NORTH DEVON NATURALLY - INTERESTING FACTS#1 LUNDY ISLAND
16th September 2023
Panoramic seascapes and countryside vistas, views across rolling farmland and valleys that tumble down into the sea, North Devon is a region of contrasts, much of which is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are so privileged to live here!
You may not know that we have our very own island, Lundy, just 10 miles off the coast, complete with a pub, the Marisco Tavern, 13th century castle (where you can spend the night!) and its own herd of wild ponies, as well, of course, as the beloved puffins that nest on the island between April and July. Lundy island is the UK’s first official marine nature reserve and as a result, its underwater habitats are teeming with wildlife. In summer, you can get there by taking a two hour boat trip on the MS Oldenburg which departs from Bideford Quay, right opposite our office (why not pop in and see us!). In the winter and for a more spectacular view of the coastline, take the helicopter from Hartland Point.
Other interesting facts about Lundy are that it has the oldest private postal service or 'puffinage' operating in the world today. Since 1929 some 350 Lundy stamps have been issued, many of them now very rare and highly collectible. Mr Martin Coles Harman, the last private owner of the island, which is now owned by the National Trust, also minted his own coins for use on the island, displaying his own head in place of that of the British Monarch. He was taken to court on the charge that he had ‘unlawfully issued as a token for money a piece of metal … contrary to Section 5 of the Coinage Act 1870’, and was obliged to withdraw them. As a result, Puffin coins are now quite rare!
People return time and again to the simple pleasures that Lundy affords; the sea is clear, the landscape spectacular, and at night, without competition from street lights, it is truly dark and the stars shine with unfamiliar brilliance. Do make time for a visit to this special place.
