Isle of May National Nature Reserve - Management Plan 2025 - 2035

Foreword

The Isle of May became a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1956, making it one of Scotland’s oldest NNRs and is owned and managed by NatureScot. This iconic reserve is internationally important for its thousands of breeding seabirds in the summer and grey seal nurseries in the autumn. In both spring and autumn the island is a key site for migrant birds passing to and from their breeding grounds, and the waters around the island support internationally important sub tidal reefs.

Lying at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, the island is 1.5km long and 0.5km wide. It is covered by a shallow layer of soil and maritime grassland; a perfect place for burrowing puffins and ground-nesting birds such as gulls, terns and eiders. Its underlying geology is greenstone (olivine-dolerite) which form the impressive west cliffs rising to over 45 metres. These high cliffs provide perfect breeding ledges for cliff-nesting species such as razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars. 

The island has an impressive cultural history stretching back thousands of years. There is a long ecclesiastical history associated with the island. The first lighthouse in Scotland still stands on the island along with the low light and the still operational main light. The Isle of May played a significant role during both the first and second World Wars with evidence of many defensive structures across the island. In more recent times the establishment of a bird observatory on the island and strong links with research institutes mean the island is one of the key sites for monitoring seabird and seal populations. Studies here are used to monitor changes in the marine environment and research the influences of climate change. 

The Isle of May NNR welcomes around 15,000 visitors each year. To enable visitors to explore and enjoy the island without damaging the sensitive habitats or disturbing species, a network of paths is maintained to allow access around the island and a visitor centre close to the Kirkhaven landing provides information on the reserve and its wildlife.

The Isle of May is one of a suite of NNRs in Scotland. NNRs are special places for nature, where some of the best examples of Scotland’s wildlife are managed. Every NNR is carefully managed both for nature and for people, giving visitors the opportunity to experience our rich natural heritage. The island and its surrounding waters will be subject to the vagaries of climate change and a challenge for the next plan period will be to ensure that a healthy, resilient ecosystem is maintained on and around the island.

Our Vision for Isle of May NNR

The Isle of May National Nature Reserve is a very special place our aim is to keep it that way and improve on it if we can. The Reserve Plan 2025 - 2035 sets out our vision for the Reserve describing how we would like it to be in 50 years time. The management we carry out over the next 10 years has been framed with this vision in mind.

Protected Areas and Features

The Isle of May has numerous designations which reflect its national and international importance, although the boundaries of the designations differ. These are:

• National Nature Reserve (NNR) designated on 12 June 1956 which covers an area of 56.6 hectares.
• Special Protection Area (SPA), a designation protecting the bird interest on the site.
• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), part of the UK network of protected areas; the national SSSI designation underpins the international designations.

The Isle of May is part of the wider Forth Islands SPA in which most seabirds are qualifying features as the seabird assemblage. For many of the islands seabirds (eg. Eider) there is also connectivity with the Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex SPA. Whilst managing the Isle of May NNR we have to take account of our legal obligations and Government policy to manage the features that are listed as important in a European or international context.  This management plan has been appraised accordingly, and where a project listed in the plan is likely to have a significant effect on one or more of the qualifying features of the SACs and/or SPA, we will carry out an ‘appropriate assessment’. This includes all projects, whether they are direct habitat management or providing a new visitor facility on the Reserve. We will only proceed if they do not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC and/or SPA.  Likewise, we will also take account of obligations to manage features that are valued as important in a UK context, as well as features that are locally important. 

Isle of May SSSI

• Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), breeding
• Eider (Somateria mollissima), breeding
• Guillemot (Uria aalge), breeding
• Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), breeding
• Puffin (Fratercula arctica), breeding
• Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)
• Maritime cliff
• Seabird colony, breeding
• Purple sandpiper (Calidris maritima), non-breeding
• Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), non-breeding

Isle of May SAC

• Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)
• Reefs 

Isle of May SPA

• Forth Islands SPA

Isle of May NNR Map

Management for Natural Heritage

The Isle of May is nationally and internationally important for its seabird assemblage. Monitoring of the breeding populations is undertaken by NatureScot while the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) monitor breeding success and survival rates. The island is one of four strategic monitoring sites in the U.K. Data from the island feeds into a long-term Seabird Monitoring Programme for seabirds and is also used to report on the status of the qualifying species and associated ecosystem health. We use monitoring results to inform management of the island, to understand population trends and to identify broad changes in the marine and coastal environment. The detailed methodology for monitoring of the seabirds is set out in the Isle of May Monitoring Handbook 2025-2035 (Copy available on request). 

Research is an important aspect of the NNR and is supported through our provision of accommodation and laboratory facilities. Research projects on the island contribute to our understanding of the pressures on seabirds and includes projects assessing the effects of offshore renewable developments, the impact of legacy waste contaminants, winter survival of seabirds and looking at the effects of climate change. We will continue to operate a permit system for research projects to ensure that the wildlife is not adversely affected by an individual research project or cumulatively with other projects

The island is actively managed to help seabirds nest; management measures include vegetation control, creation of nesting habitat and reducing disturbance. Much focus has been on improving the breeding success of the tern colony. To try and improve breeding success we will continue with a range of management measures from creation of tern terraces to measures seeking to deter avian predators from entering the tern colony. Proactive management measures are detailed in the tern management plan (copy available on request). 

Visitor management ensures that the public have access to the island but in a managed way to avoid disturbance. From April-September visitor boats are licensed to land once per day with the exception of May and June when the island is closed one day per week. All boats must arrive and depart at the same time following a planned timetable to ensure visitor disturbance is reduced to a maximum of three hours per day. Visitor numbers and duration of visits will continue to be managed by the licensing of boats on a three-year cycle. The setting of the licences will be informed by research work and assessed through an HRA. Visitors are asked to use the path network around the island and boardwalks, roped pathways and signage help define access routes. Further measures to avoid disturbance by visitors include a welcome introductory talk by a member of the NatureScot team on arrival to reaffirm the importance of remaining on pathways and patrols by staff.

The Isle of May Biosecurity plan ensures the safeguarding of the island from introductions of invasive mammal species such as brown rat and mink. The plan is regularly reviewed and covers three key elements of biosecurity: prevention, surveillance, and incursion response. Prevention measures focus on minimising the risk of invasive predators reaching the island, including on board visitor boats. Increasing awareness for and effectiveness of prevention measures is key to maintaining the Isle of May free from invasive predators, and management measures may include raising awareness for biosecurity through NatureScot channels and encouraging participation in biosecurity training by visitor boat operators. The plan also details established surveillance techniques to check for the presence of invasive predators. In addition to monthly checks of surveillance stations, annual checks by conservation detection dogs are undertaken when available. The plan also identifies the protocol if an incursion occurs including support from a mainland team as well as ensuring the appropriate equipment and staff training is maintained on the island to ensure an instant and effective response. 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has impacted seabird populations across the British Isles and confirmed cases of both H5N1 and H5N5 strains of the virus have occurred on the island. Biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of circulating the virus have been implemented, recently these have focused on disinfection but in 2022 the island was closed to visitors. Continuing research on HPAI informs island biosecurity measures undertaken and all measures are reviewed on an annual basis. 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective NH1:

NH1.1: Continue annual programme of long-term seabird population monitoring in accordance with the Isle of May Seabird Monitoring Strategy revised 2024. Appendix 1.

NH1.2: Support and facilitate seabird productivity monitoring and seabird research.

NH1.3: Continue annual programme of management to benefit tern colonies in accordance with the Tern Management Plan. Appendix 2.

NH1.4: Manage all visitor access to ensure compliance to path network thus minimising any disturbance to breeding seabirds.

NH1.5: Implement the Isle of May NNR Biosecurity Plan for invasive non-native species (INNS) including surveillance and the removal of non-native species.

NH1.6: Continue to maintain disinfectant footbath for visitors arriving on the Isle of May to help contain Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and includes collection of bird mortality figures and testing where required. Ensure appropriate biosecurity measures are undertaken when accessing the breeding colonies to prevent spread of HPAI and other emerging pathogens.

The Isle of May supports one of the largest east coast breeding colonies of grey seals in the UK. Monitoring of the seal population on the Isle of May is an important part of a long-term research programme undertaken by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), a biannual aerial survey is undertaken to establish population levels along with various behavioural studies. Nature Scot contribute to data collection documenting the date of the first grey seal pup, early counts of pups and map seal distribution across the island.

As with seabird research we will continue to support opportunities for research through our provision of accommodation and lab facilities and operate a permit system for research projects.

During the pupping season (mid-October to early December) the seals are very vulnerable to disturbance and are easily startled by people and boats approaching too close. As part of our efforts to manage disturbance, all access to the Kirkhaven jetties is closed from 31 October and access is restricted to only a few pathways. Signage is erected to advise visitors on access restrictions. 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective NH2:

NH2.1: Provide opportunities and facilitate research and monitoring projects which contribute to long term data sets on seals.

NH2.2: Manage visitor access during the pupping season to avoid any disturbance.

The Isle of May is noted for the high quality of its bedrock reefs that fringe the coastline which form part of the notified interest of the Isle of May Special Area of Conservation. The reefs encompass a range of conditions from exposed on the open coast to sheltered areas within the inlets. Rich in biodiversity they form the habitat for a variety of biological communities such as those characterised by encrusting animals and seaweeds.

Anchoring of boats and intensive creeling can cause localised disturbance to reef habitats and marine communities but current levels of both activities are not known to be having a detrimental effect. Other fishing activities which could be more damaging to reef communities will be restricted as part of the Marine Protection Area. We will continue to monitor fishing activity for compliance with the MPA.

The Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust is the oldest continuously run bird observatory in Britain supplying important data through their efforts in ringing migratory birds and collating sightings records. The NatureScot staff support the Isle of May bird observatory’s work throughout the year especially the recording of migrants. Daily records are compiled and submitted to add to the observatory’s database. Weekly wader counts are undertaken during peak times and winter months.

Many species on the reserve benefit from our overall management and the habitats being kept in good condition. We record and contribute data on numerous species to national and regional programmes.  

Moth recording is undertaken throughout the summer months (March-October), butterfly transects are undertaken during the main flying season (July-September) whilst casual sightings are recorded daily.   

Casual sightings of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are documented throughout the year. along with other fauna such as bats and dragonflies etc.

Small patches of coastal grassland form part of the notified interest of the Isle of May SSSI but most of the island’s vegetation is heavily modified by the breeding seabirds, seals and rabbits. To understand how the vegetation has changed there will be a vegetation survey completed to compare with previous surveys over the decades.    

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective NH3:

NH3.1: Continue monitoring of fishing activity within the SAC to support any management measures introduced under the MPA.

NH3.2: Support and facilitate the Bird Observatory Trust in continuing their contribution to species monitoring, migrant bird recording and waders using the island.

NH3.3: Continue annual programme of monitoring cetaceans, butterflies and moths and submit records  to relevant recorders and databases.

NH3.4: Repeat a vegetation survey of the island to identify extent and vegetation changes. 

NH3.5: Facilitate research projects which increase understanding of biodiversity loss/ climate resilience and wider public health.

NH3.6: Ensure compliance with conditions of all leases - Salmon fishing (lease from Forth District Salmon Fishery Board).

Management for People

Visitor numbers have steadily increased over the last decade on the Isle of May NNR. We wish to maintain the current level of people visiting the reserve and provide them with a high-quality visitor experience. Face-to-face engagement will continue to be an important provision for all visitors to the island; to provide a welcome, inform them about the island and encourage responsible access. Staff will meet all boats and actively engage with visitors during their time on the island. We will provide an annual events programme and attend off-site events, talks and shows. 

Visitor facilities include the purpose-built visitor centre, the South Horn and the Bath House. Interpretation panels are located at the buildings and various locations around the island. We will continue to maintain these facilities and keep all our interpretation on and off site under review.

In 2016 NatureScot entered into an agreement with Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) to allow public access to the main Stevenson lighthouse. Although access is restricted to the centre rooms of the building, these rooms will be used for art exhibitions, displays on various aspects of the island and for event days. 

We will continue to promote the reserve through social media including the NNR website, Facebook and the Isle of May blog. Social media is now a main source of information with the islands blog now reaching over 100,000 views per year with a healthy following of over 8,000 Facebook. We use these channels to educate and inform people about the reserve, the work of NatureScot and to receive visitor feedback.

We will maintain the path network by carrying out path repairs and creation of boardwalks to provide access for visitors while reducing the possibility of damage and disturbance to habitats and wildlife. Picnic benches and seats are provided in various parts of the island to enhance the visitor experience. Visitor orientation has also been improved with directional finger posts installed whilst blue-topped posts remain a key indicator of the various pathways around the isle.   

The waters around the isle of May are used recreationally by divers, kayakers and jet skis amongst others. These groups will be actively engaged with on arrival on the island and communication maintained to ensure the voluntary code of conduct around the cliffs is maintained.  

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective VM1:

VM1.1: Engage with all visitors through face-to-face contact at all boat landings.

VM1.2: Manage commercial boat operators through a licence system to enable access for visitors. 

VM1.3: Provide high quality onsite interpretation. Review provision to ensure it is meeting the needs of visitors.

VM1.4: Use social media to provide regular and up to date information about the reserve through the Isle of May blog, Facebook and website channels. 

VM1.5: Provide and maintain orientation and access signage to guide visitors around the island and encourage appropriate behaviour.

VM1.6: Provide and maintain facilities for visitors and ‘future-proof’ the path network by re-routing and surfacing paths where appropriate.

VM1.7: Organise an annual programme of events featuring the natural and cultural interest of the island.

VM1.8: Review access information for water-based activity groups such as divers and kayakers.

VM1.9: Produce a Visitor Management Plan during 2025-26.

Volunteers make a significant contribution to the running of the Isle of May. It is a unique place to live and work and we will continue to offer volunteers support and opportunities to develop new skills on a long term and short-term basis.

Over the summer months we will offer, two occasionally three long-term residential volunteers to help support all of NatureScot’s work from visitor management to seabird monitoring.  Complementing these posts, we will offer short-term volunteering opportunities during busier times or when accommodation allows. We will look to offer inclusive group volunteering days for one-day larger tasks to a wider demographic as possible.

We will look to explore other ways to engage with more young people by connecting with local youth groups and other outdoor education groups. We will build on successful visits by the local scout group and sea cadets and offer opportunities for these groups to visit and stay on the island in the late summer months.

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective VM2:

VM2.1: Offer two long-term residential volunteer placements per year.

VM2.2: Offer five short-term (5 days or more) volunteering opportunities.

VM2.3: Encourage and provide inclusive opportunities for local groups to visit and be involved with work on the reserve.eg cubs/ scouts.

The Isle of May offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor learning for all education levels. However, we appreciate the practical (weather) and financial difficulties of organising education trips to the island.

 We will support school groups visiting the Isle of May to ensure they all get the most from their visit as resources allow. We will continue to work in particular with the East Neuk schools, both on and off the island, to support biological and geographical studies and to build up knowledge and an understanding of their local National Nature Reserve. 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective VM3:

VM3.1: Support at least 4 site visits for local schools. Support educational visits to the reserve by connecting with the environmental education/ biology teachers at local High schools.

Management for Property

Maintenance of all the reserve’s property is ongoing (reactive and planned ) with servicing of property infrastructure and equipment carried out annually and safety inspections of visitor infrastructure carried out quarterly. These include annual servicing of water supply, power supply (generator and photovoltaic systems) fire safety checks, portable appliance testing (PAT), hard wire testing and LPG (gas) testing.

All equipment, machinery and tools are serviced annually and replaced as required. Annual checks are made of rope access points and equipment which is used by the island staff for counting seabirds during the summer. 

The ‘Low light’ is leased on a 25 year fully repairing basis to the Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust. NatureScot staff ensure the property is maintained and managed appropriately. The landings are owned by NLB but jointly maintained on a user basis. Discussions are still ongoing to transfer ownership to NatureScot. The Priory is a notified Scheduled Ancient Monument and many of the buildings are listed.

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective PM1:

PM1.1: Led by our property section undertake property maintenance and enhancements to progress the organisational drive towards Net Zero through our Net Zero Plan.

PM1.2: Ensure all corporate property (reserve accommodation, workshop, stores, NNR office) is well maintained and conforms to Health and Safety Regulations.

PM1.3: Maintain the visitor centre and all buildings used by visitors (Bath house, South Horn) in good condition conforming to H&S Regulations.

PM1.4: Carry out quarterly safety and condition assessments of all visitor areas and infrastructure. Ensure accurate records are kept and appropriate remedial action taken.

PM1.5: Maintain and regularly service all reserve tools, equipment and machinery. Upgrade and replace as necessary.

PM1.6: Ensure annual safety checks of rope access points.

PM1.7: Seek annual tenders for a charter service for provision of boat access to the island for staff, equipment and movement of materials.

PM1.8: Low Light - liaise with Isle of May Bird Observatory Trust to ensure conditions of lease are met and property maintained and managed to an appropriate standard.

PM1.9: In conjunction with the NLB, manage and maintain all landings on the island to ensure safe access for staff and visitors. Continue to pursue transfer of ownership of landings to Nature Scot.

PM1.10: Ensure legal responsibilities as owners of the Priory Scheduled Ancient Monument and Listed buildings are adhered to.

Document properties

Authors: David Steel , Caroline Gallacher.
Editor: Neil Mitchell
Approved by: Ian Bray
Date: 17 April 2025

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