Lundy, Site of Special Scientific Interest in Bristol Channel, England
Lundy is a granite island in the Bristol Channel in England, extending three miles in length and half a mile in width. The island sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel, offering a mix of cliffs, grassland and a few buildings scattered across the terrain.
The island's name, derived from Old Norse, first appeared in records from 1189 and reflects its long connection to seafaring communities. Over the centuries it changed hands several times and served different purposes, from a pirate stronghold to a private estate.
The island maintains its own postal system with Puffin stamps, a tradition from the early twentieth century. Visitors can buy these local stamps and mail postcards from here, each letter receiving a special postmark from this small island territory.
Visitors reach the island through ferry services from Ilfracombe or Bideford, with helicopter transfers available during winter months. The crossing takes around two hours by boat, so expect changing sea conditions and bring appropriate clothing.
The waters around the island became the United Kingdom's first Marine Conservation Zone in 2010, protecting different marine habitats. Divers and snorkelers can observe seals, rare coral species and shipwrecks from different centuries at certain spots here.
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