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Situated in the south east of the Falklands archipelago, Bleaker Island is a small working organic sheep and cattle farm that also offers full board accommodation for visitors in two modern eco-friendly cottages in the picturesque centrally located settlement from which to enjoy the rich diversity of wildlife, beaches, cliffs, and easy walking.
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At 20 km/12.5 miles long and just 3 km /2 miles at its widest point, it is not surprising it was originally called Long Island. Its very extensive coastline attracts a multitude of wildlife such as an impressive colony of Imperial Cormorants, three types of breeding penguins (Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic), and Southern Sea Lions, while the inland ponds are home to an array of waterfowl.
You’ll also easily spot the endemic Cobb’s Wren, Grass Wrens and the entertaining Tussac bird. |
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The island is very flat (the highest point being Semaphore Hill at 27 m/89 feet) so the island is very easy to explore for anyone who enjoys a bit of walking. Various obvious routes exist to take you to the heart of the wildlife, with a firm favourite being to the 1.6 km/ 1mile long Sandy Bay – a fabulous place to sit with your picnic and watch the penguins surfing the waves and coming ashore.
For shorter explorations a look around the beautifully maintained settlement is recommended … make sure you take a look at the whale skeleton near the cowshed which has been converted into a great asado/bbq hut. The island hosts a massive imperial cormorant colony, three types of breeding penguins, wildfowl, and sea lions haul out on the rocks and offshore tussac islands. The wildlife is conveniently located close to the settlement where two houses accommodate visitors. 
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Accommodation & Tours :
Eco-friendly Cassard House provides excellent full board accommodation in 4 spacious bedrooms. A large lounge with adjoining dining area and bar, link through to a light and airy sun lounge offering fabulous views across the settlement and out to sea. An ideal place to enjoy some down time after a day out in the fresh air!
Nearby smaller Cobb’s Cottage has two bedrooms, a cosy lounge, and equally attractive sun room to enjoy the views and wildlife even from inside.
Guided tours are offered to show off the highlights of the island. For the more adventurous, the terrain and easy to follow tracks mean that 4x4 vehicle hire is also an option. Or enjoy the tranquillity on foot following some of the suggested walking routes.
Eco-friendly Cassard House provides excellent full board accommodation in 4 spacious bedrooms. A large lounge with adjoining dining area and bar, link through to a light and airy sun lounge offering fabulous views across the settlement and out to sea. An ideal place to enjoy some down time after a day out in the fresh air!
Nearby smaller Cobb’s Cottage has two bedrooms, a cosy lounge, and equally attractive sun room to enjoy the views and wildlife even from inside.
Guided tours are offered to show off the highlights of the island. For the more adventurous, the terrain and easy to follow tracks mean that 4x4 vehicle hire is also an option. Or enjoy the tranquillity on foot following some of the suggested walking routes.
The Environment :
Bleaker Island and its seven surrounding tussac islands, the Bleaker Island Group, are internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area and the northern part of the island was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1970. Bleaker Island and outlying islands were cleared of rodents in 2019 and bird species are recovering as a result. The sustainability of tussac is carefully managed to ensure long term viability both as a food source for the cattle, but also a natural habitat for the wildlife. Annual tussac planting sessions take place to ensure there is constant growth.
Sheep stocking rates have considerably reduced from the practices of 100 years ago to ensure the farm works alongside tourism in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The farm was recently certified as Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). And the environment is borne in mind with the houses as well. Roof-mounted solar panels provide hot water and under-floor heating, with high levels of insulation and triple-glazed windows ensuring a cosy atmosphere, whilst the large sun lounge and wind powered electricity, boosted by photo voltaic solar panels, come together to guarantee that the natural elements are fully harnessed. Cassard House was built to be airtight with a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system.
Bleaker Island and its seven surrounding tussac islands, the Bleaker Island Group, are internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area and the northern part of the island was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1970. Bleaker Island and outlying islands were cleared of rodents in 2019 and bird species are recovering as a result. The sustainability of tussac is carefully managed to ensure long term viability both as a food source for the cattle, but also a natural habitat for the wildlife. Annual tussac planting sessions take place to ensure there is constant growth.
Sheep stocking rates have considerably reduced from the practices of 100 years ago to ensure the farm works alongside tourism in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The farm was recently certified as Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). And the environment is borne in mind with the houses as well. Roof-mounted solar panels provide hot water and under-floor heating, with high levels of insulation and triple-glazed windows ensuring a cosy atmosphere, whilst the large sun lounge and wind powered electricity, boosted by photo voltaic solar panels, come together to guarantee that the natural elements are fully harnessed. Cassard House was built to be airtight with a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system.
