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RSPB
Nature Reserve
The
area around the lighthouse is an RSPB reserve and is designated
as a site of special scientific interest.
The reserve
at the Mull is one of the RSPB's smallest, yet it contains
an amazing variety of wildlife. On a small circular walk it
is possible to see an incredible variety of species.
The Mull
consits of three types of habitat: lichen-covered cliffs,
rough grassland and maritime heath. This is one of the few
remnants of the natural habitat that used to cover much of
the Galloway coast.
 This
reserve, protected by a stone dyke, is grazed only lightly
in winter. Maritime heath and wild flowers abound, including
several locally scarce species.
Some of
the butterflies that can be found in the area are restricted
to the mild southern coastline of Scotland, notably the Wall
Brown and the Grayling. Migrant Clouded Yellows have been
recorded regularly in recent years.
The cliffs,
with their almost vertical rocks, would be inhospitable to
most and yet this is a special place for wildlife and for
man. The plants and birds that thrive here are specialists
in surviving in these conditions.
 
This
reserve has the largest mainland seabird colony in the region,
where cliffs provide precarious ledges for nesting Guillemots,
huddling together, with some Razorbills mixed among them.
Shags also nest in good numbers scattered throughout the other
birds, which include a small number of Puffins. The warm waters
from the Atlantic, mixing with nutrient-rich sediment from
the Solway, helps provide a food source.
RSPB
Nature Reserve
Lighthouse
Visitor
Centre
Gallie
Craig Coffee House
Nature
of the Mull of Galloway
Geology
of the Mull of Galloway
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back to Mull of Galloway Experience
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