Ayre of Kurkigarth

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Kurkigarth

"Honestas" in Voe Harbour For some reason I assumed this fine boat was permanently moored here, it looks so much part of the scenery.
But it doesn&#039;t feature in any other pictures of the harbour so I guess it&#039;s a visitor and I was lucky to get this shot. — "Honestas" in Voe Harbour Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Ayre of Kurkigarth is a coastal marsh located in the Shetland Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically found in the region of Saltings, near the village of Cunningsburgh. This marshland is characterized by its flat and low-lying terrain, consisting of a mix of salt marshes and mudflats.

The Ayre of Kurkigarth is directly influenced by both the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in a diverse and unique coastal ecosystem. The marshes are regularly flooded by tidal waters, creating a dynamic environment that supports a variety of plant and animal species.

The vegetation within Ayre of Kurkigarth is predominantly salt-tolerant, with plants such as sea lavender, sea aster, and sea purslane thriving in the marshy conditions. These plants play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. Additionally, the marshes serve as an important habitat for numerous bird species, including waders like oystercatchers and curlews, as well as migratory birds that visit the area during different seasons.

The Ayre of Kurkigarth is also of archaeological significance, with traces of prehistoric settlements uncovered in the surrounding area. These findings provide valuable insights into the history and human occupation of the region.

Overall, Ayre of Kurkigarth in Shetland is a fascinating coastal marsh characterized by its diverse vegetation, tidal inundation, and significant ecological value.

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Ayre of Kurkigarth Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.359101/-1.2936462 or Grid Reference HU3964. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

"Honestas" in Voe Harbour

For some reason I assumed this fine boat was permanently moored here, it looks so much part of the scenery. But it doesn't feature in any other pictures of the harbour so I guess it's a visitor and I was lucky to get this shot.

Des Blenkinsopp

Lower Voe

The head of Olna Firth, which is frozen.

Mike Pennington

Frozen marina at Voe

Olna Firth is salt water, but is enclosed and has frozen after several days of very hard frosts.

Mike Pennington

Olna Firth at Voe

This sheltered arm of the sea has frozen in the hard frosts of recent nights.

Mike Pennington

Houses at Voe

A view of houses at Voe

Mat Tuck

Colourful Housing

This is Mulla, nice bright colours against the green hillside.

Des Blenkinsopp

Valley of the Burn of Sursetter

The Burn of Sursetter is around 3 kms long and flows into Olna Firth. The conical thing in the foreground is a stack of rusty metal fence posts.

Des Blenkinsopp

Overlooking Voe Harbour

Des Blenkinsopp

Hamars, near Voe

One of several farms along the valley

Des Blenkinsopp

Olna Firth, Voe

I'm a bit confused as to the difference between a Firth and a Voe, but then I'm from Oxfordshire where there aren't many of either.

Des Blenkinsopp

Isles Road, Hamars

The A968 is the United Kingdom's northernmost A-road. It is 42 miles long and connects the islands of Yell and Unst to the Shetland Mainland. Travelling the length of the road involves two ferry crossings and the road is actually separated into three sections. The first 10 miles is from the A970 at Voe on the Shetland mainland to the ferry terminal at Toft. The next 17½ miles crosses the island of Yell, running between the ferry terminals at Ulsta and Gutcher. Finally, the road runs for a further 10 miles across Unst from the ferry terminal at Belmont to Haroldswick.

David Dixon

Hillside, Isles Road (A968)

David Dixon

Marina and pier at Voe

At the head of Olna Firth.

Russel Wills

A970 at Voe

The village of Voe is at the head of Olna Firth and is the meeting point of two major (for Shetland) routes. The A970 from Lerwick and the south shifts eastwards here before continuing towards Brae and Northmavine whilst the A968 continues northwards to Mossbank and the ferries to Yell and Unst. Two "B" roads lead west to West Mainland and east to Vidlin. This east side of the firth is also home to much of the new housing that has sprung up since the 1970s oil boom, plus the village shops and other services (Link

Undiscovered Scotland).

David Dixon

The Anchorage Bus Stop, A970 at Voe

Undiscovered Scotland).

David Dixon

Hillside, Voe Kirk

The striking, white church replaced the eighteenth century church, Olnafirth Kirk, which dates back to 1714 and whose ruins lay near to the edge of the firth (HU4063 : Olnafirth Kirk).

David Dixon

Antenna on the Hillside above Voe

The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places. Link

SABRE

David Dixon