Cottascarth and Rendall Moss is an RSPB nature reserve north of Finstown. The reserve is a fantastic place to see breeding curlews and a good spot to spot hen harriers, merlins, and short-eared owls.
Curlew Haven
Though there are many different bird species to be found nearby, it is really the curlew that is the star species at Rendall Moss, for the reserve boasts one of the highest densities of breeding curlews anywhere in Europe.
Winter highlights include blackbirds and snipe, while in the spring cuckoos and skylarks abound. Birds of prey are best seen in the summer and autumn, with kestrel and lapwings in addition to the species already mentioned. Look for female hen harriers over the moorland.
Visiting
Access to the reserve is off the A966 between Finstow and Tingwall. A minor road leads west off the A966 at Norseman Village towards Settisgarth, then north to Lower Cottascarth Farm where there is a parking area.
There is a bird hide at Cottascarth, where five different species of birds of prey can be seen. The reserve is open at any time, and special information packs for families can be obtained from the RSPB centre in Stromness.
More Photos
About Cottascarth and Rendall Moss RSPB
Address: Finstown,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Countryside
Location: Off the A966 3.5 miles north of Finstown
Website: Cottascarth and Rendall Moss RSPB
RSPB
Location map
OS: HY375183
Photo Credit: Bill Boaden, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
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HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Rendall Doocot - 3.3 miles (Historic Building) 
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn - 3.5 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Corrigall Farm Museum - 3.6 miles (Museum)
Rennibister Earth-House - 3.7 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Birsay Moors RSPB - 4.1 miles (Countryside) 
Click Mill - 4.2 miles (Historic Building)
Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn - 4.4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Tormiston Mill - 4.8 miles (Historic Building)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Cottascarth and Rendall Moss RSPB:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Cottascarth and Rendall Moss RSPB. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
John o Groats, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 12
Stay from: £1885 - 5792
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