THE MYSTERIOUS ISLE
In the early morning of 23 January, 2009, the most powerful storm for a decade hit western France. With wind speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour, it flattened forests, brought down power lines and caused massive destruction to building and roads. But it also left behind an extraodinary creation. Seven miles out to see at the point where the Alantic Ocean meets the estuary of the River Gironde, a small island had risen out of water. Locals soon gave it the name The Mysterious Isle. What was so remarkable, apart from its sudden apparition, was the fact that the island remained intact in what is often quite a hostile sea environment. It could well become a permanent feature.
Scientists quickly realised that the island's appearance offered a unique opportunity to study the creation and development of a new ecosystem. Within months, it had been colonised by seabirds, insects and vegetation. Unfortunately, however, they were not alone in finding the island attractive. It became increasingly difficult to protect the site from human visitors. In its first year, day trippers came in powered dinghies, a parachute club use it as a landing trip, a rave party was even held there one night.
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