Fetlar

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Address
RSPB Fetlar, Shetland, ZE2 9DJ
Grid ref
HU655900

The island of Fetlar is a haven for flora and fauna, and a great place to explore. Venture along the rugged coast and you might be lucky enough to see otters. At the RSPB hide at Mires of Funzie you can see a mire habitat which supports a variety of wading birds, as well an interesting diversity of insects and plants. With patience and luck you may also see red-necked phalarope from the hide or on the nearby Loch of Funzie.

Plan your visit

Opening times

  • Open at all times under Scottish access legislation.
  • Hide open from April to October, any time of day.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
Free, but donations are very welcome.
Children
Free, but donations are very welcome.

Facilities

  • No visitor centre
  • Car park off-site
  • Toilets off-site
  • Accessible toilets off-site
  • No Refreshments
  • Picnic area
  • Viewing point
  • Shop off-site

Accessibility

How to get here

By road

From the ferry terminal at Hamarsness, drive six miles (10 km) east. Park at the small car park to the west of the Loch of Funzie. Walk east c100 m and follow signs to the hide, c300 m from the road.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Other ways to get there

To get to Fetlar from Mainland Shetland requires two ferry crossings. The first from Toft, Mainland to Ulsta, Yell. A 25-minute drive north to Gutcher, Yell for the ferry to Hamarsness, Fetlar. For ferry times and bookings, tel: 01595 745804.

Get directions from Google Maps
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

What will the weather be like?

9 degrees, Overcast

Contact Fetlar

What will you see?

Our star species

Seasonal highlights

Whooper swans, goldeneyes, redshank, snipe and passage migrants on the reserve and surrounding area. Otters can be found along the coast.

Red-necked phalaropes, snipe, curlews, redshanks, lapwings and teals at Mires of Funzie. Red-throated divers can be seen at Loch of Funzie. Areas around the reserve hold whimbrels, golden plovers, dunlins, Arctic terns and great and Arctic skuas. Otters can be found around the coast.

Passage migrants in and around the reserve. Otters can be found along the coast.

Whooper swans, goldeneyes and long-tailed ducks in and around the reserve. Great northern divers and otters can be found along the coast.

About Fetlar

Habitat

The reserve consists of upland mires which are managed for breeding waders and in particular for red-necked phalarope.

Conservation

Fetlar is home to important populations of scarce breeding birds, notably red-necked phalaropes. RSPB Scotland is managing the reserve for the benefit of birds and for its broader biodiversity.

We manage this habitat by creating pools of open water and by raising water levels in the summer, then reducing water levels in autumn to encourage cattle grazing.

We also undertake a continuous programme of research and monitoring, focusing on key breeding birds, as well as water levels and plant communities.

Site information

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

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