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Overview
On the north-western tip of the island of Westray, Noup Head consists of high sandstone cliffs with some of the largest seabird colonies in Britain.
Reaching up to 70m in height the cliffs have numerous ledges providing nest-sites and above them is a narrow strip of grassy sward backed by an area of maritime heath which lies outside the reserve.
Birds
Notable Species
The most numerous seabirds are Common Guillemot which number about 60,000 and Kittiwake with about 30,000 pairs. Around 3,000 Razorbill can be seen here as well as Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet and Shag, Black Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin, and gulls. Northern Raven and Rock Pipit also breed on these cliffs. The grass above holds Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear and Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua breed off the reserve on the heath.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, European Shag, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, European Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Atlantic Puffin, Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Northern Wheatear, Northern Raven
Other Wildlife
Grey Seal and Common Seal and often cetaceans are seen offshore, the latter mainly in late summer and autumn.
Thrift brightens the clifftop in late spring.
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
To do
Access and Facilities
Access to the reserve is open at all times and good views of the seabirds can be had from the clifftop but great care is needed. From Pierowall take the minor road westwards to Noup Farm, then the track to the lighthouse.
The island of Westray can be reached by passenger ferry or air from Kirkwall, guest-house and self-catering accommodation is plentiful on the island.
Grid reference: HY392499
Contact Details
Tel: 01856 850176
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
Content and images originally posted by Steve
