Hoy

Visit the high island of Orkney, where the harder sandstones have been ice-shaped to form the dramatic hills and valleys we see today. The second biggest island in Orkney boasts a surprising range of habitats. Take a stroll through the wild moorland where you might spot hen harriers floating above the delicate summer wildflowers. Enjoy a coastal walk where the awe-inspiring coloured sandstone cliffs along the west coast are home to thousands of wheeling seabirds and precious maritime wildflowers.

The dramatic beach at Rackwick is a local favourite with golden sand and huge, coloured sandstone boulders overlooked by the pink cliffs. Perhaps surprisingly, there is ancient woodland here too- the atmospheric woodland at Berriedale is the the most northerly native woodland in the UK.

We are working to maintain a mosaic of moorland habitats, including blanket bog, dry heath and wet heath. This provides suitable conditions for breeding white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, merlins and red-throated divers and allows us to safeguard important plants, including great sundew, alpine bearberry, fragrant orchid and dwarf cornel. We are also maintaining wildfire control measures.

We monitor the annual breeding populations of our white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, merlins and red-throated divers, as well as monitoring set areas for other wildlife, including wading birds, great skuas, mountain hares, mining bees and seabirds. We also keep tabs on any invasive mammal and plant species, survey under-recorded groups and contribute to national surveys.

Hoy is the largest RSPB Scotland nature reserve in Orkney, at 3,926 hectares, and is home to an impressive range of wildlife.

Most of the reserve is glorious wild moorland with pockets of native woodland, sub-alpine heath and blanket bog. There are also impressive, colourful sea cliffs rising to more than 350 meters above the sea, which offer a dramatic backdrop against which to spot swirling seabirds and hardy wildflowers.

The importance of the range of habitats and wildlife found here is recognised by its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area for Conservation (SAC). It is also designated as a National Scenic Area (NSA) for its beauty.

You may encounter livestock on your visit here.

RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.