Iona Wildlife
Iona has much to offer in terms of wildlife, primarily because of the region's clean air, water and lack of heavy development. Our resident wildlife is indeed increasing as various protection schemes and re-introductions of key species are making a significant impact. The most notable being the raptors, which had been persecuted for considerable years all over Scotland - and are now a welcome common site. Admittedly Mull has the resident Golden and Sea Eagles, as well as Red Kites, but they are often seen over the Sound or cruising over the island looking for an Ionian rabbit or two. We are also on the migratory routes for various bird species and many is the happy twitcher seen prowling the island in spring and autumn. In short the wildlife is there for the observant and no matter the time of year, or weather, there is always something to bring a smile.
The best way to experience it is by walking or taking one of the various boat trips. The elusive Corncrake arrived in 1852, though its monotonous cry is anything but elusive. This endangered bird finds the Hebrides as one of its last refuges. Several crofters and farmers take special measures to protect this oddity, through keeping tall vegetation such as iris or reeds and cutting hay later rather than earlier to allow chicks to hatch. You can hear the Corncrake on the coastal path to the Abbey in early summer. This is very much a conservation success story and there are increasing numbers of nesting birds on the island.
Fulmars nest on the west and south facing cliffs of the island, as do Shags and Cormorants. Curlews and Oystercatchers frequent the beaches. Cuckoos can be heard from the wooded grove behind the Heritage Centre, amongst the Jackdaws and Rooks. Of course, the ubiquitous gull is present wherever you drop a greasy chip. Starlings sing as the sun goes down, and if you are lucky you will hear the very eerie sound of Snipe in the summer, a strange 'whirring' above your head in the dead of night. From the Sun Lounge, nothing is perhaps more spectacular than watching Gannets performing aerobatics as they dive into the Sound in search of fish.
We have a very healthy marine ecosystem and if you are truly lucky, you will see otters playing in the burns at the North End, porpoises or dolphins by the jetty, or seals staring at you with such surprising intent. Basking sharks and whales have been sighted in the sound, and often on the various summer boat trips around the islands. Nothing beats a trip to Staffa towards the end of May, to come within a camera's lens of the famed Puffin. They are much smaller than you will expect, but they are also far more vibrantly wonderful than you could have guessed.
Sheep are everywhere. Iona is known for its healthy ewes and lambs. Many crofters and farmers here pride themselves on their success in rearing twin lambs. You will notice different breeds of sheep, from Hebridean sheep to blackface; if you have questions, ask around. If you want to visit the island during lambing season, a visit in March is your best bet.
Remember that Iona is a Regional Scenic Area, designated by the local authority; it forms part of the Argyll and Islands Environmentally Sensitive Area. Under this scheme, farmers and crofters are compensated for efforts made to minimise environmental impact while maximising conservation efforts.
Wildlife Links
RSPB - The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
www.rspb.org.uk
RSPB is a British charitable organisation which works to promote conservation and protection of
birds and the wider environment through public awareness campaigns, petitions and through the operation
of nature reserves throughout the United Kingdom. The RSPB has 1,500 employees, 12,200 volunteers and
over 1 million members (including 150,000 youth members), making it the largest wildlife conservation
charity in Europe. The RSPB has a number of local groups, and maintains 182 reserves across the United Kingdom.
Scottish Wildlife Trust
www.swt.org.uk
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is committed to protecting Scotland's wildlife by giving homes, a voice and access to wildlife.
Our natural environment is under more pressure than ever. Through the support provided by the members of SWT,
Scottish Wildlife Trust offers practical conservation solutions through habitat management and can challenge others with
their independent voice and expertise. Since 1964, SWT has continuously contributed to the enhancement and preservation of
habitats and wildlife throughout the country.
Mull and Iona Community Trust
www.mict.co.uk
The Mull & Iona Community Trust works to improve the quality of life for all residents, tackling economic,
social and environmental issues, in an integrated and sustainable way. Our charity is committed to being an open,
democratic organisation, working in partnership with other bodies.
Wild Isles 2009
www.wildisles.co.uk
The Wild Isles is a well stocked and always up to date complex web page advising about the latest news and
events on Mull and Iona. If your idea about spending a fulfilling holiday on Mull and Iona is more than just a
relax on the beach this page will be very useful to bring up some suggestions for days and evenings.
Hebridian Whale and Dolphin Trust
www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk
The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is dedicated to the conservation of Scotland's whales, dolphins, and
porpoises and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working with Hebridean communities.
Scottish National Heritage
www.snh.org.uk
The natural heritage is one of Scotland's biggest assets. The role of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is to look
after the natural heritage, help people to enjoy and value it, and encourage people to use it sustainably.
Mull Birds
www.mullbirds.com
This site is especially for birdwatchers and for those with an interest in the bird life of the Isle of Mull and the surrounding islands of Argyll. The aim is to share and help visitors and Muileachs to enjoy the many birds we have on the Isle of Mull and to keep up to date information on where to see birds at different times of the year, especially any rare or unusual visitors to the island.
Wild Scotland
www.wild-scotland.org.uk
Wild Scotland is the Scottish Wildlife and Nature Tourism Operators Association - a not-for-profit
organisation comprising of wildlife and nature tourism professionals, all of whom are committed to
delivering a first class wildlife-watching experience.
