The East Sanday Coast Ramsar Site

The East Sanday Coast Ramsar Site occupies a 55km stretch of coast on the island of Sanday, which is also designated as a Special Protection Area. The coastline consists of rocky and sandy sections and is notable for the presence of sand dune and machair habitats, rare outside the Hebrides, as well as extensive intertidal flats and saltmarsh. The site is further characterised by a series of tombolos, bars, spits and shingle ridges.

This stretch of coastline has a superb range of habitats for waders. In winter, accumulations of rotting kelp harbour large numbers of sand hoppers and other invertebrates, providing a plentiful food supply.

The site supports internationally important populations of wintering waders which include Purple sandpiper (Calidris maritima) and Turnstone (Arenaria interpres).

Details regarding these birds are available from the 'Related Sites' section of this page.

Further information is available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website from the 'Related Sites' section of this page.