Noss National Nature Reserve Management Plan 2024-2034

Foreword

Noss is just one of the many islands that make up the archipelago of Shetland, the most northerly part of the British Isles. Lying on the same latitude as the southern tip of Greenland, Noss is one of the most accessible of the internationally important seabird colonies of the North Atlantic. The island is managed as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). 

The island of Noss lies to the east of the island of Bressay from which it is separated by Noss Sound, a strip of water some 150 metres wide. The island covers 344 hectares and is composed of almost horizontal beds of red, yellow and grey sandstones which have eroded to form a spectacular coastline with associated arches, caves and offshore stacks.

The island possesses a very distinctive outline, rising gradually from low lying land in the west to towering cliffs in the east, and reaches a maximum height of 181m above sea level at the famous Noup of Noss, a distinctive Shetland landmark. Found on these cliffs and the nearby moorland, is the primary interest of the reserve - breeding seabirds: over 60,000 individuals of 13 different species breed on Noss, including the 5^th largest great skua colony in the world and 7^th largest UK gannetry. 

The seabirds on Noss are highly concentrated within a spectacular and easily accessible landscape. The NNR has a very high profile - it is one of the key sites for tourism in Shetland. Several thousand people visit the reserve annually, either landing via the NatureScot operated ferry across Noss Sound or going around the island on commercial boat trips from Lerwick. 

The island has been settled by people for at least 4,000 years and has considerable archaeological interest. The rich cultural and natural history of Noss NNR is detailed further in ‘The story of Noss National Nature Reserve 2^nd Edition’ available on the NatureScot website.  Today Noss is inhabited from April to September each year when NatureScot staff live on the island. 

Noss NNR is one of a suite of NNRs in Scotland. NNRs are special places where some of the best examples of Scotland’s wildlife are cared for. Nature comes first on NNRs, and people are welcome to discover the rich natural heritage of these places and to contribute to our knowledge and enjoyment of these areas.

Our Vision for Noss NNR

Noss National Nature Reserve is a special place; the aim is to keep it that way. The Reserve Plan 2024 - 2034 sets out our vision for the reserve describing how we would like the reserve to be in 50 years’ time. The management we carry out over the following 10 years has been framed with this vision in mind.

Protected Areas and Features

Noss became a National Nature Reserve in 1955, through an agreement between the landowners, the Garth Estate (superseded by the Gardie Trust, and now Keldabister Farm), and the Nature Conservancy (one of NatureScot’s predecessors). The agreement covers 344 hectares (ha) and includes use of the original farmhouse, Gungstie, for the visitor centre and wardens’ accommodation. The reserve has traditionally been grazed and this is still the case today, with NatureScot and Keldabister Farm working together to manage the reserve. Two NatureScot wardens live on the island from April to September to provide visitor transport/services, monitor the wildlife and carry out management tasks.

The natural heritage interests at Noss are of UK and European importance. The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for supporting nationally important breeding seabird colony and populations of breeding Arctic skua, gannet, great skua, guillemot and kittiwake. The nationally important bird populations on the reserve also form part of the larger Noss Special Protection Area (SPA). The Noss SPA is of European importance for its breeding seabird assemblage as well as breeding fulmar, gannet, great skua, guillemot, kittiwake and puffin populations. 

Noss SSSI

• Arctic skua, breeding
• Gannet, breeding
• Great skua, breeding
• Guillemot, breeding
• Kittiwake, breeding
• Seabird colony, breeding

Noss SPA

• Fulmar, breeding
• Gannet, breeding
• Great skua, breeding
• Guillemot, breeding
• Kittiwake, breeding
• Puffin, breeding
• Seabird assemblage, breeding

Whilst managing Noss NNR we must take account of our legal obligations and Government policy to manage the features that are listed as important in a European or international context. This management plan has been appraised accordingly, and where a project listed in the plan is likely to have a significant effect on one or more of the qualifying features of the SPA, we will carry out an ‘appropriate assessment’. This includes all projects, whether they are direct habitat management or providing a new visitor facility on the reserve. We will only proceed if they do not adversely affect the integrity of the SPA. Likewise, we will also take account of obligations to manage features that are valued as important in a British context, as well as features that are locally important.

Management for Natural Heritage

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has impacted upon seabird populations across the British Isles and the Noss population of great skua was amongst those species hit particularly hard. The numbers below are from data collected during census work on the island in 2021, before the outbreak of HPAI and compares with GB population from Burnell et al., (2023), Seabird Count. Staff will be evaluating the impact of HPAI over the coming years. 

Noss is nationally and internationally important for its breeding seabird assemblage. The site holds 4% of the GB breeding population of great skua and 4% of the GB breeding population of gannet. The site also supports over 20,000 individual guillemots (1% of GB population), over 4,000 pairs of fulmar (1% of GB population) and over 1,000 individual puffins. The majority of these birds nest on the vertical cliffs of Noss however the great skua colony nest within the moorland in the centre of the island and are susceptible to disturbance by visitors. Our on-site staff will continue to meet all visitors and provide them with guidance to prevent accidental disturbance of nesting sites on moorland.

Many of the factors impacting seabird populations, such as climate change and food availability, cannot be managed for on the reserve.  However, mitigation of additional pressures effecting seabirds will contribute to improved species resilience and offer further protection for many of the seabirds breeding on the reserve. Ensuring there is a robust biosecurity plan, disturbance is minimised, suitable nesting habitat is maintained and protocols for HPAI are followed will all contribute to helping reduce additional pressures on the island’s seabird population.

To prevent the accidental introduction and establishment of invasive mammal species Noss NNR has a regularly reviewed biosecurity plan. Staff use established surveillance techniques to check for the presence of invasive species. The species of highest concern is brown rat, though stoats, and polecat-ferrets, are also established in Shetland; if any were to become established on Noss they would have dire consequences for the islands bird populations.  We will carry out monthly checks of bait stations for signs of INNS, encourage checks by conservation detection dogs when available and continue to liaise with Biosecurity for Scotland’s Biosecurity Officer to ensure our biosecurity protocols are kept up to date with regular revision. 

HPAI is a threat to many bird species with seabird populations already heavily impacted by recent outbreaks. Biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of circulating the virus have been implemented, recently these have focused on disinfection but in 2022 we closed the island to visitors alongside other seabird colonies throughout the British Isles. Continuing research on HPAI informs biosecurity measures undertaken, island biosecurity measures will follow current practise as guided by science. 

We will conduct a literature review into the habitat requirements for nesting skuas, particularly the effect of sward height with the intent of exploring options for varying grazing levels across the site to improve management for wider biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

Additionally, data collected as part of the long-term monitoring programme will be submitted to local and national databases to help improve our understanding of seabird declines. We will support and provide opportunities for research projects on the reserve which will contribute to gaining further insight into the impacts of climate change, marine activities, and wider environmental issues on seabirds.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan (NH1):

NH1.1: Manage visitor access to sensitive areas through guidance from reserve staff.

NH1.2: Continue annual programme of long-term seabird productivity monitoring, population surveys and six-year programme of whole island counts. 

NH1.3: Support and facilitate research especially those which relate to increasing our understanding of the long-term threats and pressures on seabird populations. 

NH1.4: Continue to implement Noss NNR Biosecurity Plan for invasive non-native species (INNS). 

NH1.5: Follow current protocols for minimising the impacts and spread of HPAI. 

NH1.6: Use the findings of the work on skua habitat requirements   to guide future management for nesting great and Arctic skua. 

There is potential to improve management for wider biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

Sheep exclusion at the promontory east of Papil Geo has benefitted coastal heath (more heather and flowering of species such as spring squill), and there is potential to significantly expand this area across Hill of Papilgeo with seasonal sheep exclusion which could be facilitated through an agri-environment scheme.  This would enhance biodiversity by promoting a restricted habitat and benefitting pollinating insects.

Shetland would have been naturally covered in trees and scrub before being cleared by man and supressed by grazing animals since Neolithic times.  There is some potential to plant native trees at limited locations at Noss (e.g. at Gungstie and in sheltered geos) whilst maintaining seabird habitat and without compromising current agricultural use.  Planting native trees will contribute to restoring biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Marine litter poses a threat to seabirds and other wildlife.  Beach cleans on Noss are carried out throughout the season, though the problem is at a much bigger scale and needs to be addressed more widely.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan (NH2):

NH2.1: Liaise with Keldabister Farm to encourage management for coastal heath at Hill of Papilgeo (through agri-environment scheme).

NH2.2: Plant native trees in limited locations where the opportunity arises (e.g. at Gungstie and in sheltered geos).

NH2.3: Remove marine litter from beaches, including the annual beach clean at the end of April ahead of the main visitor period (as part of the Shetland-wide Da Voar Redd Up). 

Management for People

Visitors to Noss primarily access the reserve by the zodiac ferry operated by NatureScot staff. We aim to provide a safe and regular ferry service during the summer months, which offers a unique and exciting way for visitors to access the reserve. Upon arrival visitors are welcomed into the visitor centre by reserve staff, where an introductory talk informs on the natural and cultural heritage, suitable walking routes, and how to visit the reserve responsibly. This will offer an educated and informed visitor experience where people can enjoy wildlife, without causing disturbance, and with an understanding of how special the reserve is for seabirds and nature. 

The use of social media and other online content will be used to provide pre-visit information that will improve the visitor journey and encourage wider audiences to engage with and visit the reserve.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan (VM1):

VM1.1: Provide Noss Ferry between start of May and end August and maintain Ferry Information line - adding additional information to Lerwick-Bressay Ferry terminal, and on social media.

VM1.2: Reserve staff to provide a welcome brief to all visitors. Include natural heritage background, the work of NatureScot and health and safety information. 

VM1.3: Promote Noss NNR through local press, radio and social media.  Work with NatureScot communications team to enhance reach on important work / news on reserve.

VM1.4: Accommodate visits from local groups and respond to requests for guided walks or talks highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve. Seek opportunities to engage with local events and groups that will promote the reserve and highlight the challenges faced by seabirds. These will be subject to staff availability and resources.

VM1.5: Investigate opportunities to increase the reach of talks and events through the use of new and emerging technologies.

VM1.6: Explore options for installing webcams on the island to engage with wider audiences and to bring the Noss experience to those that are unable to visit its remote island location.

VM1.7: Ensure the visitor centre continues to be an important and high quality, source of information for visitors when on the island. Review and update the VC interpretation as required.

VM1.8: Provide regular and up to date online information about the natural and cultural heritage of Noss NNR through social media and an up-to-date mini annual report. Review and update information about the reserve on the NatureScot website every six months. 

VM1.9: Explore the use of social media as a tool for providing up to date information on ferry operation, either alongside or in place of the ferry information telephone line.

VM1.10: Collate visitor numbers and update monthly reporting during visitor season. Submit monthly and annual visitor figures to the Scottish Visitor Attraction Survey.

VM1.11: Work with access colleagues to ensure accessibility audit to identify and implement actions to improve accessibility to the reserve. Explore the provision of baby-changing facilities.

There is no longer a primary school on Bressay however we will aim to seek ways to support and develop opportunities for young people on Bressay to visit and engage with the reserve. In addition to this, we will explore ways to engage with more local young people in Shetland by connecting with the high school, youth groups and other outdoor education groups. We will build on successful visits by groups from Shetland Junior Ranger scheme, established in 2024, and continue to work closely with the scheme, hosting Junior Rangers on the reserve.

The success of Noss Open Day relies upon a team of volunteers to help run the event. It will continue to provide the local community with inclusive volunteering opportunities and to be an event that encourages the local community to engage with the reserve by providing inclusive activities for a wide range of visitors. Noss Open Day is an opportunity to engage with a wider demographic, as it typically attracts more local young families compared to the usual visitors to the island who tend to be older and from outwith Shetland.

We will find ways to support volunteering opportunities for those looking to gain experience in seabird monitoring, visitor management or nature conservation.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan (VM2):

VM2.1: Support educational visits to the reserve and connect with the environmental education teacher at the high school to encourage group visits from local young people.

VM2.2: Encourage and provide inclusive opportunities for local volunteers to be involved with work on the reserve.

VM2.3: Develop a list of tasks and provide inclusive opportunities for a wider pool of volunteers, organisations or work parties for larger scale works. Host visits from Shetland Junior Ranger programme.

VM2.4: Organise and run an annual Noss NNR Open Day with the help of local volunteers and offer inclusive activities for the local community. Include two guided walks as part of this event.

Management for Property

Maintenance of the site is ongoing, with servicing of property infrastructure and equipment carried out annually and safety inspections of visitor infrastructure carried out quarterly.

Coastal erosion, exacerbated by climate change, sea level rise and the burrowing activities of a large rabbit population, is causing a threat to infrastructure and affecting coastal features.  The issue will be addressed by onsite measures where possible but will be challenging in the longer-term if the trend continues.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan (PM1):

PM1.1: Maintain all visitor infrastructure (i.e. stiles, wet crossings on paths, signs, visitor centre etc.) in good condition. Conform to Health & Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews.

PM1.2: Maintain all reserve buildings in good condition and conform to Health & Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews. Includes costs & utilities bills as agreed. Maintain leased building in accordance with listed building planning.

PM1.3: Carry out quarterly safety and condition assessments of all visitor areas and infrastructure. Ensure accurate records are kept and appropriate remedial action taken.

PM1.4: Ensure legal responsibilities of owners of scheduled monument sites within the NNR are adhered to.

PM1.5: Maintain existing toilets in safe and operational condition, including regular cleaning.

PM1.6: Maintain the terms of the Nature Reserve Agreement (NRA) including NRA payments.

PM1.7: Maintain, replace and ensure regular servicing of all tools, equipment and vehicles.

PM1.8: Prevent erosion around the scheduled ancient monument and access close to Gungstie in conjunction with estate. Main technique is laying netting to reduce rabbit damage. 

PM1.9: Extend the sand trap on the eastern side of Nesti and transplant marram grass behind it to stabilise the bank. Explore using this method on Flitsand.

Document Properties

Author: Jennifer Clark
Editors: Neil Mitchell, Juan Brown
Approved by: Graham Neville

Date: 13 February 2025

References:

Burnell, D., Perkins, A.J., Newton, F.N., Bolton, M., Tierney, T.D., & Dunn, T.D. (2023). Seabird Count, A Census of Breeding Seabirds in Britain and Ireland (2015-2021). Lynx Edicions