Watch to find out how and why we're removing stoats from Orkney.
The Orkney Native Wildlife Project exists to safeguard Orkney's native wildlife against invasive stoats. With a network of some 8,000 humane lethal trap boxes, Europe's first stoat detection dogs, and the support of the local community, the project is working to protect Orkney's unique wildlife now, and for future generations.
The main aim of the project is to protect Orkney's native wildlife by eradicating stoats and returning the islands to their natural stoat-free status.
The project will leave a lasting legacy by...
Building a biosecure future for the whole of Orkney by preventing stoats from colonising any new islands, and preventing their return once the eradication is complete.
Developing a native wildlife monitoring network by implimenting a citizen science programme that will continue to monitor the health of Orkney's wildlife post eradication.
Connecting communities and visitors with local wildlife and raising awareness about Orkney's international importance for wildlife.
Engaging young people in Orkney with native wildlife through an education programme in classrooms and opportunities outside of school.
This ambitious partnership project is the first stoat eradication in the Northern Hemisphere, and the largest stoat eradication in an inhabited landscape anywhere in the world. This is a project of firsts, and you can read about the story so far here, or by navigating to 'Our Progress'.
The project employs around 40 staff at any one time. They work alongside a network of volunteers, tourism groups, schools, farmers, and land managers to secure a future for the wildlife, people, and economy of these unique islands.
The project team is supported by colleagues from all three partner organisations as well as an independent Technical Advisory Group and the International Eradication Advisory Group.