Lundey is a small island, about 400 metres long and 150 metres across at its widest point. The island is lowest in the east and rises gradually towards the west, reaching about 14 metres above sea level at its highest point. It is composed mainly of basalt and is covered in lush, heavily hummocked vegetation.
Lundey is particularly important for its large seabird colony. Atlantic puffins are especially numerous, with the breeding population sometimes exceeding 10,000 pairs, making the colony internationally significant in some years. All four of the island’s most common breeding birds, Atlantic puffin, black legged kittiwake, common eider and black guillemot, are included on Iceland’s Red List of Birds.
The island also supports distinctive vegetation, including an unusual plant community where Lyngbye’s sedge grows alongside common chickweed.
Interpretation
Protection Status
Lundey in Kollafjörður was designated a nature reserve on 8 June 2021. The purpose of the designation is to protect the island’s biodiversity, particularly its important seabird colonies and distinctive vegetation.
Protection also extends to the coastal and marine ecosystems surrounding the island, including the intertidal zone, shallow waters, seabed habitats and the seabed itself.