learn all about our protected seabirds. Lundy is...Blue Lundy’s coastline is one of the most highly protected in the UK, as a Marine Nature Reserve, Marine Conservation Zone and No Take Zone. Explore what these designations mean and learn about our exceptional marine life from rare pink sea fans, to our resident grey seals, and even basking sharks! If the tides are right there is the possibility to delve into Lundy’s watery world with a rockpool ramble. Lundy is...Sustainable Lundy provides a unique local case study for sustainability, with resources we take for granted such as water and power being precious and limited commodities. Learn about the challenges of living on an island and the importance of recycling, good waste management and environmentally friendly practices in protecting this stunning but vulnerable landscape.

5 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Outline itineraries The programme for your day visit to Lundy will depend on the activities you pick and the port from which you sail. An itinerary for your day will be produced once your Activity Theme has been agreed with the Education Officer. This will include the route for your guided walk and a summary of the activities planned. Please note that the timings, route and activities will be influenced by the weather and conditions on the day and so the actual programme may vary slightly from the one agreed in advance of your visit.

Ilfracombe sailings The table below gives an indication of the timings for a visit sailing from Ilfracombe:

09.00 Group to arrive at Ilfracombe Pier Car park to be met by Lundy Ambassador

09.15 Boarding of MS Oldenburg with Information Officer for safety briefing.

09.30 Boarding for other passengers

10.00 Ship departs Ilfracombe

12.00 Ship arrives Lundy, disembarkation, group met on jetty by Education approx Officer, safety briefing in beach building

12.10 Start guided walk – up the beach road to the village

12.30 Short lunch stop

12.50 Activities and guided walk of South End of the island.

15.15 Arrive in village, brief toilet stop, walk back down beach road to landing bay

16.00 Board MS Oldenburg for return sailing

16.30* Ship departs Lundy

18.30* Ship arrives Ilfracombe approx

* Please note that the ship departs from Lundy at 16.00 during September and October, to arrive in Ilfracombe at 18.00

6 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Bideford sailings Sailing times out of, and returning to, Bideford are dependent on of High Tide so departure and return times will be specific to the date you have chosen. Please refer to the sailing timetable for further details https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/Timetable/ The table below gives an example of the timings for a visit sailing from Bideford:

07.30 Group to arrive at Bideford Quay to be met by Lundy Ambassador

07.45 Boarding of MS Oldenburg with Information Officer for safety briefing.

08.00 Boarding for other passengers

08.30 Ship departs Bideford

10.30 Ship arrives Lundy, disembarkation, group met on jetty by Education approx Officer, safety briefing in beach building

10.40 Start guided walk – up beach road to village. Visit to St Helen’s Centre, depart for guided walk and activities 12.30 Lunch stop

13.00 Continue guided walk and activities

15.45 Return to Village, brief toilet stop, environmental games, writing and sending of postcards with Lundy stamps. 17.15 Walk back down beach road to landing bay

18.00 Board MS Oldenburg for return sailing

18.30 Ship depart Lundy

20.30 Ship arrives Bideford

7 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Preparation for your visit To help prepare for your visit one of our trained volunteer Lundy Ambassadors will be available to come to your school and give a free talk to your class. This can be a general talk or one tailored more specifically to the theme(s) you have chosen for your visit. It is an excellent opportunity for your class to ask questions about the island and to help them get the most from their visit. An Ambassador will also join you on your visit, meeting you at the quayside and providing support throughout your day. We will contact you to introduce you to your Lundy Ambassador and to arrange the visit to your school once the date and programme for your visit have been agreed. Some schools also request a follow up visit from their Ambassador, and we will do our best to arrange this for you if you would like one.

What to Bring • A trip to Lundy is a long and active day so please ensure that members of your group bring a generous packed lunch that includes sensible snacks for the boat journey to and from the island. Please avoid bringing overly sweet or sickly items of food as these may increase the likelihood of seasickness. They should also bring enough drink for their day. • There is a buffet on board MS Oldenburg where adults will be able to buy hot drinks. • Warm and water proof layers of clothing are advisable. The best views and, if you are lucky, marine wildlife sightings come from travelling on deck. This is also the best place to be to avoid seasickness. • We would recommend that anyone who suffers from travel sickness brings appropriate anti- seasickness medication to be administered in line with your school’s policies and procedures. Adults can also be affected by seasickness and we recommend that they also take precautions against feeling unwell so that they can supervise your group effectively throughout the journey. • Hats and sun cream are essential as sunlight can be reflected off the sea in even overcast weather. • Robust and, ideally, waterproof footwear will be needed. Exploring the island includes going over rough terrain where a good grip is needed. • Children may want to bring a small amount of money to spend in MS Oldenburg’s on-board gift shop. We advise that they visit this on the return journey rather than on the journey over to avoid carrying their purchases with them all day. We also advise that they don’t spend their money on confectionary as this can exacerbate feelings of seasickness.

8 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Health & safety The safety of your group at all times during their visit to Lundy is of utmost importance to us. Risk Assessments We will send your copies of our current Risk Assessments for your passage on MS Oldenburg and your activities whilst on Lundy. Please feel free to make use of these as part of the preparation of your own risk assessment for the visit in line with your organisation’s policies and procedures. First aid Please follow your school’s policies and procedures with regards to First Aid. The majority of staff are trained Emergency First Responders, and all staff carry a VHF radio for communication. Facilities on lundy We recommend that everyone uses the toilet facilities on board MS Oldenburg before they arrive at Lundy as it may be some time until you pass through the village where Lundy’s only toilet facilities are found. The village consists of the Church, The Marisco Tavern, and the Lundy General Store. A visit to Lundy is essentially an outdoor experience. We will undertake activities in most weather conditions (except extreme and dangerous weather conditions e.g. high winds). We do, however, have indoor space should the conditions become unsuitable for outdoor activities during your visit. The grant funding we recently received from the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled us to restore St Helen’s church and turn it into a centre for education and community activities. It also houses a new interpretation exhibition covering the history and wildlife of Lundy. Mobile phone coverage on the island is variable. There is a public payphone in the Tavern in the village. The Education Officer will be carrying a walky-talky for emergencies. Supervision The role of our staff and volunteers is to provide an inspiring and memorable experience of Lundy. However, the primary duty of care for any children under 18 or vulnerable adults remains with the group organiser at all times. It is therefore the responsibility of the group organiser to ensure an appropriate level of supervision and maintain acceptable standards of behaviour for their group at all times. This includes the sailing to and from the island. Our minimum staffing ratios are set out in our Terms and Conditions at the end of this guide. Your group should be kept under control and show good behaviour at all times. The responsibility for this lies with the group leader. Given the rugged and wild terrain of the island, it is essential that children know to stick to the paths, not run, and to follow instructions at all times. We will terminate the trip if any behaviour is unacceptable or causes danger to others. We ask that the children are assigned to an adult before departure and that each adult caries a list of the children in their care. This helps us organise the children during their activities as well as in case of an emergency.

9 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Please note that to be able to adequately supervise your group at all times, accompanying adults need to be of a reasonable level of physical fitness. There will be a significant amount of walking during the day and the first part of the visit is a walk of approximately a 25-minutes up a steep beach road from the jetty. Safeguarding and DBS Checks Lundy’s staff and volunteers will not be responsible for supervision of any members of your group at any time during their visit, or during any in-school activities. Children should always be accompanied by an adult from the school. DBS checks will be carried out for Lundy staff or volunteers if they are appropriate to the nature and frequency of contact with children and/or vulnerable adults that their role requires. Lundy’s Education Officer is DBS checked. To view our Safeguarding Policy please visit: https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/globalassets/policies/the-landmark-trust---safeguarding- policy.pdf

10 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Travel to your port of departure Please make sure you arrive at the correct port to check in one hour before departure. The information below should be shared with any adults traveling in their own cars either to accompanying the group or to drop off or collect children. Please allow enough time for the journey. There can be delays when travelling through Barnstaple at peak times. We also advise that you check in advance that your coach company has allowed enough time for the morning journey and know where to drop and collect you. Public transport By public transport the nearest railway station is Barnstaple and there are regular bus connections from there to Bideford and Ilfracombe. • For trains call 03457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk • For bus/coach services call 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.traveline.info Bideford MS Oldenburg berths on Bideford Quay in the centre of town, 250 yards north of the Old Bideford Bridge. The postcode for the Lundy Shore Office in Bideford is EX39 2EY

Car Parking Public parking is available at Riverbank Car Park (EX39 2QS). You must park in the long stay section located at the far end of Riverbank Car Park on Kingsley Road. Please ensure you are parked beyond machine ‘3’. For further information and enquiries please call Council on 01237 428700 (Mon- Fri) or visit www.torridge.gov.uk/article/12488/Where-to-park-for-Lundy-Island to check on the latest charges.

11 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Ilfracombe MS Oldenburg is moored at the pier in Ilfracombe. The postcode of the Lundy Office in Ilfracombe is EX34 9EQ.

Car Parking To pay by credit/debit card on the day there is a ring and go service available for the public car parks – the telephone number you require is 01271 823825, the car park ID is 3631 for Marine Drive (EX34 9EN) and 3630 for Larkstone Lane (EX34 9QG). The Pier Car Park is Short Stay only; please do not park here if you are staying on Lundy. Please refer to www.northdevon.gov.uk/parking/council-car-parks for the most up to date charges.

12 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 More about lundy

Three miles long and half a mile wide, Lundy lies 11 miles off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic meets the . The island is owned by the , but leased to the , who run the 23 unique letting properties. The entire 451 hectares of the island is classed as a farm, with several conservation designations. Most of the island is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protecting the land based features such as rare species, important vascular plant assemblages and seabird colonies. As Lundy is the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and ‘No Take Zone’ (NTZ) as well as being a Special area of Conservation (SAC), the marine life on Lundy is also highly protected from disturbing activities. These conservation designations ensure that Lundy and its wildlife are protected for future generations to enjoy.

In 2017 we secured Heritage Lottery funding to repair our Church, and throughout 2017 and in to 2018 we worked on repointing and repairing the building which has been a key feature of the Lundy landscape since 1896. Alongside the structural work, we have created the St. Helen’s Centre; a designated base for school groups, with seating area and interactive information boards. Lundy is a completely unique environment, and an ideal place for children to learn outside of the classroom. It is a world apart from the pressures of modern life, with variable mobile phone signal, no internet connection, and a raw and rugged landscape. The contrasts of the island and its rich history, natural environment, and remote community provide opportunities to tie in with a number of curriculum subjects, as well as providing children with an inspiring adventure experience which will help their personal development and understanding of the world.

13 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 A wealth of wildlife Lundy is a haven for many different types of interesting wildlife, from the rugged west coast with its spectacular sea bird colonies, to the more sheltered east coast with its herds of Sika deer hidden amongst the wildflower carpets. Here is a glimpse into the animals that could be seen on your visit.

Lundy is home to a selection of mammals, both native and introduced. The only native mammals found on the island include pygmy shrews and pipistrelle bat species. These species, although monitored, are not managed by the Conservation Team. Land based mammals which have been introduced include sika deer, soay sheep, goats, rabbits, ponies, highland cattle and domestic sheep. Sika Deer Sika deer, a Japanese species, were introduced to the island in 1927 by Martin Coles Harman, Lundy’s owner at the time. The deer are very elusive, however, during dawn and dusk they often come up into the farm fields to graze. They can also be spotted in Lundy’s small wood copses. During the summer, sika deer have a sleek chestnut brown coat dappled with white spots (as pictured). In winter the deer’s coat becomes thicker, darker and the spots disappear. Soay Sheep The Soay sheep are another species introduced by Martin Coles Harman in 1942. This primitive breed of sheep originated from the Isle of Soay in the St. Kilda archipelago. The flock has been isolated since its original introduction to the island, ensuring that the gene pool has not been diluted through crossing with other sheep breeds. The Soay can be found from Halfway wall northwards and are a common sight in Middle Park. Rutting occurs in autumn, with lambs being born the following March-April. Lambs will begin foraging on grass as young as two weeks, with weaning thought to occur during the autumn.

14 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Feral Goats Goats were thought to be originally introduced to the island by 16th century mariners as a food source for future shipwrecked mariners. The island now supports a small herd of approximately 20 feral goats. The goats roam the island and their location can be dependent on weather and food availability. In general, however, they are found North of Quarter wall, preferring the side lands to the plateau. Kids are normally born in January and February but can occur later in the year and are amazingly agile from a young age, following their mothers out onto cliff edges where they feed on lichen along with other vegetation.

LUNDY Ponies In 1928 Martin Coles Harman introduced a herd of fifty ponies to the island in an attempt to establish a new breed of pony. This herd mainly consisted of New Forest ponies, a breed which were readily available from the local area, however, Welsh Mountain ponies were also used to give the breed “style and height”. The Lundy pony is now an officially recognised breed, with a herd of approximately twenty ponies being kept on the island. The ponies remain in the Pondsbury area between Quarter and Halfway walls.

Rabbits Rabbits have been present on Lundy since the 13th century, when the island was used, in part, as a Royal warren. It is believed that it was at this time that black rabbits were introduced to the island, as their valuable black fur was coveted by the monarchy. Black rabbits are still present on the island, although are a rarer sight than the fawn coloured rabbits. Over the years the rabbit population has fluctuated naturally due to Myxomatosis, weather and food availability. The rabbit population is also managed to prevent over-grazing of the SSSI grassland and heath land. Rabbits are a frequent sighting on Lundy and, although most commonly sighted at dusk, they can be seen throughout the day.

Lundy’s feral goats Young Soay sheep

15 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Birds Lundy is well known for the variety of its birdlife. The island not only supports important seabird colonies but is also a significant staging post for spring and autumn migrants. Lundy’s seabird colonies are one of the largest and most important in the South West region. The main seabird colonies are located on the island’s west coast, with the sheer cliffs and windblown slopes proving favourable nesting locations. The seabirds are only found on the island during the breeding season, from late April to late July. A Bideford sailing would allow time for a guided walk to view the seabirds during these months. Please ask if you would like us to include this in the programme for your day.

Puffins are probably one of Lundy’s most famous birds, and the name “Lundy” is derived from the Norse meaning . The nesting period for puffins on Lundy is between April and July, although sightings outside of this time are not uncommon. The birds spend many much of their time travelling back and forth from the cliff face, delivering sand eels to their young. Jenny’s Cove and St. Phillip’s Stone on the west coast have proved to be two of the best locations for puffin sightings. Puffins are usually found in company with other sea bird species such as guillemots (pictured left) and (pictured right). These closely related auks are found along the west coast, and can be seen at the puffin viewing locations of Jenny’s Cove and St. Mark’s Stone. Razorbills are identified by their black backs and white chests, as well as their broad black bills patterned with white. In comparison, guillemots have chocolate brown backs with white plumage, and pointed uniformly coloured bills. The nesting period for razorbills and guillemots is between March and July, during

which time they are usually observed both on land and rafting or fishing at sea.

16 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Lundy Farm Lundy is a working farm, as well as a haven for wildlife and history. The farm contains a mixture of livestock including approximately 300 Cheviot cross Texel sheep, a herd of Gloucester Old Spot pigs and a herd of Highland cattle. These traditional breeds have been chosen specifically for their hardiness and so are well suited to island life. The animals serve an important role in the management of the island’s vegetation. The sheep, which graze in the south section of the island, are nibblers who trim the vegetation to an even height. This agriculturally improves the acidic grassland in the South. In comparison, the cattle chew and rip rougher vegetation, creating bare patches, which allows different vegetation species to grow. These different grazing types help to improve the composition of vegetation on the island, increasing biodiversity. The use of conservation grazing, therefore, helps to maintain favourable conditions within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You will be able to view most of the farm animals during your visit, but please not that petting or feeding the animals is not allowed. Though these animals are domesticated, Lundy’s farming methods are very traditional, and we are not a ‘petting zoo’.

Boris the bull happily grazing outside the Old Infirmary The domestic animals on Lundy are also used for meat production, and the lamb is available to buy. The lambs are born and reared on the island without the pressures of modern intensive methods. Their diet is free from growth promoters or artificial additives and is composed simply of mother’s milk and traditional grasses and herbs which improves the taste of the meat.

Lundy is beautiful, wild, rugged and unspoilt, and in keeping with this, there are no signs on Lundy. You are responsible for using common sense at all times. On your visit, please only touch the animals if given permission by your guide, to reduce the risk of any infection. The farmer has control measures in place, and will sperate any animals that are deemed a risk, but all animals (including birds) carry micro-organisms such as E. coli O157 that could represent a hazard to human health. Animals carrying infection can still appear healthy. There is also always a risk that women who are pregnant could contract certain infectious diseases (Toxoplasma/Chlamydophila abortus/Listeria) from pregnant livestock including sheep and goats, and so should take extra precautions, including informing us of any pregnancies prior to the visit. 17 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Lundy’s underwater Kingdom The waters surrounding Lundy boast both spectacular and often rare marine life. The richness of wildlife is partly attributed to converging water currents, including nutrient rich water from estuaries along the Bristol Channel found east of the island, and cooler yet more clear waters from the west of the island. Just off the jetty, the Devil’s Kitchen is one of the best places to encounter shore life. Here the bed rock has been worn away to form a series of rock pools and gullies which are full of marine animals and plants. On a guided Rockpool Ramble you will see brown, red and green , barnacles, limpets, and beadlet, strawberry and snakelocks anemones. For those not afraid to get their hands dirty, shore crabs, cushion stars, pipefish and even small fish can be found under rocks and .

W

What will your group find on a Rockpool ramble? A Cushion Star (left), Snakelocks Anenome (centre) and Edible Crab. The rocky shores of Lundy provide the perfect opportunity to discover marine life which may be otherwise inaccessible. The intertidal area is the part of the shore which is covered and uncovered by the tides twice a day. The plants and animals that live in this area have to be extremely hardy to survive the various stresses they are exposed to. Intertidal marine life has to withstand possible desiccation, changes in temperature, changes in oxygen levels and sporadic access to food. Each animal and plant has developed its own adaptations to deal with these pressures.

ATLANTIC GREY Seals Lundy is an excellent place to see wild seals, as we have a resident population of approximately 200 Atlantic grey seals. These seals can be seen just about anywhere on the island, either “hauled” out on the rocks enjoying the sun, or in the water. Whilst in the water they can dive for up to 20 minutes at a time in search of fish, and are common sights in and around the kelp forests. Male seals, or bulls, have prominent Roman noses which can help to differentiate them from the relatively straight nosed female seals, or cows. Males also tend to be considerably larger than the females with some males measuring 2.5m in length and weighing up to 350kg, whilst females are approximately 2m in length and 250kg in weight.

18 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Lundy Landmarks As an inaccessible and almost impregnable natural fortress, Lundy has been a most desirable possession throughout history, whether for pirates, fugitives, or the forces of law and order. There are many fascinating tales and historical facts that can be told and learned on a visit to the island, and the physical remains of these histories can be visited on your trip. The Old and Cemetery The Old Lighthouse was built in 1819 at 567 feet above sea level, making it the tallest light in the UK. However, this was the downfall of the lighthouse, since the light was too high and so regularly enshrouded in the infamous Lundy . It is possible to take your group inside and to the very top of the lighthouse. Adjoining the lighthouse is Beacon Hill Cemetery, which has early Christian standing stones dating from the 5th and 6th century AD, making them extremely rare! the CastLe and Benson’s Cave The castle was built in 1244 for Henry III, and is the oldest surviving building on the island. It commands an extensive view of the Bristol Channel, and has a long and fascinating history, particularly with links to and . Below the castle parade is the entrance to Benson’s cave. Thomas Benson used it to store contraband and to conceal prisoners, making it the scene of one of the darkest parts of Lundy’s history. Graffiti on the walls of the cave, created by the prisoners kept there in the 1700s, can still be traced today. Visiting the cave is a profound and dramatic aspect to your visit! There are many other unique aspects of Lundy that can be discovered on your visit if you so wish. Please speak to the Education Officer/Warden if you are • Lundy Cabbage (a plant found only on Lundy island!) interested in any of the following: • A foray for wildflowers • Unique Lundy stamps and coins • Golden hair lichen (a rare UK lichen which only grows in pollution-free air) • A unique micro- only formed on the island, called ‘Lundyite’ • Victorian Granite Quarries • Remains of WW2 German Heinkel III Bomber

19 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Island Facilities Lundy has one very small village, which is approximately a 20-minute walk up a steep beach road from the jetty. The village consists of the Church, The Marisco Tavern, and the Lundy General Store. The Church – st.heLen’s Centre The St.Helen’s Centre will be available as your meeting place and base for the day The St Helen’s Church has just been restored and is now an outstanding facility for Lundy Island. It provides a base for study to give a fuller understanding of broader environmental and conservation issues at the heart of Lundy’s existence, it provides a centre for exhibitions, lectures and a base for school pupils to experience the very ‘special’ nature of Lundy. Bags and equipment can be left in the centre during your visit, there is refuge there if the weather is particularly inclement, and it is a designated space for interactive learning.

The Marisco Tavern The Marisco Tavern is Lundy’s only pub, and is therefore ‘all things to all people’. On busy summer boat days, the Tavern gets extremely crowded, and so we ask that visiting school groups do not use the Tavern (unless teachers are in dire need of a quick cup of coffee!). We ask that pupils bring their own packed lunches, and make use of the outdoor picnic areas, which will be pointed out to you by your guide for the day.

The Lundy General Store Lundy has just one small shop and, as with the Tavern, the shop can get very busy on summer boat days. There is only space for a small number of children in the shop and allowing time for everyone to visit can be very time consuming, so to maximise the educational value of your trip we do not include any shopping time on the island in your itinerary if you have sailed from Ilfracombe. Children may, though, want to bring a small amount of money to spend in MS Oldenburg’s on- board gift shop. The longer day of a Bideford sailing allows a bit more flexibility so please ask if you would like to include an island shop-stop in your visit.

Washroom Facilities The only public washrooms are in the village itself; next to the St. Helen’s Centre, and next to the Marisco Tavern. There are no washroom facilities on the walk up from the jetty, or whilst out on the guided walk. It is very important to note that water in the washrooms is NOT suitable for drinking.

20 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Lundy Staff There are approximately 28 staff that live and work on Lundy, and they are easy to recognise in their Lundy blue t-shirts. All staff are extremely friendly and approachable with a wealth of knowledge about the island, but please be respectful that this is their home as well as their workplace. The majority of staff are trained Emergency First Responders, and all staff carry a VHF radio for communication.

21 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019

ISLAND Code of Conduct Respect, protect, enjoy!

By adhering to the following codes you can help to ensure that Lundy’s beautiful and rare wildlife is protected for future generations.

• Please do not drop litter. Dispose of any litter, cigarette butts and chewing gum in a bin. Pick up any litter that you see and report pollution events to the Warden. • Keep to obvious paths and watch your step in April to August as many of our ground nesting birds conceal their nests amongst and grass. If you do come across a nest, please give it a wide berth so as not to disturb the parents. • Never pick or damage flowers, plants or fungi. Many, such as the Lundy Cabbage, golden hair lichen and Deptford pink, are rare and protected. • Please admire the wild and feral animals from a distance. If an animal appears agitated or aggressive towards you, please move away. • Please do not feed the animals. Wild and feral animals alike. • Using a metal detector or purposefully disturbing the ground on Lundy is not permitted. • To keep Lundy rat free, please check your boats and bags as they can harbour rats. Take all rubbish home, especially perishable picnic leftovers. • Collecting firewood or lighting campfires is not allowed anywhere on the island. • Abide by the climbing and scrambling restrictions in place during the seabird breeding season from March 31st to July 31st. • The use of drones on the island is not allowed without first gaining permission from the island Warden (enquire at reception or via email).

PLEASE REPORT ANY ACTS OF MISCONDUCT TO THE ISLAND WARDEN.

22 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 Terms and Conditions (January 2019) 1. Charges and Travel Bookings: 1.1 There is no charge for the activities undertaken with our Education Officer and/or volunteer Lundy Ambassador(s). 1.2 The fare for children and students in a pre-booked educational group is currently £10 each, with up to 3 accompanying adults travelling free depending on the size of your group (this will usually be 1 adult for every 10 children). For safety reasons we can only accommodate one class per visit and children must be aged 7 or over. 1.3 We may be able to accommodate additional adults to accompany your group at a discounted rate. This will depend on age and number of your students. Please contact us for details. 1.4 In order to secure your places on the ship, travel bookings should be made through the Lundy Shore Office as soon as your visit date has been confirmed by the Education Officer. 1.5 Once we have confirmed your visit, and as a condition of booking, we will require an authorised purchase order number from you at least one week in advance of your visit. 1.6 Final numbers must be confirmed by you one week in advance in writing, at which point we will invoice you accordingly. 1.7 We require the name, gender and age group (adult/child/infant) of each passenger. For travel purposes children are classed as being between the ages of 4 and 15. 1.8 The Shore Office must be notified of any changes to the passengers in your group before sailing to ensure accuracy of the ship’s manifest (as required by law). This includes absent students and changes to accompanying adults. 2. Cancellation and refunds: 2.1 Bookings must be confirmed in writing or by E-Mail to secure your school visit. Your booking is provisional until your places have been reserved on MS Oldenburg for the day of your visit. If we do not receive your travel booking within 10 working days of your visit date being agreed with our Education Officer, we will assume you do not wish to confirm the booking and will offer the date(s) to another school. 2.2 Day trip sailing tickets are usually non-refundable or transferable unless the sailing is cancelled by the Lundy Company as a result of factors beyond our control. 2.3 In the event that you decide to cancel a confirmed booking before we receive payment in full, we reserve the right to charge you £200 as a late cancellation fee, and by confirming a booking in writing, you agree to pay this in full. 2.4 The Lundy Company reserves the right to alter your day’s programme or cancel your visit should factors beyond our control such as adverse weather conditions affect the sailing on the day or conditions on Lundy. If cancellation is necessary, we will do our best to offer you a suitable alternative date.

23 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019 2.5 Passenger safety is our priority and we reserve the right to cancel your visit should weather conditions prevent sailing of MS Oldenburg or make passage unacceptably uncomfortable for your group. If cancellation is necessary, we will do our best to offer you a suitable alternative date. 2.6 In the event of cancellation by the Lundy Company, sailing tickets will be transferable to another sailing within the following 12 months. If an alternative date cannot be found for your visit a refund for the cost of the sailing tickets can be obtained by contacting the Shore Office. 2.7 We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible should cancellation be necessary. However, we are reliant on the accuracy of weather and sailing forecasts and these are by nature often short term. If you have any concerns leading up to your visit you should call the Shore Office on 01271 863636. Calling this number after 8.00pm the evening before your departure will connect you to the Lundy Information Line which gives the latest information on sailing times. 2.8 In the event of cancellation by The Lundy Company, the company will not be liable for any other costs that you may have incurred, including third party costs such as bookings for coach travel to and from the port. 3. Health and Safety: 3.1 The primary duty of care for any children under 18 or vulnerable adults remains with the group organiser at all times. It is therefore the responsibility of the group organiser to ensure an appropriate level of supervision and maintain acceptable standards of behaviour for their group at all times during the visit. This includes the sailing to and from the island. 3.2 Because a visit to the island includes travel over open water we require the following minimum adult to child ratios:

Year Groups: Adult to Child Ratio:

3 and 4 1:6

5, 6 and 7 1:8

8 to 11 1:10

Post 16 1:10

3.3 All supervising adults will be expected to accompany their group at all times during the visit. This requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, including the ability to walk up steep hills. 3.4 We will provide you with a copy of our risk assessment for the activities to be undertaken during your visit. Please feel free to make use of this as part of the preparation of your own risk assessment for the visit in line with your organisation’s policies and procedures. 3.5 We will do our best to accommodate specific needs of any members of your group provided these have been discussed with us prior to your visit. However, the varied nature of the island terrain means that we may not be able to make all elements of the programme accessible to everyone. 3.6 We reserve the right to alter or abandon the programme during your visit should we have any concerns about the safety of the group, inclement weather or any other relevant factor.

24 Lundy Educational Visits Guide 2019