Letters / Rewilded croft’s breeding success
I thought this might be of interest to your readers; for once something of a non-controversial nature.
My croft, Flawton, Clousta I acquired the tenancy of in 1992. I, as with all new croft tenants, sought approval from the Crofting Commission and did so, entirely putting my tenancy application forward as a wildlife and conservation project.
Many in Shetland, the late Bobby Tulloch, botanist Walter Scott and Francis Walterson, being just three Shetland folk of many, advised me. I was further advised by the departments of botany and biological sciences of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen universities.
Now after nearly 30 years of tree planting, wildflower encouragement and when possible over winter Shetland pony grazing the ground is transforming with much new wildlife established and thriving
Perhaps the most spectacular being on a small Loch on the croft, the Loch of Setter.
Setter has just had its fourth successful hatch of swan cygnets. As far as I am aware there is no record of swans ever nesting on Setter before the croft was rewilded and set aside.
Making this latest hatch of swans more remarkable is that this brood is the second brood is of whooper swans on Setter, the previous two successful hatchings being mute swans. As far as I am aware, this breeding record is unique to the UK, certainly to Shetland.
I enclose photos of the mutes and whoopers. I would ask anyone who wishes to visit to be extremely discrete. The latest whooper cygnets hatched last week and disturbance must be minimal.
Ian Tinkler
Clousta
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.