Baa of Grisalee

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Shetland

Scotland

Baa of Grisalee

Male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Fiska Wick, Burrafirth
Male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Fiska Wick, Burrafirth Credit: Mike Pennington

Baa of Grisalee is a coastal marsh located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the main island, this area is known for its beautiful saltings and diverse wildlife.

The Baa of Grisalee is characterized by its marshy terrain, with a mixture of grasses, sedges, and rushes. This unique coastal ecosystem is influenced by the tides, as saltwater from the North Sea regularly floods the area, creating a brackish environment. The marsh is surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky shorelines, adding to its scenic beauty.

The Baa of Grisalee is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Common plants found in the marsh include sea aster, sea lavender, and sea purslane, which are adapted to the saltwater conditions. The area also provides an important habitat for numerous bird species, such as oystercatchers, curlews, and redshanks. These birds can be seen foraging in the marsh for insects and small crustaceans.

In addition to its ecological significance, the Baa of Grisalee holds cultural importance. The name "Baa" is derived from the Old Norse word for "farm," indicating the historical presence of human settlement in the area. Today, the marsh is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, who can enjoy its tranquil surroundings and observe the diverse wildlife.

Overall, the Baa of Grisalee is a captivating coastal marsh in the Shetland Islands, offering a unique blend of natural and cultural heritage.

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Baa of Grisalee Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.818765/-0.85527571 or Grid Reference HP6215. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Fiska Wick, Burrafirth
Male Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), Fiska Wick, Burrafirth
Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Baltasound
Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Baltasound
Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Hermaness
Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Hermaness
Sheep in the shade of a campervan at the Hermaness car park
Sheep in the shade of a campervan at the Hermaness car park
Common Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Hermaness
Common Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Hermaness
Dunlin (Calidris alpina), Hermaness
Dunlin (Calidris alpina), Hermaness
Great Skua (Stercorarius skua), Hermaness
Great Skua (Stercorarius skua), Hermaness
Campervans, Burrafirth
Campervans, Burrafirth
Hermaness car park
Hermaness car park
Beginning of the Wild Skies Shetland Planetary Trail, Saxa Vord
Beginning of the Wild Skies Shetland Planetary Trail, Saxa Vord
Cru on Gull Holm, Hermaness Purpose unknown.
Cru on Gull Holm, Hermaness
Purpose unknown.
Shore Station, Burrafirth, and Saxa Vord
Shore Station, Burrafirth, and Saxa Vord
Aurora over Muckle Flugga from Saxa Vord
Aurora over Muckle Flugga from Saxa Vord
Sunset over Burrafirth
Sunset over Burrafirth
Sunset over Burrafirth
Sunset over Burrafirth
Lichens, Fiska Wick, Burrafirth Maybe not the most spectacular organism in Shetland but one which I find fascinating: Tar Lichen (Verrucaria maura), the lichen that forms the 'oil stain' on rocks around the coast, shown alongside Yellow (or Orange) Sea Lichen (Caloplaca marina).
Lichens, Fiska Wick, Burrafirth
Maybe not the most spectacular organism in Shetland but one which I find fascinating: Tar Lichen (Verrucaria maura), the lichen that forms the 'oil stain' on rocks around the coast, shown alongside Yellow (or Orange) Sea Lichen (Caloplaca marina).
New signage at the entrance to Hermaness National Nature Reserve
New signage at the entrance to Hermaness National Nature Reserve
New information hub and toilets at the entrance to Hermaness NNR
New information hub and toilets at the entrance to Hermaness NNR
Show me another place!

Baa of Grisalee is located at Grid Ref: HP6215 (Lat: 60.818765, Lng: -0.85527571)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///cabbage.herds.disgraced. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

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