Ayre of Garths

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Garths

Coastal inlet Top of the coastal inlet — Coastal inlet Credit: Mat Tuck

Ayre of Garths is a coastal marsh and saltings located in Shetland, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the mainland, it covers an area of approximately 20 hectares and is renowned for its diverse ecosystem and natural beauty.

The site is characterized by a combination of saltmarsh and mudflats, which are influenced by the tides of the North Sea. The marshland is subject to regular flooding and is rich in nutrients, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. The vegetation consists of salt-tolerant grasses, sedges, and rushes, creating a vibrant green landscape.

Ayre of Garths serves as an important habitat for many bird species, particularly during the breeding and migration seasons. It is home to a variety of wading birds, such as oystercatchers, redshanks, and lapwings, which rely on the marshland for feeding and nesting. The site also attracts migratory species, including geese and ducks, which use it as a stopover point during their long journeys.

In addition to its ecological significance, Ayre of Garths is of cultural and historical importance. The area has evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years, with archaeological finds including ancient settlements and Viking remains. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the region.

Overall, Ayre of Garths is a valuable coastal marsh and saltings, supporting a diverse range of species and providing a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those interested in the history and natural beauty of Shetland.

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Ayre of Garths Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.323969/-1.1249511 or Grid Reference HU4860. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coastal inlet

Top of the coastal inlet

Mat Tuck

The Vadill, Billister, at high tide

Vadill means a place that can be waded across, but the tide is in.

Mike Pennington

House between Billister and Laxfirth

Overlooking the head of the Vadill.

Mike Pennington

Head of the Vadill, Billister

The pink plant on the left is a garden escape, Sweet Rocket.

Mike Pennington

North Nesting Public Hall. Laxfirth

Mike Pennington

Quoys pier

Pier at Quoys

Mat Tuck

Quoys pier

A small piece of land by Quoys Pier. There is a picnic bench and space to pull up several cars, making a useful wild camping spot.

Mat Tuck

Billister: the pier

A tiny harbour on Lax Firth, an inlet from the much larger Dury Voe, which is in the background.

Chris Downer

Billister: old Zetland County Council stone

This small slab of stone is almost hidden in the long grass opposite the pier (see HU4760 : Billister: the pier) and is inscribed with the Zetland County Council emblem with the name Billister Pier below. Zetland County Council is the predecessor (1974) to the present-day Shetland Islands Council.

Chris Downer

Billister: the telephone box

Looking down the lane towards Billister pier, with a red telephone box on the right. The box also acts as the repository for post for the wheelchair-bound lady, who lives in the cottage, as I discovered when I found a letter (visible on the shelf) inside the box. I knocked on the door and she cheerfully told me that her home help or other visitors checked the box before coming in.

Chris Downer

Billister, North Nesting

Three houses of different ages, possibly even built in different centuries.

Mike Pennington

Billister pier, North Nesting

Formerly the route to Whalsay.

Mike Pennington

Ruined crofthouse beside Lax Firth, North Nesting

Mike Pennington

House at Billister, North Nesting

The Bight of Bellister is beyond. Billister may be an OS typo, given that the Bight is called Bellister and this name is also used on larger scale OS maps, although the roadsign says Billister.

Mike Pennington