Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Cottascarth and Rendall Moss
SettiscarthOpenSee opening timesExplore the thick heath at Cottascarth, look skyward for birds of prey as you scrunch toward our grass-topped hide. Settle into the hide, and keep watch for Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls and Curlews.
About
Cottascarth is a tranquil wildlife haven, with an expanse of heather moorland that birds of prey such as Hen Harriers and Merlins call home. Explore the nature trails for panoramic views towards the northern isles of Orkney, and listen for the bubbling calls of Curlew in the Willow scrub and grasslands.
Eddie Balfour, who we named the hide at Cottascarth after, started one of the longest running raptor studies in the world here. His pioneering 30-year study and the work it inspired are responsible for much of what we know about Hen Harriers today.
At a glance
3 spaces 1 Blue Badge space The car park is located just beyond the working farm of Lower Cottascarth. Space available for one minibus.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets, including accessible facilities (RADAR required), are at Finstown, 5 miles (8 km) away. Open 24 hours.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets, including accessible facilities, are at Finstown, 5 miles (8 km) away. Open 24 hours.
The hide at Cottascarth is accessed by a trail which leads from the car park, 600 m away. The trail is sloping, unsurfaced and can be wet and muddy at times. The track to the hide is along a rough track.
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets, including accessible facilities, are at Finstown, 5 miles (8 km) away. Open 24 hours.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
This nature reserve is important for wildlife and is also a working farm. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. As this is a working farm we request that dogs are not brought to the reserve. If you do bring your dog please keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and avoid areas with livestock.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Cottascarth and Rendall Moss
orkney@rspb.org.uk Cottascarth and Rendall Moss, Orkney, Orkney Islands, KW17 2PA 01856 850176