Barra & Vatersay Outdoor Ranger Service

24/06/2025

Please keep your dogs on leads.

We're reminding dog walkers of your responsibilities when near livestock. You must keep your dogs on a short lead and avoid livestock fields or areas of open grazing where you can see livestock nearby. Even the close presence of a dog nearby can stress livestock, especially at this time of year when many have lambs and calves.

PC Farndell - the local officer for Barra and Vatersay dealt with a recent incident that occurred on the sands of Vatersay where cattle roam on the open grazing, and a dog was off the lead which spooked the cattle. For further advice please visit https://orlo.uk/SOAC_pQxeG

22/06/2025

Little Terns are nesting at Allasdale & Eoligarry. Some currently have tiny chicks and others are still incubating eggs. This is a critical stage for survival. Please do not approach the nesting area at Allasdale and avoid the fenced area at Eoligarry.

These birds receive special protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) and it is a criminal offence to disturb them at the nest.

To find out more about these birds visit:-
https://speciesontheedge.co.uk/little-tern

Species on the Edge RSPB

20/06/2025

Came across these two plants which were historically incredibly useful.

Lady’s Bedstraw and Fairy Flax.

Fairy Flax was also known as purging flax as it has laxative effects and was historically used by herbalists.

Lady’s Bedstraw has just started to bloom and will carry on adding colour to the countryside until September. Historically, Lady’s Bedstraw was used to curdle milk in the cheese making process, making it a good vegetarian replacement for rennet.

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20/06/2025

🌊🌿 Underwater Forests with Eoligarry Primary! 📚🐟

Last week, we had a fantastic day with the pupils of Eoligarry Primary School, exploring the theme of the coastal underwater forests of Barra and Vatersay as part of their oceans topic! 🪼🌱

We delivered a Ranger Service talk packed with local underwater photos and videos, giving the pupils a real glimpse into the vibrant kelp forests and seagrass meadows hidden just below the surface. We discussed the incredible biodiversity supported by these habitats — from curious seals and fish, to crustaceans and starfish! 🦀🌊

We also touched on the history of the local kelp industry - and traditional uses of seaweed such as carrageen pudding.

Then it was time to head outdoors at Traigh Eais beach, where we identified washed-up seaweed and connected it back to what we'd learned. After discussing the threats of marine pollution, the pupils took action with a mini beach clean to help keep our coastline healthy. ♻️🌍

A huge thank you to Eoligarry Primary for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and impressive knowledge of our oceans — especially of the incredible environment right on our doorstep. Thank you for having us! 💙

19/06/2025

As part of the Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival Kirsty is doing a shoreline clean at Bagh nan Clach in Scurrival, 11am.

There are lots of other events going on too:-
Mon 23rd June Bumblebees at the Garadh
Tue 24th June Bird Craft at the Learning Centre
Fri 27th Bird Walk, Eoligarry & Bee Safari, Vatersay.

For more details visit Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival

18/06/2025

16/06/2025

These flowers look like buttercups but they are in fact the flowers of silverweed and belong to the Rose family.

Silverweed is a very common creeping plant with new plants carried on red stolons.

Sliverweed roots are an important source of carbohydrate and, in the Hebrides, was used as a potato substitute during periods of potato blight (Potato Famine) sustaining whole communities for long periods of time.

13/06/2025

There is absolutely no excuse for fly-tipping.

The skips are open 3 days a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Although we certainly would not condone filling other people’s bins, these bins were empty yet the fly tipper decided to dump on the side of the road anyway, creating an hazzard for all.

Cleaned up now.

10/06/2025

The mighty white clover may be a common plant but it is an extremely important one.

Clover is an important food source for livestock, bumblebees, butterflies (in particular the Common Blue Butterfly) and other insects.

Humans can also eat clover. Both the leaves and flowers are delicious in a salad. Dried clover flowers also make a nice tea.

Clover is a member of the bean family and works symbiotically with a bacteria to fix nitrogen in the soil thus enriching the soil.

09/06/2025

Came across a carpet of Heath Bedstraw. This plant is an important source of food for butterflies, bees and other insects. The plant likes an acidic soil.

The second picture shows it mixed in with some Tomentil.

Remember please do not pick the flowers - leave them for everyone to enjoy.

05/06/2025

01/06/2025

On the eve of we would like to thank everyone that has come along to a shoreline clean or a litter pick or just been doing it on their own. You have all made such a different.

Saturday was a shoreline clean on Vatersay west. The first time we clean this beach this year there was over 100kg of rubbish. This time only 19kg. So great result and many thanks. 🤩