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Shetland's summer spectacle

14 May to 10 August 2012

  • Binoculars and telescopes for hire
  • Staff on hand to help
  • Parking
  • Accessible site
Puffin calling, Isle of May National Nature reserve

Image: Andy Hay

Sumburgh Head is a busy place in summer. The cliffs teem with guillemots, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and us puffins.

We mate for life, and even though we lay just one egg, don't think we haven't got our work cut out for us!

Once the egg hatches, we are kept busy finding lots of fish to feed our growing youngster until it is ready to fledge and fend for itself.

So come to Sumburgh Head this summer to get the lowdown on puffin family life, check out our seabird neighbours, and keep up-to-date with the wildlife action.

And while you're there, don't forget to look out to sea - you might spot seals, dolphins, killer whales or Minke whales!

Webcam

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When can you see us?

Friendly RSPB staff will be at the reserve daily, 11am - 4pm. Join them for talks on the history of the reserve and its wildlife at 11am, 12noon, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Please note that from May 2012 access restrictions will be in place at Sumburgh Head lighthouse and visitor centre as work begins on an exciting new restoration programme. You can keep up-to-date with the progress on the Sumburgh Head lighthouse and visitor centre website.

How to find us

By car
The reserve is on the southern-most tip of Mainland Shetland. On the A970 about 0.3 mile (0.5 km) east of the turn off to Sumburgh Aiport, turn right (south-east) at Grutness and carry on for about 1.25 miles (2 km) until you reach the main car park.

By foot
There is a coastal trail (with stiles) starting from Jarlshof. It's a little over 1km.

By bus
A bus runs between Lerwick and Sumburgh Airport. The reserve is located approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) from the airport.

How to get to Shetland
By boat: into Lerwick Harbour. Shetland can be reached by boat from Aberdeen or from Thurso via Orkney. Contact NorthLink Ferries. By plane: Flights from Orkney, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Glasgow to Sumburgh available through Flybe. More information on getting to the island can be found on Visit Shetland.

Still got some questions?

Telephone: RSPB Shetland Office on 01950 460800
E-mail: shetland@rspb.org.uk

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    This date is brought to you with help from Shetland Amenity Trust, and supported by Promote Shetland.