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Our work here
7 September 2007
The Oa, on Islay, protects a diverse and scenic area of open moorland, freshwater lochs, coastal grassland and heath that is home to many important breeding and wintering birds. The RSPB is managing these habitats for the benefit of all their wildlife, while promoting the reserve to visitors.
Great grasslands
We are managing our coastal grassland and heath for the benefit of rare breeding birds, including choughs, twites and golden eagles. This involves grazing to create a mosaic of short and medium sward, while controlling heather and bracken, and maintaining fences and earth banks. Grazing also helps us manage our improved grasslands for wintering Greenland white-fronted geese and breeding waders. Meanwhile we are using corncrake-friendly mowing to harvest hay, while providing spring-sown arable and winter stubble for farmland birds.
Uplands upgraded
We are maintaining a good mosaic of blanket bog and moorland for breeding birds, including hen harriers, short-eared owls, merlins and snipe. This also benefits wintering geese and rare marsh fritillary butterflies. Work includes blocking ditches to restore bog, while maintaining areas of open water. Fencing, grazing and controlled burning also help us to manage these habitats.
Habitat havens
Our many other habitats each receive special care: we are managing our lochs for otters, roosting geese and breeding red-throated divers; protecting our sea cliffs to prevent disturbance to breeding seabirds, raptors and choughs; maintaining our semi-natural woodland and scrub for grasshopper warblers, mosses and junipers; and even safeguarding old buildings as nest sites for bats, choughs and barn owls.
Visitor vision
We aim to increase annual visitor numbers to ±10,000 by 2010. Improvements will include an upgraded car park, more trails and better signposting. We will also offer more guided walks and other events, while using publicity and the local media to promote the site, the RSPB and Islay in general.
People power
We are developing the reserve as a centre for environmental education by expanding the volunteer programme, hosting advocacy visits and organising schools events. Meanwhile we are consolidating our good working relations with all stakeholders, including farmers, graziers, landowners, SNH and the local tourism development group.
How you can help
Join the RSPB and support our work.
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