St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve NTS

St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve NTS St Abb's Head is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, and is one of the most heavily designated natural and cultural heritage sites in the UK.

With it's stunning coastal scenery, rich and varied wildlife, and archaeology dating back some 3,000 years, its not surprising that about we get about 50,000 visitors a year.

Not *remotely* bothered!! 📺 This year a pair of Swallows decided that the perfect spot to build a nest would be in the p...
06/09/2026

Not *remotely* bothered!! 📺

This year a pair of Swallows decided that the perfect spot to build a nest would be in the pumphouse, right on top of the TV remote!

We decided to leave the pumphouse open and put a sign up, which we are thankful most people listened to and gave the Swallows space!

We checked them every day and it was apparently such a good spot that they had a second brood, fledging on 27 August! Fledging 8 chicks from two nests is good going - they’ll be winging their way to Africa very soon! 🤩

It was great to have them but it might be time to clean some of their mess up now! 💩 😂

A first for Scotland 🤩 Thanks to everyone who came along on the Bioblitz and helped record over 500 species including so...
02/09/2026

A first for Scotland 🤩

Thanks to everyone who came along on the Bioblitz and helped record over 500 species including some very special ones!

27/08/2026

Not sure if the video quality will come out too well but it was incredible to see hundreds of Gannets diving close inshore off the lighthouse this morning! 🤩 A rare sight so close inshore here but great to see!

The Humpback Whale is still present off the lighthouse today, but much further out and not surfacing as regularly. A bit...
26/08/2026

The Humpback Whale is still present off the lighthouse today, but much further out and not surfacing as regularly. A bit of time with binoculars and you might be lucky! It’s a really pale, distinctive individual with a very white tail and mottled back and sides. Look out for the blow! 🐳

There are also at least 4 Minke Whale up there including a calf and 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphins close inshore.

Here’s a few of David’s pics from yesterday of the tail. 🙂 🐋 🌊

National Trust for Scotland

Humpback Whale off the lighthouse!! Tail slapping and having a whale of a time!! 🤩🐋 National Trust for Scotland
25/08/2026

Humpback Whale off the lighthouse!! Tail slapping and having a whale of a time!! 🤩🐋

National Trust for Scotland

We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating St Aebbe’s Day with clay tile painting today! Lots of colourful designs flowing, ...
22/08/2026

We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating St Aebbe’s Day with clay tile painting today! Lots of colourful designs flowing, and plenty of sunshine 🎨🌞
Thank you to everyone who joined, and to Borders Pottery for partnering with us!

National Trust for Scotland

21/08/2026

What a life 😂

Grey Seals will often sleep and rest in the water using a technique called ‘bottling’, where they have their heads poking out the water and are sleeping vertically! Their triangular heads can sometimes be mistaken for fins! Special adaptations help them stay steady in the swell and keep their heads above water and it looks extremely relaxing! 🦭 🤩

National Trust for Scotland

Join us in collaboration with Borders Pottery to celebrate our heritage this Saturday 22 August, 10am-12pm. Drop in for ...
20/08/2026

Join us in collaboration with Borders Pottery to celebrate our heritage this Saturday 22 August, 10am-12pm.
Drop in for the opportunity to get creative, using acrylic paints to decorate clay tiles inspired by our local history and nature.
All welcome to attend - look forward to seeing you there!

At least 4 Minke Whales have been feeding off the lighthouse for a lot of today 🐳 It’s a great time of year to see them ...
19/08/2026

At least 4 Minke Whales have been feeding off the lighthouse for a lot of today 🐳

It’s a great time of year to see them but with the north wind increasing tomorrow the choppy sea might make it more tricky!

Brilliant to share them with lots of people today. 🙂🌊

National Trust for Scotland

Our annual summer BioBlitz with Berwickshire Marine Reserve is this Saturday 15th August! We’d love you to join us in re...
10/08/2026

Our annual summer BioBlitz with Berwickshire Marine Reserve is this Saturday 15th August!

We’d love you to join us in recording all the plant, animal and fungi species we possibly can 🪱🦆🐦🦀🐠🐋🦡🌿🍄🪻🌼

It’s going to be an exciting day with a range of events to join in with - drop in, or book your place via the links in the comments.

We are delighted to also be joined by River Tweed News, Blue Marine Foundation and St Abbs Marine Station - looking forward to seeing you there! 🌞

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Northfield
TD145DA

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