WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Foula is the remotest inhabited British island and is situated to the west of the Shetland Islands. It may be small (5.5km x 4km) but it packs in two summits over 350 metres and two others not far behind, some freshwater lochs and the whole wrapped up with cliffs reaching up to 350 metres, the highest in the British Isles. All can be enjoyed in the 24 hours of daylight and sunshine to be had at this time of year.
Foula is a Grade I Site of Special Scientific Interest with wildlife that includes half a million seabirds, plants and animals, some unique to the island.
THE EXPEDITIONThe expedition starts with an overnight ferry trip from Aberdeen to Lerwick where we may get time to explore the quaint little narrow streets, then catch a bus over to Walls to meet the Foula mailboat. The crossing takes about three hours during which you may see porpoises, dolphins, whales, and lots of seabirds, weather permitting. We shall be staying at a bothy on the island although we will spend at least one night camping at a spectacular cliff top site from which it is possible to see Killer Whales. There will be a variety of activities to do on the island, including several walks around parts of the island, being amongst incredible numbers of birds, surveying a derelict crofthouse and the island’s wells, a boat trip round the island, visiting the islanders and helping them out if requested, bug surveys and the possibility of a day spent putting a new grass roof on an old lambhouse using traditional methods. You cannot go to Foula without hearing or playing some folk music and learning to dance the Foula Reel so you can show off your prowess at the Reunion. If there is a particular field of interest that you would like to follow up while on the island then do contact the leader team beforehand.
THE EXPEDITIONThe expedition starts with an overnight ferry trip from Aberdeen to Lerwick where we may get time to explore the quaint little narrow streets, then catch a bus over to Walls to meet the Foula mailboat. The crossing takes about three hours during which you may see porpoises, dolphins, whales, and lots of seabirds, weather permitting. We shall be staying at a bothy on the island although we will spend at least one night camping at a spectacular cliff top site from which it is possible to see Killer Whales.
There will be a variety of activities to do on the island, including several walks around parts of the island, being amongst incredible numbers of birds, surveying a derelict crofthouse and the island’s wells, a boat trip round the island, visiting the islanders and helping them out if requested, bug surveys and the possibility of a day spent putting a new grass roof on an old lambhouse using traditional methods.
You cannot go to Foula without hearing or playing some folk music and learning to dance the Foula Reel so you can show off your prowess at the Reunion.
If there is a particular field of interest that you would like to follow up while on the island then do contact the leader team beforehand.
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
There is no transport on the island and we shall be walking everywhere so a basic level of fitness is preferred. The highest walks are 410 metres above sea level. The surrounding seas are described by the islanders as “rumbly” so come prepared. Previous fieldwork experience is not necessary as basic instruction will be given on expedition. We will be a small team and mucking in at all levels will be essential.
WHAT CAN MEMBERS EXPECT TO GAIN FROM THIS EXPEDITION? As part of a small team, members can develop organisation and team skills, learn basic survey techniques and camping skills. The scenery and wildlife are some of the best in the British Isles and the expedition is suitable for the Discovery level of the John Muir Award, as well as the DofE Gold Residential section. They will gain some insight into living in remote communities and the hardships that may be involved.
As part of a small team, members can develop organisation and team skills, learn basic survey techniques and camping skills. The scenery and wildlife are some of the best in the British Isles and the expedition is suitable for the Discovery level of the John Muir Award, as well as the DofE Gold Residential section. They will gain some insight into living in remote communities and the hardships that may be involved.
EXPEDITION CO-ORDINATORDavid has been involved with Brathay since 1969 but apart from a Lakes expedition, has been to Foula on ten expeditions as member and leader. He is a keen amateur naturalist and entomologist in particular and knows Foula inside out. He also plays the fiddle and enjoys sessions with the islanders and members of the expeditions.
COST £350 approxCO-ORDINATOR David Scott-LangleyDATES 5th - 16th July 2010CONTACT brathay.exploration.club@googlemail.com