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Flat
Holm,
Steep Holm's neighbour in the Bristol Channel, administratively
part of Wales, is also an extension of the Mendip Hills.
A Welsh
island, Flat Holm lies 3 miles from Lavernock Point in Glamorgan
and includes the most southerly point of Wales.
The name
Holm derives from the Scandinavian name for river.
Around
500 m in diameter, the island is almost flat and on its sheltered
easterly cliffs stands a prominent lighthouse.
The tiny
island was used as a retreat by monks in the Dark Ages and
also acted as a sanctuary for Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, silver
miners, smugglers and cholera victims.
In 1897
Guglielmo Marconi, assisted by George Kemp (an engineer from
Cardiff Post Office), transmitted the first wireless signal
over water from Lavenock to Flat Holm. Sent in morse code,
the message was 'Are you ready?'
Like
Steep Holm, the island was fortified in the 1860s and at the
outbreak of World War II was re-armed. A radar station was
also set up on the island. At the end of the conflict these
were abandoned and since then sland has had no military use.
Now uninhabited,
Flat Holm is designated as a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI)
and a Local Nature Reserve, run by Cardiff City Council.
The island
boasts one of the largest colonies of gulls in Wales and is
also noted for its rich flora and fauna.
From
March to October Flat Holm can be reached by boat from Cardiff
in South Wales. The day trips give visitors around 3 hours
on the island. Guided walks and refreshments are available.
To book call 029 2035 3917.
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Flat Holm
