A couple have traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the tranquillity of a remote Welsh island, where fluffy sheep far outnumber human residents. Lois Roberts and Aron Llwyd, both 29, grew up in the vibrant city of Cardiff but grew disillusioned with urban living and sought a 'different challenge'.
From Cardiff to Island Life
They made the bold decision to relocate to Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsey Island, situated off the coast of North Wales. Now serving as wardens, they are responsible for a flock of 200 sheep and 20 to 30 Welsh Black Cattle. The animal population vastly exceeds the human one, which, including the couple, stands at just four residents.
Ms Roberts explained that they were living in Cardiff with a 'tiny garden' when they decided to make a dramatic change. Without any half measures, they transported their entire lives across the sea to an island accessible only by boat.
Embracing Sustainability
'We just wanted to be close to nature and to be able to experience living sustainably,' Ms Roberts told the BBC. 'We felt that was quite hard to do in Cardiff.'
The island has a spiritual dimension as well; Bardsey Island is known as the 'Island of 20,000 Saints' and is believed to be the final resting place of thousands of pilgrims from centuries past. In stark contrast to Cardiff's bright city lights, the island has been designated Europe's first Dark Sky Sanctuary. It is renowned for its wildlife and rugged scenery, attracting seals, Manx shearwaters, porpoises, and dolphins.
Becoming Wardens
The couple secured their positions as wardens after working as assistant wardens on the island in 2024, a seasonal role from March to October. Each winter, they left the island, but when the Bardsey Island Trust advertised for full-time wardens to live there year-round, they applied and were successful. They moved in permanently on 1 March, bringing the island's year-round population to four.
Lois noted that while they already 'had a feel for the island', the 'step up' had been 'quite big'. The couple are responsible for maintaining several houses on the island, some of which are available to visitors during the summer months.
'We've been preparing the houses for all the guests to come, so it's just been a bit nonstop,' said Roberts. 'A lot of painting, cleaning, mowing and gardening. Every day is different,' added Aron.
Living Off the Land
Since making the transition, the couple have learned to appreciate things they previously took for granted. 'We know exactly where our water comes from, we grow our own food, we can catch crab and lobster,' said Aron. 'Everything comes from your own efforts.'
'We can do things like art and knit, go swimming, gardening,' she added. 'There are lots of things that we can do that don't rely on Wi-Fi.'
The earliest evidence of human habitation on Ynys Enlli dates back to between 2,000 and 1,000 BC, with pieces of flint discovered. Today, the island is home to 200 sheep and around 30,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwater birds.
