A job vacancy has come up to be the sole warden of a remote island off the coast of south Wales. Flat Holm island is five miles from the Vale of Glamorgan coast, clearly visible from Penarth’s impressive pier and esplanade, and you could now work there and oversee the upkeep of the idyllic 35 hectares at the most southern point in Wales.
In the Dark Ages the island was a retreat for monks, but has since housed silver miners, smugglers, and even cholera patients in a hospital for people with infectious diseases which was eventually condemned as inadequate in 1935. Remains of the hospital are intact and are to be brought back to life as a visitor attraction.
If the island’s eerie past doesn’t faze you, Cardiff Council - which employs the warden - is now looking for a new steward to replace current island warden Pierre. On its social media pages Flat Holm Island Official has written: “Sadly we announce that Pierre, our Island warden, is moving on to pastures new. He will be greatly missed, but it means we are currently in search of someone to temporarily take on the role of Flat Holm warden as soon as possible.”
Read more: Living on Flat Holm island during lockdown by the only man who lives there
Over the winter Flat Holm Society is looking for someone with practical skills who can put their hand to almost any task on the island. Duties will include fixing equipment and maintaining the buildings on the island. The criteria for successful candidates is: hard-working, self-motivated, and prepared to work in all weather conditions.
During the height of the pandemic former warden Mat Brown told WalesOnline what it was like living and working on the island with his partner Jen - also a former Flat Holm volunteer. He lauded the island’s stunning wildlife - including Wales’ second largest gull population.
“I like doing things a bit differently and avoiding the usual lifestyle as much as possible," he said. "I kind of like not having all the creature comforts. You can step out your front door and you're immediately in a wild place. That's attractive to me."
The island is now far removed from its barren past. Operating on its own grid through solar energy, the island also has a pub, a souvenir shop, and a lighthouse.
With the aid of National Lottery Heritage Funding a project has been set up to develop the island’s offering and ensure restoration of its heritage. Visitors can take a trip to the island and have a tour for free. If you are interested in speaking to the society about taking the job, you should contact Flat Holm Project at flatholmproject@cardiff.gov.uk .
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