Yell Sound Coast
Also within
Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Otter (Lutra lutra) | Unfavourable No Change | — | 2015-04-01 |
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
Yell Sound Coast Yell Sound Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest is located in the north of Shetland Mainland. It comprises 11 separate areas: the islands of Brother Isle, Uynarey, Samphrey and Orphasey, Gluss Isle and Fora Ness which are two islands connected to the mainland by ayres, the headlands of Calback Ness and Mio Ness and stretches of coastline at Cul Ness, Lunna Ness and the Ness of Copister. The site is notified for its population of otter. Yell Sound Coast SSSI consists of low rocky coastlines backed by areas of peaty moorland with numerous sources of fresh water. This habitat provides suitable conditions for otters and sustains a nationally and internationally important breeding population. It is estimated that the site supports at least a fifth of Shetland’s population and 2.5 % of the British population. Common seal (Phoca vitulina) Otter (Lutra lutra)
Species mentioned
Show the 2 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| otter | Lutra lutra | LC | carnivore | mustelidae |
| harbour seal | Phoca vitulina | None | seal | phocidae |