Print page
Our work here
4 January 2008
)
Trumland, on the island of Rousay, protects an important piece of Orkney moorland. The reserve's upland heath and mire habitats are home to some of Orkney's key breeding birds. Other habitats include woodland, which supports birds scarce elsewhere on the island, and rocky outcrops, called hamars, on which fulmars nest.
The RSPB is managing all these habitats for the benefit of their wildlife – generally by a policy of non-intervention, though we may consider some active measures in future. We also offer low-key facilities for visitors.
Moorland mosaic
We are working to maintain a healthy mosaic of moorland habitats, including 131 hectares of blanket bog and 52 hectares of wet heath. This provides suitable conditions for breeding hen harriers, merlins and red-throated divers, enabling us to meet our population targets for these key species.
It also allows us to safeguard important plants, including alpine bearberry and round-leaved wintergreen. Meanwhile, we are controlling any introduced mammalian predators and removing invasive plants such as salmonberry. We are also maintaining effective fire prevention measures.
Keeping tabs
We monitor the annual breeding populations of our hen harriers, merlins, short-eared owls and red-throated divers, as well as other birds, including arctic skuas, great skuas and large gulls. We also record the presence of native mammals, including Orkney vole and otter, and conduct a five-year census of round-leaved wintergreen and alpine bearberry. Meanwhile, we keep tabs on any invasive mammal and plant species, while surveying under-recorded groups and contributing to national surveys where applicable. We are designing a monitoring protocol to cater for any future habitat management interventions.
Visitor value
Trumland offers an rewarding experience for visitors, including pre-booked larger groups, and appeals especially to those who enjoy walking in remote locations. We maintain two nature trails, a shorter and a longer one, both of which are marked by white-topped posts. These allow visitors to explore the reserve in safety, while minimising disturbance to breeding birds, though neither is suitable for wheelchairs. We also maintain an information board and trail guides at the roadside entrance, and there are toilets in the Rousay Heritage Centre, which have disabled facilities.
How you can help
Help us continue our conservation work at beautiful places like Trumland
Join today