Mill Dam, Shapinsay

• About Mill Dam
• Star species
• Seasonal highlights
• Facilities
• How to get here
• Our work here

This is an ideal place for birds throughout the year. In summer, you'll see large numbers of breeding wildfowl, including pintails, redshanks and wigeons, while in the winter migrating whooper swans and other birds visit.

Opening times

The hide is open at all times but there is no access to the reserve itself.

Entrance charges

Free, but donations to help us continue our work here are welcome.

Contact us

About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. More...

Contact us

Visit our Contact us section for telephone numbers, office addresses and more.

Latest news

Birds and bangs

Remember remember your garden wildlife when bonfire building this year. As you gather your logs and leaves, give careful consideration to where you pile them as you could give garden birds and other wildlife a nasty surprise.

New figures reveal biggest threats to rivers in England and Wales

Over use of fertilisers, demand for drinking water and poor town planning are putting our river wildlife in danger, new figures reveal.

Golf courses can help save threatened birds, says new handbook.

Golf courses have a role to play in providing sanctuaries for threatened birds and other wildlife, according to the RSPB and golf’s governing body, the R&A.

More news...

Add your voice for nature

As a charity, we rely on the support of members to continue our work protecting birds and wildlife.

Join now

Free e-newsletter

Over 200,000 people enjoy our monthly e-mail newsletter.

Why not sign up?