Shetland's Wildlife

Our tour leader - Glen - was excellent. One of the best, if not the best I have ever known. He had incredibly broad knowledge, was enthusiastic and led the group extremely well. I feel lucky to have spent a week with someone who knew the island and it's wildlife so well.

The boat trips were brilliant both to Mousa and the Gannet colonies. Watching the Gannets dive - amazing. Mousa, watching the Storm Petrels come in. The bird for me was the Red necked Phalarope, mainly as you would not normally see them further south. We had amazing sightings on both Unst and Fetler. It was all amazing really - Red Throated and a couple of Great Northern divers. I enjoy it all!!! I found the tundra like environment in Fetlar interesting. So many species of plant you cannot see elsewhere (once you get your eye in) and so many familiar plant species but in dwarf form!

We were held spellbound by all our wildlife encounters, sometimes exciting, sometimes magical, but the night sailing to Mousa to experience the Storm Petrels returning to their nests was very special. Mark Wood is exceptionally knowledgeable about the wildlife and plants on Shetland. His communication skills with the group were excellent and his enthusiasm for nature was infectious. He was interested in the people in the group and was attentive to our needs and requests. He was always kind, polite, friendly and smiled and laughed with us. Every day Mark did everything he could to ensure that we all experienced as much as possible. He really was a brilliant guide!

Oliver was an excellent trip leader, his enthusiasm and knowledge were exceptional and he made the holiday very enjoyable. There was a great variety of species of birds and different locations which made for an interesting week.

We had a wonderful tour of Shetlands wildlife, including birds, bees, plants, otters and seals. Our very experienced guide with local knowledge showed us excellent sites to view a wide range of wildlife. Amazing sea views and cliff nesting bird colonies including Puffins and Gannets, with circling Great and Arctic Skuas. We also had close up views of Otters and Seals, as well as breeding sites for wading birds including Whimbrels, Golden Plover and Red-necked Phalarope. We also got to see various rare plant life, including Frog Orchids, Lesser Twayblade and Shetland Mouse-ear among many others. With a boat trip to see close ups of the sea birds included, this was a wonderful and memorable trip.

The puffins on Sumburgh Head were an absolute delight, as were diving gannets on a boat trip. I loved seeing dunlin in breeding plumage, red-necked phalaropes, and the myriad of tiny flowering plants throughout the islands. Oliver has knowledge in breadth and depth of wildlife and was always willing to research anything he didn't know immediately. He showed us numerous plants which were new to me and the others for which I am particularly grateful. He led us all with a light touch and was good-humoured throughout.

Definitely a wonderful opportunity to explore and get the most out of visiting the Shetland's. Great to explore the different islands, and get a boat trip (weather permitting!). Also great to get to see the range of wildlife including rare plants, bees, birds and of course otters. Gavin was an excellent tour leader who's local knowledge meant we got to see everything we would have expected and more. He really tried to make sure everyone got the most out of the trip and tailored our days to suit the group, which was much appreciated. Time to explore a couple of historic sights of interest I also much appreciated.

Essentially but not limited to experiencing the natural world of the Shetland Islands. Magic moments with Red-necked Phalarope puddling along the edge of a loch just 20 feet or so in front of my toes, watching an otter grooming herself in the sunlight, the view of Muckle Flugga - the northernmost point of the British Isles - cake fridges, Jarlshof, great coffee and the best cinnamon whirls ever in the lighthouse cafe, Storm Petrels 'talking' on their nests in the stone walls of a Bronze Age Broch, puffins... And a guide who not only showed us all these things, but thought about us, too, and remembered the need for things like comfort stops. I have travelled with Naturetrek many times now, since my first trip with them in 2007. I have always found their organisation excellent ... Their guides are always very knowledgeable and helpful, and make sure everyone gets the most from their holiday.

Shetland is a wonderful destination at this time of year with beautiful light and an atmosphere that is both wild and tranquil. The principle focus of the trip was the bird life but there was far more to see than this. The special geology set the backdrop for the dramatic rock formations and the interesting wild flowers, some found only on Shetland. Seals were in abundance and otters put in unforgettable appearances. The busy bumble bees were constant companions. Moving between the islands enabled us to appreciate the different natural environments. Watching and hearing the storm petrels return to the island of Mousa at midnight was almost a spiritual experience. This was easy to book and Naturetrek sent all the relevant information well in advance. You could read the report from the latest tour on their website to give a good understanding about the trip. As this was post pandemic they did not take final payment until they were certain that the trip could go ahead. I felt safe with their 'safety' approach. The accommodation was fine for the location (remote and limited choice) and ideal for exploring. The guides were very flexible and adjusted the itinerary to suit the weather so that we all able to maximise the opportunities to see as much as possible and this worked well. While experts in their field they were helpful and very approachable, their enthusiasm was palpable.

We had an excellent tour leader who went out of his way to ensure everyone was able to see everything that we hoped for. He went beyond the call of duty, going out in all weathers, some very cold and windy, to try to spot otters with us, and we succeeded. I was able to see otters swimming, eating, playing, and then exploring on the beach. A magical experience. Loved it all.