New Wardens Embrace Life on Bardsey Island
The new wardens of Bardsey Island, a small island with only a few human residents, describe their move to live there full-time as a "dream come true."
Lois Roberts and Aron Llwyd, both aged 29 and originally from Cardiff, sought a "different challenge" after becoming disillusioned with city living.
Previously, they served as assistant wardens on Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsey Island, spending several months annually on the island but never imagining a full-time residency.
Ynys Enlli, located in Gwynedd, was awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification in 2023, the first site in Europe to receive this recognition for having some of the world's best night skies.
Roberts recalled that before their move, they lived in Cardiff in a home with a "tiny garden" and desired a closer connection to nature and sustainable living.
"We just wanted to be close to nature and to be able to experience living sustainably," she said. "We felt that was quite hard to do in Cardiff."
In 2024, the couple began seasonal work on the island as assistant wardens from March to October, returning to the mainland during winter months.
However, in October 2025, Bardsey Island Trust advertised for full-time wardens to reside on the island year-round.
Roberts and Llwyd were successful in their application and moved permanently on 1 March, increasing the island's year-round population to four.
Responsibilities and Daily Life on the Island
Roberts noted that while they were familiar with the island, the transition to full-time wardenship represented a significant step up in responsibilities.
The island contains several houses, some of which are available to visitors during summer. Roberts and Llwyd are tasked with maintaining these properties.
"We've been preparing the houses for all the guests to come, so it's just been a bit nonstop," Roberts said.
"A lot of painting, cleaning, mowing and gardening. Every day is different," Llwyd added.
They are also working to increase solar power usage in the houses, which is vital for the community's sustainable living.
"We are trying to get more solar power in the houses, which is very important for the community to live here without problems."
Llwyd described their lifestyle on the island as "a completely different way of life."
Some practical skills, such as repairing doors and roofs damaged by strong winds, have been newly acquired since taking on full-time duties.
"We didn't do that as assistant wardens, so learning those skills as we go has been something new for us," Roberts said.
Appreciating Self-Sufficiency and Nature
The couple have gained a deeper appreciation for aspects of life they previously took for granted.
"We know exactly where our water comes from, we grow our own food, we can catch crab and lobster," Roberts said.
"Everything comes from your own efforts."
Roberts mentioned that living on the island sometimes feels like "going back in time," although they do have Wi-Fi access, unlike seasonal visitors.
"We can do things like art and knit, go swimming, gardening," she said. "There's lots of things that we can do that doesn't rely on Wi-Fi."
Historical and Environmental Significance
The earliest evidence of human presence on Ynys Enlli includes flint pieces dated between 2,000 and 1,000 BC.
Currently, the island hosts approximately 200 sheep and around 30,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwater birds.
Roberts expressed enthusiasm for preserving the island's "special history and culture" for future generations.
They anticipate their first winter living on the island to be a novel experience.
"I don't know how we will feel in a few years' time, but we don't have plans to go back to the city anytime soon," Roberts said.
"We really enjoy it, and we want to try and stay here as long as possible."
