
Noss National Nature Reserve

Read our latest news release – Noss National Nature Reserve open to the public (10 May 2023)
The Noss ferry normally runs between the beginning of May and the end of August, except Mondays and Thursdays, and when the sea is too rough. Please call the Noss Ferry Line on 0800 107 7818 for up-to-date information before travelling.
Ferry fare is £5 return adults, £3 children / students, under 5s free.
First ferry crossing 10:00, last ferry off the island 17:00.
Seabird populations including those on Noss were hit hard by Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in summer 2022. This had devastating consequences and resulted in the death of many seabirds across the British Isles. The virus is still circulating widely in wild bird populations across the UK and beyond. This year to prevent the transmission of the virus by visitors’ biosecurity measures will be in place for all visitors to the island. All footwear must be free from mud, and disinfectant footbaths will be provided to disinfect footwear on arrival and departure. We thank our visitors for supporting this action and helping protect our precious seabird populations.
The towering 180-metre sea cliffs of Noss are dramatic. In summer especially, gannets, guillemots and fulmars seem to occupy every available nook on the cliffs. Marauding great skuas – or bonxies, as they’re known locally – nest further inland.
The thrilling 3-minute trip out to Noss in a small inflatable boat is a highlight in itself, as you speed across the waves. The ferry service is run by NatureScot. From landing it’s just a short walk to the visitor centre.
Find out more about visiting Noss NNR. Podcast - A seabird skyscraper.
Learn more about the reserve and its natural history. Read our annual reports including the recent 2022 report and find out what kind of year it was for the wildlife on Noss.
Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.
Reserve manager: Juan Brown
NatureScot
Ground Floor
Stewart Building
Alexandra Wharf
Lerwick
ZE1 0LL
Telephone: 07787 864144
Email: [email protected]
Follow Noss on Facebook for the latest news from the reserve.
Follow the Scotland's NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.
Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.
Our visitor centre is rated Gold under the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).
Noss NNR is a member of VisitScotland.
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