Bardsey Island, a small island in Wales, United Kingdom, located about 3 kilometers from the Llŷn Peninsula, is seeking new residents willing to embrace a simple life on the sheep-populated island. The island, devoid of electricity, Wi-Fi, schools, shops, and cars, has a sparse population throughout the year. The management authority of the island is looking for individuals interested in managing the 200 sheep and other livestock on the island.
Covering only 440 acres, Bardsey Island is a nationally protected area in the UK and holds special scientific value. Currently, the island has only a permanent population of 3 people, with a few additional residents like caretakers residing temporarily throughout the year.
Closer to Ireland than the UK, Bardsey Island is devoid of televisions, cars, phones, schools, or shops. Residents wash all their clothes by hand, and composting toilets are in use. If you fancy a glass of milk, you might need to go hunt down a cow.
Water resources on this small island are limited, with only a few springs available for residents. Although residents have solar lights in their homes, visitors are advised to bring flashlights and batteries when visiting the island. In 2023, the island was designated as Europe’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Life on Bardsey Island is simple yet occasionally dangerous. However, for many, this simplicity is appealing. Children, in particular, are intrigued as they are free from the distractions of modern life and can explore the nature-filled island, encountering a variety of wildlife from migratory birds to grey seals.
On this island, once renowned as a haven for pirates, one can experience the ultimate adventure. Bardsey Island is said to be the resting place of 20,000 saints and holds spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims since Celtic times. The lighthouse constructed in 1821 still stands at the southern tip of the island.
Presently, Bardsey Island’s owner and management entity, the Bardsey Island Trust, is seeking a nature-loving family or couple to reside on the island. This is the first time in approximately 20 years that the organization is seeking residents, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Selected applicants must move to the island by September 2026. Once settled, these new residents will work alongside island resident Gareth Roberts in managing the 200 sheep and 25 cows on the island.
Sian Stacey, the Chief Executive of the Bardsey Island Trust, mentioned to the BBC that Roberts and his family have been living on the island since 2007, providing him with extensive knowledge of the challenges and benefits of island life. He will mentor the new residents.
Stacey describes Bardsey Island as a vibrant community, having lived there herself for 3 years, calling it a “wonderful place.”
A spokesperson for the Bardsey Island Trust stated, “We are looking for a family or couple with agricultural experience. Ideally, they should speak Welsh, as it is the island’s daily language and a significant part of its culture.”
The spokesperson emphasized the importance for new residents to integrate into the community and island life. The organization has outlined a five-year plan to offer ample support to the new residents.
Those interested in applying to live on Bardsey Island can email the organization at [email protected]. Applicants will receive a form and are required to detail their agricultural experience and why they are interested in residing on the island. The deadline for applications is November 7th.
The Bardsey Island Trust website highlights that visitors wanting to reach Bardsey Island can board a boat at Porth Meudwy, a small fishing village near Aberdaron.
Several cottages on the island offer accommodation. Visitors can book a week’s stay between April and September each year. There is also a composting public toilet on the island, just a 10-15 minutes walk from the boat docking point.
For dining options, the island’s café serves a variety of hot and cold beverages, cakes, sandwiches, and delicious homemade meals, all of which need to be pre-ordered.
Given the limited cellphone signal across the island and the absence of Wi-Fi in holiday homes, Bardsey Island provides an excellent opportunity to disconnect from the noise and bid farewell to electronic distractions.