Bakka Skeo

Bakka Skeo is a coastal marsh located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is situated on the western side of the main island, and specifically on the southern coast of the West Mainland. The marsh is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, primarily consisting of salt marshes and saltings.

The coastal marsh of Bakka Skeo is characterized by its intertidal zone, where the land meets the sea. This area experiences regular tidal flooding, resulting in a brackish water environment. The salinity levels are influenced by the nearby North Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the unique flora and fauna found in the marsh.

The vegetation in Bakka Skeo is adapted to the challenging conditions of the salt marsh. Salt-tolerant plants such as glasswort, sea lavender, and sea aster thrive in this habitat. These plants not only provide important food sources and shelter for various bird species, but they also help stabilize the marshland and prevent erosion.

Bakka Skeo is a haven for wildlife, serving as a vital feeding and breeding ground for a variety of bird species. Common visitors include wading birds such as oystercatchers, curlews, and redshanks. The marshland also attracts migratory birds from afar, making it an important stopover site during their journeys.

In addition to birds, Bakka Skeo is home to a variety of other animals, including otters, seals, and various fish species. The marshland also supports a rich invertebrate community, with numerous species of insects, crustaceans, and mollusks thriving in the brackish waters.

Overall, Bakka Skeo's coastal marsh is a remarkable and ecologically important habitat, providing a sanctuary for a wide range of plant and animal species in the beautiful landscape of Shetland.