Known affectionately as Papay, this entrancing island is rich in wildlife. The reserve on the north end has one of Britain’s largest colonies of arctic terns – over 2,000 pairs breed here. The low cliffs along the east coast hold a small but densely packed colony of guillemots, razorbills, puffins, shags and kittiwakes. You can see them from a wide platform of rock nearby. It was here in 1813 that the last great auk (a large flightless relative of the puffin) was shot.
A reserve speciality is the purple Scottish primrose; it grows in large numbers in the short turf behind Fowl Craig.
Small visitor centre and observation point in the former coastguard hut, trail guide, guided walks in summer.
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| Open |
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Reserve is open at all times
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| Admission / Cost |
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Free
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| How to find us |
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North end of Papa Westray, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the ferry
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Contact Information
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North Hill, Papa Westray (RSPB)
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Papa Westray
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Orkney
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Tel: 01857 644240 (April to August only)
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Tel: 01856 850176
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| Email:
orkney@rspb.org.uk
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| Website |
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Willkommen in Schottland
Bienvenue en Ecosse
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