Teistie Taing

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Orkney

Scotland

Teistie Taing

Teistie Taing, located in Orkney, is a picturesque coastal marsh and saltings area that offers breathtaking views and a unique ecosystem. This natural wonder is situated on the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The name "Teistie Taing" is derived from the Scottish word "teistie," which refers to the local bird species known as the Arctic tern, and "taing," meaning a strip of land. This name perfectly encapsulates the essence of this region, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species, including the iconic Arctic terns.

The coastal marsh and saltings of Teistie Taing provide a vital habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The area is characterized by a mix of saltmarsh, sand dunes, and mud flats, creating an ideal environment for bird nesting, feeding, and roosting. It is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance for bird conservation.

Visitors to Teistie Taing can witness a spectacular array of bird species, including waders like redshanks, dunlins, and oystercatchers, as well as numerous terns, gulls, and waterfowl. The marsh and saltings also attract other wildlife, such as seals, otters, and various plant species adapted to the coastal environment.

To preserve and protect this unique ecosystem, access to Teistie Taing is carefully managed, ensuring visitors can enjoy its natural beauty while minimizing disturbance to the wildlife. Interpretive signage and walking paths provide information and guidance to visitors, offering an educational and immersive experience in this stunning coastal marsh and saltings area.

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Teistie Taing Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.345542/-2.8655789 or Grid Reference HY5051. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

stalked

Swans on the Shore

Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Fence

The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.

Anne Burgess

Zigzag Rocks

I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.

Anne Burgess

Bay of Burland

The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.

Anne Burgess

Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney

From Link

: "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."

Claire Pegrum

Bay of Burland, Papa Westray

Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.

Rob Burke

Mill Point, Papa Westray

There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.

Rob Burke

Chambered Cairn Remains

Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.

Adam Ward

Holm of Papay

Isla17

View of the Holm of Papay, from the air

Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land

hayley green

Cliffs, Holm of Papay

A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top

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From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick

Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...

hayley green

Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn

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Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn

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Inside the chambered cairn on the Holm of Papa Westray

Taken without flash or tripod, hence slight wobble - down a ladder via the roof and an excellent chambered cairn, 2 sections (one at each end) that need a further crawl to get into

hayley green