admin@brathayexploration.org.uk | +44 (0)15394 33942
Main contact: David Scott-Langey
When: 21st July – 4th August (tbc)
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Accommodation: self catering cottage and tents
How much: £525 (plus ferry)
Pre-requisites: All ages 16+ with an interest in the natural environment. Reasonable physical fitness to manage full days in the outdoors
Download Application Form 
and the Medical Form and the Parental Consent Form for under 18s
60 years of Brathay on Foula
Brathay Exploration Group has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Foula. Extensive work has been undertaken chronicling the flora, fauna, invertebrates, freshwaters, intertidal shores, wells and geology of the island. Since 1956, 88 expeditions involving 967 members have visited the island.
About Foula
Foula (popn. 30), and only 2.5mi. X 3 mi., is one of Britain’s remotest islands. It is part of the Shetland archipelago at 60 degrees North. The Shetland capital Lerwick almost sits in the centre of a triangle formed by connecting Aberdeen (Scotland), with Bergen (Norway) and Torshavn (Faroe Islands). Much of the heritage of Shetland is therefore Scandinavian in origin.
The name Foula means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology. Surrounded by dramatic layered sandstone cliffs up to 366m in height these are host to many seabirds including puffins, great skuas and arctic terns. Grey and common seals are often seen, killer whales and dolphins have also been spotted. Harbour porpoises often follow the ferry.
2012 Expedition
In 2012 Brathay Exploration Group will return to Foula to continue their long term fieldwork projects. There will also be the opportunity to undertake your own projects for A-level, Uni. or personal research.
You will also be able to participate in island life helping with tasks such as gathering peat, traditional music and crafts, fishing plus whatever else might arise. You can enjoy upland and coastal walking, boating around the island and much birdlife.
Sample Itinerary
(subject to change)
Day 1 Meet in Aberdeen, then overnight ferry to Lerwick
Day 2 Mailboat to Foula
Day 3-4 Begin fieldwork/conservation, island crafts and music
Day 5 Boat trip around island, fishing
Day 6 Visit the Sneck, overnight camp if desired
Day 7-8 Continue fieldwork/conservation, island crafts and music
Day 9 Hillwalking to highest point on island
Day 10-11 Finish fieldwork/conservation, Island music
Day 12 Mailboat to Shetland mainland, overnight ferry to Aberdeen
Day 13 Arrive Aberdeen, depart
See the Foula Heritage website here
LOADS more amazing photos on our Flickr site, but here are just a few:
