Noust of Borwick

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Orkney

Scotland

Noust of Borwick

Yesnaby Head A peaceful day on this windswept headland.  Tidal power ship lies off Hoy.
Yesnaby Head Credit: Alan Reid

Noust of Borwick is a coastal marsh located in the Orkney Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. The marsh is characterized by its unique geographical features, consisting of a vast expanse of saltings and mudflats.

The area is primarily composed of salt-tolerant vegetation and is heavily influenced by tidal fluctuations. During high tides, the marsh is submerged in seawater, creating a diverse and rich habitat for various marine organisms. As the tide recedes, the mudflats are exposed, revealing a nutrient-rich substrate that attracts a wide range of bird species.

Noust of Borwick serves as an important breeding ground and feeding area for numerous bird species, including waders, waterfowl, and migratory birds. These birds take advantage of the abundant food resources found in the marsh, such as small invertebrates and plant matter.

The site is also recognized for its ecological importance, as it supports a variety of rare and protected species. This includes the internationally important pink-footed geese and the curlew, a bird species in decline across the UK.

Visitors to Noust of Borwick can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Birdwatchers, in particular, will find this marsh a haven for observing different bird species in their natural habitat.

Overall, Noust of Borwick is a unique and ecologically significant coastal marsh that offers a glimpse into the diverse and thriving ecosystem of the Orkney Islands.

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Noust of Borwick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.030168/-3.3535383 or Grid Reference HY2216. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Yesnaby Head A peaceful day on this windswept headland.  Tidal power ship lies off Hoy.
Yesnaby Head
A peaceful day on this windswept headland. Tidal power ship lies off Hoy.
Inlet near Yesnaby A small inlet south of Yesnaby
Inlet near Yesnaby
A small inlet south of Yesnaby
Rocks and water Colourful sea grass at lowish tide in an inlet by Yesnaby
Rocks and water
Colourful sea grass at lowish tide in an inlet by Yesnaby
Yesnaby Castle A large sea stack
Yesnaby Castle
A large sea stack
The end of The Spade Taken from the rocks at sea level and looking up rather than down the cliffs
The end of The Spade
Taken from the rocks at sea level and looking up rather than down the cliffs
Bo Skerry Bo Skerry taken from the cliff top
Bo Skerry
Bo Skerry taken from the cliff top
Rocks on Inga Ness Rocky shoreline on the north side of Inga Ness
Rocks on Inga Ness
Rocky shoreline on the north side of Inga Ness
Inga Ness The very rocky tip of Inga Ness
Inga Ness
The very rocky tip of Inga Ness
Yesnaby: the Brough of Bigging from the north The Brough of Bigging is the cliff-surrounded peninsula seen here; the inlet in front of it is the Noust of Bigging.  The rocks at Yesnaby are strongly layered and rather unstable.
In the background, the high hills on Hoy.  This was taken at the very end of a long Orcadian midsummer day, and Great Skuas (Bonxies) were processing southwards towards Hoy to roost after a hard day harassing the birds nesting here and further north along the coastline.
Yesnaby: the Brough of Bigging from the north
The Brough of Bigging is the cliff-surrounded peninsula seen here; the inlet in front of it is the Noust of Bigging. The rocks at Yesnaby are strongly layered and rather unstable. In the background, the high hills on Hoy. This was taken at the very end of a long Orcadian midsummer day, and Great Skuas (Bonxies) were processing southwards towards Hoy to roost after a hard day harassing the birds nesting here and further north along the coastline.
Castle of Yesnaby A two-legged sea stack north of Stromness.
Castle of Yesnaby
A two-legged sea stack north of Stromness.
Castle Yesnaby Looking rather like the Old Man of Hoy, but smaller.
Castle Yesnaby
Looking rather like the Old Man of Hoy, but smaller.
Natural Arch at Yesnaby A temporary feature?
Natural Arch at Yesnaby
A temporary feature?
Primula scotica Primula scotica (Scottish primrose) is found only in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.
Primula scotica
Primula scotica (Scottish primrose) is found only in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.
Yesnaby cliffs View of the cliffs at Yesnaby. The old man of Hoy can be seen in the distance.
Yesnaby cliffs
View of the cliffs at Yesnaby. The old man of Hoy can be seen in the distance.
Cliff and sea cave at Yesnaby
Cliff and sea cave at Yesnaby
Rocky outcrop near Brough of Bigging
Rocky outcrop near Brough of Bigging
Brough of Bigging, Yesnaby
Brough of Bigging, Yesnaby
Noust of Bigging, Cliff scenery & arch, Yesnaby
Noust of Bigging, Cliff scenery & arch, Yesnaby
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Noust of Borwick is located at Grid Ref: HY2216 (Lat: 59.030168, Lng: -3.3535383)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///upwards.galloping.continues. Near Sandwick, Orkney Islands

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