West Banks

West Banks is a coastal marsh and saltings located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a unique and ecologically important area that spans approximately 1.5 kilometers along the western coast of the main Orkney Island.

The marsh is characterized by a diverse range of habitats, including salt marshes, mudflats, sand dunes, and salt pannes. These habitats support a rich variety of plant and animal species, many of which are adapted to the harsh conditions of the coastal environment. Salt-tolerant plants such as sea lavender, sea purslane, and sea aster thrive here, providing food and shelter for a myriad of invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

The West Banks area is of significant importance for birds, particularly during the breeding and wintering seasons. It serves as an important stopover site for migratory birds, including waders, geese, and ducks, as they journey between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering grounds further south. During the winter months, large flocks of geese can be seen grazing on the salt marshes, while waders such as lapwings and redshanks forage in the mudflats.

The marsh and saltings of West Banks are also of geological interest, as they provide a record of the changing sea levels over thousands of years. The area has witnessed significant erosion and deposition processes, resulting in the formation of sand dunes and coastal landforms.

Due to its ecological significance, West Banks is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed by the Orkney Islands Council. Access to the area is available via designated footpaths and observation points, allowing visitors to appreciate and learn about the unique coastal ecosystems and wildlife found here.