A young couple have swapped city life for a remote, off-grid island off the North Wales coast, doubling its year-round population. Georgina Rannard and Gwyndaf Hughes successfully applied to become farmers on Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), which lies off the Pen Llŷn near Aberdaron.
Enlli is a Welsh-speaking island community, a National Nature Reserve and Europe’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary. The couple will take over farming from Gareth and Meriel Roberts, who have managed the land for the past 20 years.
New farmers and a new chapter
Georgina and Gwyndaf will care for the island’s sheep and cattle, using conservation grazing to help protect internationally important seabird populations and rare habitats. Their arrival doubles Enlli’s year-round population and marks a new chapter as the Bardsey Island Trust launches its five-year strategy.
The couple are moving from Cardiff, where they worked in the media as a reporter and cameraman covering climate and science stories. Gwyndaf grew up on the Llŷn Peninsula and helped on his grandparents’ farm from a young age. Georgina was born in Liverpool, is an experienced science journalist, has lived in Wales since 2021 and is a keen Welsh learner.
Excitement and challenges ahead
Gwyndaf said: "I'm really excited about the chance to come back home to Pen Llŷn and to live and work in a place where the Welsh language is central to everyday life. I remember helping out on my grandparents' farm when I was younger, but after years working as a news camera operator, I never imagined I'd end up following in their footsteps like this."
Georgina added: "Anyone lucky enough to have visited Ynys Enlli knows what a special place it is. Years of reporting on nature, science and climate issues around the world has taught us how vital it is to protect the natural world. I'm excited about getting my hands dirty to help conserve this unique island's environment."
Gareth Roberts said: "The time has come to pass over the responsibilities, and also pleasure, of carrying out the day to day duties of farming on Enlli. It's been a privilege to have been part of the fabric of the island for most of my adult life."
Siân Stacey, Chief Officer of Bardsey Island Trust, said: "I'm really looking forward to welcoming Georgina and Gwyndaf to Enlli. Along with Lois and Aron, they will form a new generation of islanders. It's almost 50 years since the Trust bought the island so it's fitting that we now look to the future with a new strategy that focuses on protecting the island's heritage whilst creating a sustainable community here for the future."
Joining the island community
The new farmers will join full-time Wardens Aron Llwyd and Lois Roberts, who have just completed their first season in the roles. Georgina and Gwyndaf will arrive on Ynys Enlli this month.
