Looe Island, Marine nature reserve on Looe Island, Cornwall, England
Looe Island is a small island off the Cornwall coast with forested areas, maritime grassland, and rocky shores. The landscape shifts between sandy patches, shingle banks, and reed beds, creating varied environments across the site.
The island shows signs of human settlement since the Iron Age, with finds including Roman pottery jars and ancient anchors. These archaeological clues suggest people used this location across many centuries.
The island's story is shaped by two sisters, Babs and Evelyn Atkins, who shared their daily experiences living in isolation. Their recorded observations help visitors understand how people adapted to life on this remote location.
The island is only accessible to visitors from Easter through October and requires advance booking with authorized operators. You should dress for changing weather and allow time for the boat journey out and back.
Two wildlife wardens live year-round on the island and trade homegrown produce with local fishermen. The site runs on solar panels and wind turbines, showing a self-sufficient way of living.
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