Wildlife

SHEEP

History: North Ronaldsay sheep are unique and only exist in their true and natural form in Orkney’s Ultima Thule, the sea swept island of North Ronaldsay. They are thought to have their origins in Neolithic times and it is estimated that the breed is 4000 years old. Over many centuries, the flock has evolved without interference or cross breeding.

Characteristics: The sheep are one of the smallest and hardiest in the British Isles, their short tails being characteristic of the breed. Isolated as they are, very few diseases are known and longevity is another trait.

Diet: The sheep are kept on the foreshore of the island, where they feed on a healthy diet of seaweed, which is rich in minerals, vitamins and iodine. The seaweed diet is ensured by a 12 mile long dry stone dyke, the maintenance of which, along with the management of the sheep, represents one of the last remnants of the old communal system of agriculture in Orkney.

North Ronaldsay Mutton: The sheep’s unusual diet makes for a superb-tasting meat, which is sold in high quality hotels and restaurants across the country. Being sold as mutton and not lamb, means the each animal has lived for at least three years, again making for a much more flavoursome product. Gary Rhodes and Skibo Castle are among the fans of these fine animals.

Wool: The sheep’s wool is as unique as the beasts themselves. It is sheared, washed, spun, knitted and felted on the island, where it can then be bought in many forms. Click here for more.

WHALES

The island is often visited by killer whales. Billy Muir even found a whale washed up once and brought it inland on his digger without telling anyone.

BIRDS

A vast amount of migrating birds pass through the island, from Black Redstarts and sand martins, to long-earred owls and sparrowhawks. All these birds (and more) are catalogued by The North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory team. Click here to visit their website, which includes heaps of information about the wildlife of the island.

SEALS
Grey seals can also be found on the island. These are the largest native mammal in the British Isles, with the bulls reaching 2.5-3.3m long and weighing up to 300kg; the cows are much smaller, typically 1.6-2m long and 100-150kg weight.

Posted at 02:22 PM