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Overview
Consisting of 1.2km of rugged granite cliffs, this reserve lies at the southern tip of a peninsula that forms the south-westernmost point of Scotland. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, these cliffs are home to the largest largest mainland seabird colony in southwest Scotland: and also attract some migrant species.
Birds
Notable Species
Breeding birds include Great Cormorant, Shag and Northern Fulmar, Common Guillemot and Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake and other gulls. Atlantic Puffin is usually present in small numbers although no longer a breeding species and Northern Gannet from the Scare Rocks, a gannetry a few km to the east, are often seen.
Manx Shearwater is commonly seen passing the headland during passage periods and small numbers of migrant passerines are recorded including warblers and chats.
Stonechat, Twite and Corn Bunting breed on the headland.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Northern Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Great Cormorant, European Shag, Northern Gannet, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Atlantic Puffin, European Stonechat, Twite, Corn Bunting
Other Wildlife
Botanically the area is of great interest as the southernmost sites for Roseroot and Scots Lovage as well as being the most northerly point for Golden Samphire, Rock Samphire and Rock Spurrey. Also found here are the localised Spring Squill and Purple Milk Vetch.
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
To do
Access and Facilities
The Mull of Galloway reserve lies at the very southern point of the peninsula south of Stranraer and can be reached on the A716 road from Stranraer to Drummore and then the B7041 road to the lighthouse and cliffs. There are good views from the cliffs close to the lighthouse but great care must be taken on these cliffs.
RSPB reserve is beyond lighthouse wall, open at all times. Visitor centre open daily, Easter to mid October, 10am to 5pm (times may vary due to volunteer availability). Live CCTV of the seabird colony. Summer warden. Cafe, shop, toilets near lighthouse.
Grid Ref: NX156305
Contact Details
Tel: 01556 670464
External Links
Content and images originally posted by Steve
