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.