Broubster Leans appeal

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The wildlife of Broubster Leans

As well as being home to hundreds of waders, you will also find a stunning array of other birds and wildlife that rely on Broubster Leans - one of the most important areas of wetland in the UK.

Read on to find out more about some of the wildlife that makes this special place their home.

Great yellow bumblebee

The great yellow bumblebee is one of Britain's most endangered bumblebees, and due to loss of habitat and changes to farming practices it is now only found in western and northern Scotland.

Greenshank

This slim, graceful wader is named for its green legs. Like all waders, its habitat has declined hugely in the Highlands. It breeds in northern Scotland and spends winter in Africa.

Otter

One of the UK's most endearing wildlife species, the European otter thrives in the clear water and dense vegetation of Broubster Leans.

Golden plover

The distinctively spangled gold and black summer plumage of this medium sized plover makes it a joy to see. Large flocks, often accompanied by groups of lapwings, feed up on the Leans before heading on to their breeding grounds.

Short-eared owl

This day-time hunter is of conservation concern across Europe and most often found where vole populations (its main prey) are high.

Spotted crake

Rare in the UK, this extremely shy bird is no bigger than a starling, and usually stays hidden under cover of dense vegetation in freshwater wetlands. We estimate no more than 120 breeding pairs in the UK, so Broubster Leans is a vitally important area for their protection.

Twite

This gregarious little bird has a small and declining population and is on the conservation red list. The arable fields and coastal marshes of the Scottish Highlands are one of their most important breeding and wintering grounds. In winter, flocks spend most of the time on the ground feeding on seeds from crops and other vegetation.

Water vole

Caithness is one of the only places in the UK where this little mammal is thriving because the American mink, a non-native species and their main predator, is rarely, if ever, found here.

3 ways to donate

You can donate by secure online form, by telephone or by post.

1. Securely online

Donating online is easy and ensures that more of your money is used for conservation.

2. By telephone

Our Membership Services team can also take donations over the phone.

01767 693680

9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday

3. By post

We can accept donations by cheque too. Please make cheques payable to The RSPB and send them to:

Broubster Leans appeal
The RSPB
The Lodge
Sandy
Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL