Palm Islands Nature Reserve
Palm Island and its neighbors Ramkin and Sanani form an important refuge for migratory birds, sea turtles and coastal plants. The reserve has been associated with 156 species of migratory birds, alongside many other forms of island and marine wildlife.
Small numbers of white egrets and grey herons visit in winter. The islands’ rocky shores also support observations of around 25 other bird species. Ruff pass through in large numbers during spring migration, while wagtails are another familiar migratory visitor.
Green and loggerhead sea turtles are among the threatened animals associated with the reserve. The surrounding waters provide habitat, and sandy beaches are important to nesting turtles.
Plant life includes sea daffodils, whose large white flowers emerge among the dunes in summer. Coastal development has reduced their habitat elsewhere. Rock samphire, traditionally eaten in salads or pickled, also grows in this environment, together with sea poppy and plants associated with local herbal traditions, including Almetha.
Butterflies, lizards and bats add to the reserve’s ecological variety. The different sandy, rocky and marine habitats give the islands a role that extends well beyond their beaches.
