This habitat enhancement project was centred on Fetlar, and it’s importance to the unique species red-necked phalaropes. Rare in the UK they have an incredible annual migration between Fetlar and the Pacific Ocean. RSPB Scotland in Fetlar has decades of experience managing habitats for this enigmatic role-reversing bird and have developed expertise in providing what they require to thrive. Unlike most birds, it’s the female of the species which is more boldly coloured and it’s the male who solely incubates the clutch of up to four eggs and tends to the chicks.
From the extensive monitoring of this species, they have learned how phalaropes respond to and benefit from management practices and maximise opportunities to enhance the mosaic of available habitats for them. This involves creating areas of open water using machine excavators and fine-scale water level management, while in parallel managing vegetation structure through grazing and hand-cutting. This is done in collaboration with local crofters and volunteers.
“There are intangible benefits, such as the feelings of pride and compassionate responsibility community members may have, or the emotional connection people feel from having caught sight of this charismatic yet elusive bird. This project fits in with our wider ambitions of making nature more accessible to a more diverse audience.”
In 2023 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £12,291 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.