We swapped city life for a tiny island with more sheep than people
We swapped city life for a tiny island with more sheep than people
A New Chapter on Bardsey Island
We swapped city life for a tiny – Lois Roberts and Aron Llwyd, two young professionals from Cardiff, have embraced a life of simplicity on Ynys Enlli, a remote island in Gwynedd. Their decision to move there permanently was driven by a desire to escape the hustle of urban living and immerse themselves in a more natural existence. The couple, both 29 years old, describe their transition as a “dream come true” after years of feeling disconnected from the rhythms of the earth.
“We just wanted to be close to nature and to be able to experience living sustainably,” said Roberts. “We felt that was quite hard to do in Cardiff.”
The Island’s Unique Appeal
Ynys Enlli, commonly known as Bardsey Island, is a place of striking contrasts. While it hosts only a small human population, the island is home to over 200 sheep and thousands of Manx shearwater birds. Its remote location and minimal light pollution have earned it a prestigious title: the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe, awarded in 2023. This recognition highlights the island’s exceptional night skies, which have captivated stargazers and scientists alike.
Before committing to a full-time move, Roberts and Llwyd had spent several months each year on the island as assistant wardens. Their role involved managing the island’s facilities and ensuring its preservation for visitors. However, the couple never anticipated that their dream of living there year-round would become a reality. “Never imagined” stepping up to permanent residency, Roberts reflected, as the couple’s decision to swap city life for island living was a bold leap.
Adapting to a Seasonal Existence
Starting in 2024, the couple began working seasonally, from March to October, maintaining the island’s houses and preparing them for summer guests. During the winter months, they would return to Cardiff, but their commitment to Bardsey Island deepened. When the Bardsey Island Trust announced a call for full-time wardens in October 2025, the couple applied and were chosen. On 1 March of this year, they officially relocated, making the island’s permanent population swell to four residents.
“We’ve been preparing the houses for all the guests to come, so it’s just been a bit nonstop,” Roberts explained. “A lot of painting, cleaning, mowing and gardening.”
Living year-round has brought its own set of challenges. Roberts noted that the move required them to learn new skills, such as repairing damaged roofs and doors after harsh weather. “We didn’t do that as assistant wardens, so learning those skills as we go has been something new for us,” she added. Meanwhile, Llwyd highlighted the shift in lifestyle, calling it “a completely different way of life.”
Despite the challenges, the couple has found fulfillment in their new role. They are actively working to integrate solar power into the island’s infrastructure, a goal they see as essential for sustaining their way of life. “Solar energy is very important for the community to live here without problems,” Llwyd emphasized. This focus on renewable resources reflects their broader commitment to sustainability, a principle they believe is harder to uphold in a city setting.
A Life Unplugged
Roberts and Llwyd have embraced a lifestyle that minimizes reliance on technology. While they do have Wi-Fi access, it’s a far cry from the constant connectivity they once experienced in Cardiff. “We can do things like art and knit, go swimming, gardening,” Roberts said. “There’s lots of things that we can do that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi.”
Living without the distractions of city life has allowed them to appreciate the small joys of their environment. Roberts mentioned that they now know the source of their water and have access to fresh food grown on the island. “We can catch crab and lobster,” she added, underscoring the self-sufficiency that comes with island living. This hands-on approach to daily life has reshaped their perspective, offering a sense of purpose they hadn’t felt in years.
Yet, the couple hasn’t entirely abandoned modern comforts. Roberts admitted that their first winter on the island has felt like “going back in time,” but they’ve managed to stay connected through Wi-Fi. This balance between tradition and technology has been key to their adaptation. “It’s a challenge, but we’ve found ways to make it work,” she said.
Preserving a Timeless Legacy
The island’s history stretches back millennia, with the earliest known human activity dating to between 2,000 and 1,000 BC. Archaeological finds, including flint tools, hint at ancient communities that once thrived there. Today, Roberts and Llwyd are proud to contribute to the preservation of this legacy. “We’re excited to protect the special history and culture of Ynys Enlli for generations to come,” Roberts said.
As the first full-time wardens, their work is crucial to maintaining the island’s ecological and cultural integrity. “Our first winter will be a new experience,” Roberts acknowledged, hinting at the unknowns that lie ahead. However, she expressed confidence in their ability to thrive. “I don’t know how we will feel in a few years’ time, but we don’t have plans to go back to the city anytime soon,” she said. “We really enjoy it, and we want to try and stay here as long as possible.”
The couple’s commitment to Bardsey Island is a testament to the allure of its serene environment. With fewer people than sheep, the island offers a rare opportunity to live in harmony with nature. Their journey from city dwellers to full-time residents is a story of transformation, rooted in a desire to simplify and sustain. As they navigate this new chapter, their efforts are helping to safeguard the island’s legacy while forging their own path toward a more meaningful existence.