FOULA HERITAGE RANGER SERVICE

Welcome to Foula

Ranger Services

Our part-time ranger service is available free of charge from the middle of April to the end of October, to help you enjoy to the full what our unique and beautiful island has to offer. The Foula ranger service may be operated at different times by either or both the Foula rangers, and various volunteers. Ranger Isobel Holbourn lives at Freyers at the north end (tel. 01595-753233). Ranger Sheila Gear can be contacted at the Post Office near the pier (tel. 01595-753236). If you can't reach them direct please leave a message on Isobel Holbourn's ansa-phone and we will try to help you.

Guided and self guided walks

Guided walks can be arranged, and help and information provided for self-guided walks. Contact one of the rangers. More detailed specialist information can be provided on request by a variety of people, eg on birds, flora, moths, Foula sheep, local dialect, family trees, etc. Please tell us of your special interest and we will try to put you in touch.

Please help us preserve our unique island environment

While you are enjoying your visit we would ask you to be aware that protective environmental legislation covers the whole island. There will be some particularly sensitive areas at some times of year where it would be irresponsible to intrude - please follow the rangers' advice.

Foula has 4 environmental designations with appropriate protective legislation:

- the whole island is covered by a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds under the European Habitats Directive.

- the whole island is designated by the UK as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its plant life and bird colonies.

- the whole island carries the UK designation of National Scenic Area.

- the coastline is covered by a separate Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geomorphology.

Exercising your right of access means you must act responsibly and with consideration for the community and the environment. Please observe the following local guidelines :

Carry protective clothing and wear suitable boots/shoes – the weather can change suddenly.

Please leave all gates as you find them.

Keep to paths where possible. Always use stiles and gates in fences and walls even if a detour is necessary,

Please respect islanders' privacy and property at all times especially on croft land.

Avoid gardens and keep to field margins. Do not trample ungrazed grass in the crofts - it may be hay even if it is short!

Bright green spots often disguise bogs - beware, they can be deep!

Please stay back from cliff edges - the grass can be slippery or unstable, and sudden gusts of wind from any direction could knock you over. There are dangerous crumbling cliff edges south of the War Memorial - take care.

Beware of Bonxies and Arctic Skuas swooping to protect their nests or chicks - they may hit you! Carry a stick above your head and walk away quickly.

Do not disturb nesting birds or pick wild flowers.

Please take your litter home with you, or use the airstrip litter bin, or skips on the pier

Islanders are friendly and helpful - if you need directions or assistance of any kind please do not hesitate to ask.

Most of all enjoy your visit!

General Information

IN AN EMERGENCY GET HELP FROM THE NEAREST HOUSE

Medical assistance: Resident community nurse. Cottage on South side of Ham Voe below Post Office. Tel. 01595-753238. Walls doctor Tel. 01595-809352. NHS 24 Tel. 08454 24 24 24

Shops: No shop in Foula - post-cards and small souvenirs are available from rangers and the Post Office.

Post Office: Below the telephone dish antennae south of Ham Voe, open Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-11am.

Public Toilets: Airstrip Shelter

Public Telephone: Airstrip Shelter. Mobiles work in a few spots only.

Church: Top of airstrip road.

Places to eat: Leraback Guest House, bookings only. Tel. 01595-753226

Ferry bookings: Tel. 01595-753248. Ferry information: Tel.01595-743976

Loganair bookings: Tingwall Airport, Shetland. Tel. 01595-840246

Accommodation: Shetland Islands Tourism Tel. 01595-693434

The Foula seasonal ranger service is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, Shetland Islands Council Regeneration Partnership, the Crofters Commission, Shetland Enterprise, Walls & Sandness Community Council, and Foula Heritage.

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