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Our work here
17 May 2007
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The steep cliffs and rocky offshore islands of the Mull of Galloway are home to important colonies of gannets and other seabirds, as well as grey seals. Coastal grassland and remnant heath on the reserve also support twites and choughs, plus a rich variety of plants and invertebrates.
The RSPB is managing the reserve for all its wildlife. We are also working with the local community to cater for large numbers of visitors, and thereby to develop the reserve’s economic importance.
Grassland gains
We are managing the maritime grassland for the benefit of breeding twites and visiting choughs. Grazing with sheep enables us to create a suitable herb-rich, short sward, while maintaining the heath cover. This also benefits regionally important plants, including spring squill, purple milk vetch and sea campion, as well as many invertebrates.
Seabird security
We are working to maintain important seabird colonies, both at the Mull and at the offshore Scare Rocks. We monitor these, and conduct detailed counts at least every five years in conjunction with National Seabird Survey. We also liaise with sea anglers and local boat operators, and our summer warden helps minimise disturbance during the nesting season.
Finding out more
We are monitoring other important wildlife, too, and encouraging experts to carry out additional surveys. We will survey other habitats in the local area for their potential to support choughs, twites and corn buntings, and will use fixed-point photos to monitor bracken and the effects of grazing on local flora.
People power
The Mull attracts up to 40,000 visitors a year and is a major economic asset to the community. We aim to enhance the visitor experience, and are working with the local community to manage the visitor centre, while developing facilities and interpretation. The centre is maintained by the local community trust, and we provide staff in the form of a summer warden and local volunteers.
We liaise regularly with our partners and other conservation bodies over all aspects of reserve management, and hold an AGM with all interested parties. We also aim, with the help of our partners, to develop educational facilities.