The story of the stoat cull and its impact on Orkney's native wildlife is a fascinating glimpse into the delicate balance of ecosystems. Personally, I find it intriguing how one small, non-native predator can have such a profound effect on an entire island's biodiversity.
The Stoat's Impact on Orkney
The Orkney Native Wildlife Project has revealed some encouraging findings. Since the initiation of the stoat removal project in 2019, there has been a notable increase in vole activity, particularly in spring 2025, which was the highest since the project's inception. This is significant because voles are a crucial food source for rare birds of prey like hen harriers and short-eared owls.
What many people don't realize is that the presence of stoats, which are native to mainland Britain but not Orkney, poses a serious threat to the unique wildlife of the islands. Stoats have been known to devastate populations of native species, including the iconic Orkney voles. In fact, individual stoat food stores containing around 100 Orkney voles have been discovered, highlighting the scale of the problem.
A Successful Conservation Effort
The conservation efforts by the Orkney Native Wildlife Project, a collaboration between RSPB Scotland, NatureScot, and Orkney Islands Council, have been commendable. Over 8,500 stoats have been removed using humane lethal traps and innovative detection methods, such as Europe's first stoat detection dogs.
The project's monitoring report provides further evidence of the stoat cull's success. By surveying vole activity through signs like droppings and grass clippings, the team found voles in a third of the surveyed areas across the mainland and islands. This is a significant improvement and a testament to the project's effectiveness.
Benefitting Birds of Prey
One of the most fascinating aspects of this story is the positive impact on birds of prey. Hen harriers, one of the UK's rarest birds, have seen an increase in breeding attempts and success. In 2025, volunteers recorded hen harriers breeding in 74 locations on islands with stoats, making it the best year since 2012. Similarly, short-eared owls have shown a continued increase in breeding sites since the stoat removal began in 2019.
The link between vole numbers and bird of prey breeding is strong. With good vole populations, these birds can thrive, and it's encouraging to see the positive chain reaction caused by the stoat cull.
A Broader Perspective
This story raises a deeper question about the impact of invasive species on native wildlife. It's a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to address threats to wildlife. The success of the Orkney Native Wildlife Project shows that taking action can halt and reverse species declines.
In my opinion, this project serves as an inspiring example of how dedicated conservation work can make a real difference. It's a story of hope and a testament to the resilience of nature when given a chance.
