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Our work here
16 December 2009
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North Hill protects one of Europe's largest areas of maritime heath. This important habitat is home to breeding seabirds and waders, as well as rare plants.
Arctic attractions
We are maintaining the maritime heath for the benefit of our breeding populations of Arctic terns and Arctic skuas, while protecting the site from marine pollution and introduced mammalian predators.
Work centres upon our shared seasonal grazing regime, with up to 50 cows from May to October, and we use signs and patrols to prevent visitors from disturbing breeding birds.
The heath also holds colonies of Scottish primrose, Primula scotica. To protect this endemic plant, we are guarding against marine pollution and educating visitors to prevent trampling.
Other breeding birds
We are using our seasonal grazing regime to maintain target numbers of breeding waders, including lapwing, redshank and snipe, while working to prevent pollution, disturbance and predation.
We are also maintaining target numbers of breeding seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, black guillemots and razorbills, while minimising the effects of disturbance and pollution.
Keeping tabs
We use regular monitoring to inform our management of the reserve. Subjects include breeding birds, seabird productivity and introduced mammalian predators. We also monitor the condition of maritime heath and the numbers of grazing cattle, and contribute to national surveys where appropriate.
People power
We are encouraging up to 1,000 visitors a year, and increasing our direct contact through events such as guided walks. We are also using questionnaires to find out more about our visitors.
Leaflets, signs and displays all help us to explain the importance of our work. Meanwhile we are promoting environmental education by working closely with the local primary school and giving presentations to the local community.
The RSPB is managing the reserve through agreements with Scottish National Heritage and the North Hill Grazing Committee. Successful management depends upon our continued excellent relations with local graziers and landowners. We are thus liaising closely with all stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to protect this important site.