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Our work here
Balranald nature reserve on North Uist comprises 658 ha of rocky headland, islands, sandy bays, grasslands, inland lochs, machair and fen. These habitats support internationally important populations of several birds, notably the corncrake. They also protect some important plant species and a variety of other wildlife, including grey seals and great yellow bumblebees.
The RSPB aims to manage the reserve for the benefit of both its key species and its general biodiversity. We are also conducting research to help inform our management policies, while continuing to maintain the site for visitors.
Breaks for crakes
Balranald is a key site in the UK corncrake recovery programme. Numbers have risen steadily since 1992 and we now aim to establish a population of at least 25 calling males annually. To this end, we are encouraging crofters to grow late-cut hay crops and provide early cover on suitable breeding areas. We will continue to monitor the impact of farming on these birds.
Other birds
Other important breeding birds include waders such as red-necked phalarope, oystercatcher, ringed plover, dunlin, redshank, lapwing and snipe, and farmland birds such as reed bunting, corn bunting, twite, skylark and song thrush.
In winter, Balranald also hosts important numbers of greylag geese, turnstone and ringed plover. We are managing the reserve for the benefit of all these species, and will monitor their populations and adjust our policies accordingly.
Plentiful plants
We are managing wetland habitats for the benefit of their important flora, including pillwort, slender naiad and Shetland pondweed. Our work includes controlling encroaching vegetation around the lochs, and curbing the spread of the alien and invasive Nuttall’s pondweed.
People power
People are vital to the success of Balranald. We work closely with crofters, since any changes in their traditional practices might affect wildlife. We also aim to consolidate our good working relations with landowners, leaseholders and their representatives both on and off the reserve.
We use the reserve to demonstrate conservation land management techniques to land managers and policy makers. We will also continue to promote the reserve and to maintain facilities for up to 5,000 visitors a year.