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Falklands Conservation |
Ship Island (9 Ha, 22 acres)
Ship Island is one of a group of six islands off the coast of New Island which were gifted to Falklands Conservation by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation.
This is a small flat island situated in Ship Harbour, New Island. The low lying coastline has slightly shelving rock. Its surface is dry and hard, composed mainly of clay subsoil with little peat. There is evidence to suggest that the Island was probably covered with tussac which was subsequently burnt. The main vegetation is composed of Sheep Sorrel, Mayweed, Celery and Diddle Dee. There is a substantial colony of the Native Yellow Violet.
Until 1972 the Island was used as a ram holding, but following serious devegetation these were removed. Since the removal of stock, a small area of tussac has re-established.
The Island is a nesting site for Dominican Gull, Dolphin Gull and Terns and has a large population of Falkland Skua. A small number of non-breeding Sea Lions use the Island as a hauling up ground.
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Patron: HRH The Duke of York CVO ADC Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature | BirdLife International Representative |