The island of Lundy has been a focus of scientific enquiry for many years and much of this has been carried out by the Lundy Field Society.
The LFS was founded in 1946 and for many years had its headquarters in the Old Light on the island. Originally concentrating on the study of birds, the society is now a charity that has as its aims the study of Lundy, in particular its history, natural history and archaeology, and the conservation of its wildlife and antiquities.
The Society is funded mainly by the subscriptions of its members and also welcomes donations. All are welcome to join.
For over 50 years the Lundy Field Society has been carrying out conservation work, supporting research on the island (by means of modest grants) and publishing the results in the Annual Report of the Lundy Field Society or (from 2008) the Journal of the Lundy Field Society.
The Annual Report and Journal contains reports on recent research as well as systematic lists of the birds, mammals and insects seen on the island over the preceding year.
In 1996 the LFS celebrated its fiftieth year by producing a book Island Studies covering research on the island. The book is out of print but a few copies may be available.
Research has been wide ranging:
Ornithology
Lundy is strategically located on the migration routes and bird ringing has been conducted on Lundy for many years. Several unusual species have made their first European landfall on Lundy.
Geology
Lundy is mostly granite and recent research has suggested that the island is formed from the remnants of a volcano.
Animals and Plants
Lundy is inhabited by an unusual range of animals and plants including a unique species, the Lundy Cabbage.
The Sea
The waters around Lundy are home to many rare species and were designated Britain's first statutory Marine Nature Reserve (now Marine Conservation Zone) in 1986. The Lundy Field Society played a significant role in drawing up the plans for this.
Archaeology
Evidence for previous occupation of Lundy includes flint tools dating to 10,000BC, Bronze Age settlements, military installations from the Elizabethan period and industrial remains in the form of 19th-century granite quarries.