The Bardsey Island Trust has planted 500 Monterey pine trees on the island.

The trust called on the help of volunteers as there is only a small number of staff who are permanently on the island.

The new plantation has been created to provide a reliable source of firewood.

This species of tree was chosen for its resistance to wind and salt conditions.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “The plan has been in place for some time and the 500 trees arrived in February.

“With such a large amount, we needed help to plant them as the only staff the Bardsey Island Trust has on Enlli are the two wardens, who live there all year round.

“The volunteers were in place in readiness to help out for a couple of days to get them in the ground quickly.

“Monterey Pines were chosen for the plantation as they are very resistant to strong winds and salt conditions. If you’ve been to Enlli, you will have seen the ten or so pines growing to the west of Ty Nesaf’ these are also Monterey pines and are flourishing there. It was on the basis of this that this species was chosen for the new plantation.”

The spokesperson added: “The thinking behind the new plantation is for it to provide a reliable supply of firewood for the island.

“This is particularly for the wood-burning stoves.

“The cones, which this species produces annually, are a reliable source of high-calorific value firewood in their own right.

“The plantation has not been planted specifically as a wildlife habitat but as a supply of sustainable fuel. Of course, it will provide shelter for birds even so.

“Since currently all fuel has to be brought onto the island from the mainland, our own supply would be invaluable.”

To apply to volunteer on the island in the future, visit www.bardsey.org/volunteer