RSPB Mousa
Mousa news
The island of Mousa, Shetland, is designated as part of the European Natura 2000 reserve network as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for breeding European storm petrels.
Visiting Mousa is an unforgettable experience. On the short ferry ride to the island, you might be fortunate enough to see harbour porpoises and other marine mammals. In August, the island is home to over 200 hauled-out common seals which will be moulting.
Storm petrels
Storm petrels are the smallest seabird in the Atlantic. They breed in the Northeast Atlantic and migrate to the South Atlantic each winter.
Wildlife highlights: Mousa is rich in plantlife and birdlife, and is notable for breeding Arctic terns, black guillemots, skuas, shags and ringed plovers. A unique night-time trip is essential to experience thousands of storm petrels returning to the island, some of which breed in the famous 2,000-year-old broch. Common seals can be seen here in August.
Location and how to get there. Mousa is open from mid-April until mid-September, weather permitting every year. Mousa is only accessible by boat. The ferry departs from Leebotten, Sandwick, on the east coast of the Mainland of Shetland, about halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Airport. Tom Jamieson (tel: 01950 431367) runs the ferry service to Mousa, offering trips during the day and unique, night-time trips to see the nocturnal storm petrels. The ferry crossing lasts about 15 minutes. Ferry trip: £12 adults, £6 children 5-16 years. There is a 10% discount for RSPB members.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment