Lundy Weatherscape

The weather on Lundy Island is a fascinating and integral part of daily life for its inhabitants. The unique weather patterns play a significant role in shaping the activities of those living on the island. For instance, for avid walkers like me, the weather is the ultimate decider of where the day’s journey will take us. When strong westerly gales are blowing, it’s prudent to avoid the west side of the island and instead, head towards the sheltered east. It’s during these times that I often encounter wild animals seeking refuge from the harsh winds. On the other hand, when a chilly northeasterly wind blows, my path naturally leads me southwestward, perhaps to Benjamin’s chair or just above the Limekiln. Each type of weather brings its own unique charm to the island, shaping the outdoor experiences and encounters that I and many others have.

Wind and Rain

The weather can be quite changeable, with rapid shifts from sunshine to rain and vice versa not uncommon. Weather systems move pretty fast, and walking around an island with few buildings gives you the chance to see weather patterns coming from all directions. Clouds can roll in and out swiftly, just like Jamie described when she was on the island of Rona in Sightlines, (2013) pg 186: “I had the feeling I always get on Atlantic islands, in the summer, when the clouds move quickly and the sunlight sparkles on the sea – a feeling that the world is creating itself moment by moment.”

Like much of the UK, the weather on Lundy is unpredictable and constantly shifting, whether it’s the relentless winds, the dramatic cloud formations, or the sudden shifts between sunshine and rain, the weather on Lundy is an integral part of the island’s character and charm,. It shapes the experiences of those who venture out to explore its rugged landscapes and coastal beauty. Located between the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic Ocean is a defining aspect of life on Lundy, embodying the concept of ‘living in the landscape’ as eloquently expressed by Gros (2023).

Living in the Island landscape makes you extremely tuned in to the weather. You have the unique ability to observe the weather approaching, before it actually arrives. You develop the ability to anticipate the weather beyond the visible horizon. The Wind at some points in the year is just unforgiving, each day can be windy for weeks on end. When out walking the wind hits you full on, you might be the only object it has come across, since its journey from out in the Altantic. It not only chills your face and creates a tingling sensation in your teeth but Its sheer force is potent enough to knock you off your feet, a constant reminder of the raw power of nature.

Cloud Formations

The Cloud Appreciation Society visit Lundy, and it’s evident why they are drawn here; it’s a remarkable location for observing the sky and cloud formations. The ever-changing weather patterns around Lundy create a dynamic sky that continuously shifts from clear blue to ominous grey. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated enthusiast, the skies above Lundy offer a fascinating and ever-evolving spectacle that invites s sense of awe. It’s a place where one can witness nature’s canvas as the clouds weave mesmerizing patterns against the backdrop of the wide-open sky.

The sight of the clouds creating an amazing palette with nature’s elements never fails to inspire awe and wonder. These intricate formations are the very scenes that famous artists throughout history have been drawn to capture on canvas. Artists such as John Constable, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh would undoubtedly have been captivated by the opportunity to paint on Lundy. The interplay of light and shadow, the ever-shifting shapes and hues, would have provided an endless source of inspiration for these artists.

Sunrise and Sunset

First Light creates some beautiful sunrises on Lundy, with a clear view to the East you can see the sun rise behind the mainland. The island itself starts to wake up and once the sun has risen it becomes covered with a warm glow as the new day breaks.

The beauty of a sunset cannot be overstated. It marks the transition from day to night. The location of the battery stands out as the perfect vantage point to watch a sunset. Sitting at the battery at the end of the day invokes a sense of reflection.

As the day transitions into twilight, the colors in the sky transform, creating a magnificent backdrop for any observer, and for artists, an endless source of inspiration. The vibrant colors of the sunset make it feel that the island is on fire. Artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Albert Bierstadt and and my favourite painter J.M.W. Turner have all captured sunsets in their paintings, I would have loved to see what they would have made of a Lundy Sunset.

Sunset from Lower Aero-Generator Field

Rainbows

Rainbows are a frequent occurrence on Lundy, especially when looking to the East with the light behind you. It’s a joyous sight when rays of light from the Sun hit the water droplets and create this beautiful natural phenomenon. The island of Lundy offers an ideal environment for such stunning displays, as the combination of sunlight and water droplets frequently leads to the formation of rainbows. Its times like this that you feel connected to the natural world and eespecially if i am taking one of my regular dips in the Landing Bay.

Rainbow Arc Landing Bay

Night Sky

The nights skies here on Lundy can be breathtakingly beautiful and stargazing is a joy. With no light pollution and with no moon, the stars simply light up the island.

In early November this year, the island was treated to a display of the Northern Lights. Although not visible to the naked eye, the photos captured on my phone camera were amazing. The Northern lights appear as a result of intense solar activity, where charged particles in the solar wind collide with molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The experience of witnessing the Northern Lights serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable phenomena that occur in the natural world.

So you can see why, although we talk about landscape on Lundy, we must include weatherscape. It’s the weather that often shapes the landscape. Here in the Bristol Channel on the edge of the Atlantic, we experience the weathers in all forms. The winds, the rain, the clouds and the sun create a synergy of natural forces that gives Lundy its unique character. Here the boundary between landscape and weatherscape blurs, revealing the intricate relationship between the two.

References

Gros, F., (2014). A Philosophy of Walking. Verso Books.

Jamie, K., (2013). Sightlines. The Experiment

For more information about Weather systems, head to https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/