The Jewels of the Hebrides

Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve

The Balranald RSPB Reserve is situated on the west coast of North Uist and is composed of a rich mosaic of habitats: rocky headlands, sandy bays, dunes, machair, grassland, marshes and lochs.

The nature reserve was established in 1966 by the RSPB in agreement with the local landowners and approval of the crofting townships on which it lay.

Mostly set on machair lands , this reserve is a haven for waders and seabirds as well as some beautiful carpet machair flowers. Waders include Dunlins, Ringed Plovers, Lapwings, Redshanks and Oyster catchers. Inn the breeding season some species are found in higher densities here than anywhere else in the world.

Balranald is famous for its corncrakes, now one of Europe's most endangered species whose last stronghold is the Scottish Islands.

There are also many other species here such as Twites, Skylarks, meadow pipets, Corn Bunting and House Sparrows that feed near the car park. You can see lazy beds on this reserve, an early cultivation system which involved digging by hand and fertilising the soil with seaweed.

On a clear day you can see the Heisker Islands, the Monachs and Casamul. Flowers include Thrift, Sea Sandwort, Sea Rocket, Silverweed, Wild Pansy and Marigold. Also keep your eyes peeled for otters; the tail sometimes drags and leaves a furrow between the paw prints.

The visitor centre is open in the summer months and toilets are open all year. From the point of seeing and hearing wildlife here, spring and summer are the best times to visit. Balranald has something of interest at any time of the year though, given the beauty and wildness of the place. For membership details or any other enquires please contact: RSPB, NSRO, Etive House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW, Tel: +44(0)1463 715000. Or contact the local RSPB warden, Jamie Boyle at jamie.boyle@rspb.org.uk