THE landmark island of Flat Holm, just ten miles from Newport, lying in the middle of the Bristol Channel, offers visitors the chance to get close to one of our most diverse habitats.

The island was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest 30 years ago in recognition of the island's diverse habitat, which includes an 8,000-strong gull population and hardy maritime grasses.

Flatholm is staffed by wardens and volunteers who carry out research, lead educational visits and give guided tours of the island.

The gull population consists of herring gulls which nest on the outer cliff edges, and both the lesser and greater black back gull. Together they make up the majority of the 8,000 birds on the island.

The island is divided in two for environmental reasons, with the halves managed separately. One is being preserved for the ground nesting birds whose actions enrich the soil and encourage plant growth while the other is kept relatively bird free to encourage the maritime grass species.

More than 10,000 years ago there would little remarkable about Flat Holm, which would have been just a hill in a wooded valley.

Reminders of that ancient time prevail today with many woodland species including slow worms and bluebells still thriving today.

A large population of rabbits are on the island after they were introduced in the 12th century as a source of food.

Birds and the strong winds carry many airborne seeds to the island creating a wide variety of meadow plants such as the Wild Leek, of which Flat Holm is only one of five places in the UK where it grows.

As well as its rich natural history, the island also has a strong human history.

It has been used since the sixth century as a place of religious retreat and rural agriculture, but its most famous hour came in 1887 when Marconi used Flat Holm in his first radio transmission across water to Lavernock Point - an experiment which paved the way for radio transmissions to be used in the shipping industry.

Special bookings take trips to the island which last about three hours, two of which are spent on the island. The boat trips, which leave from Barry Dock, are dependent on tide. Visit the website on www.flatholmproject.gov.uk for more information.