Pool of Virkie
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Mudflats | Favourable | — | 2009-07-17 |
Climate exposure
This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.
Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.
Geology & landscape
Landscape processes: Coastal
Description
Pool of Virkie The Pool of Virkie is located 3 km north of Sumburgh Head. It is a sheltered, shallow inlet that contains the largest area of intertidal sand and mudflats in Shetland. The sediments of the Pool of Virkie consist mainly of fine sand particles. These contain a variety of marine invertebrates which help support locally high numbers of wintering and migrating wading birds.