Steve and Joanna have lived on the remote Bardsey Islanda major British nature reserve, since 2007. They moved there by responding to an advertisement looking for a family to run the island's farm.
" The children had loved holidays here and had no doubt about island life. But Steve and I wondered whether we could cope, being the only inhabitants in such a remote place, " recalls Joanna " But the role and place fitted us. " The couple's strong faith gives them a deep connection with the island.
Their life is demanding with just two of them managing the island's farm, 30 cows and fragile ecosystems. Joanna also works for the RSPB Wildlife Charity and tries to grow enough vegetables to keep them self-sufficient. In general Joanna and Steve's lives are a cycle of alternating solitude and interaction (孤独与互动的交替) " In spring and summer the island becomes very busy with visitors, and I'm growing vegetables to sell and working in our café. By autumn I'm looking forward to winter. I long for some peace and privacy, and I love having time to be creative " says Joanna.
Bardsey's population doubled last Christmas when a second couple moved into the island — to look after the bird observatory " We have each other round for meals and help each other out, " says Joanna. " It's been lovely. Many people choose island life for similar reasons — whether it's to escape the stress of big city life or its in search of new opportunities like starting a business. That tends to bring the community together. "
" I read somewhere that islands can either free you or become your prison " Joanna concludes. " We feel so privileged to live on Bardsey and be free to be who we are. I find myself more relaxed and less stressed living here. "
