Wildlife friendly cottages
Our eight eco friendly and wildlife friendly cottages and one Shepherd’s Hut, accredited by The Green Tourism Business Scheme, are all located on our family farm, at Treshnish. We have been carefully managing Treshnish Farm to protect and enhance the wildlife dependent on it for over 25 years. By having closed grazing periods in certain fields we ensure that ground nesting birds are able to safely rear their young. And that the wild flowers are able to set seed.
Plenty to see
Golden eagles nest on the other side of the farm, Hen harriers come here to hunt, and White tailed eagles often fly over the fields, so when you are out walking it is quite possible you might see some of Mull’s key species right here without having to go in the car!
Corncrakes
We are sometimes lucky to have Corncrakes on the farm. We have had them here before on several occasions – and it is always exciting! In 2018 there were two males calling in the Coronation Meadow at Haunn. The first crew-crekking was heard in late May and continued off and on through June and July. Their calling behaviour was consistent with breeding though no one saw any chicks.
Puffins
When we go to the Treshnish Isles we always go with Turus Mara, who operate from Ulva Ferry. They have decades of experience and local knowledge and allow us to take Coco with us. They offer our guests a 10% discount which must be booked online. We send out the code you need in our booking emails, before you arrive.
Cuckoos
We are very lucky to have Cuckoos here every year, their arrival coinciding with the beginning of lambing. We often hear and see the Cuckoo. Some times they are seen more closely than expected. A family staying in Toechtamhor in late May 2018 watched a pair of Cuckoos mating but in the same week they also saw the female go into a Meadowpipit nest to lay her egg!
Around the same time, guests staying at Haunn were woken early by a gentle tap on the bedroom window. They looked up and saw a juvenile Cuckoo looking in at them which was surprising enough. Seconds later a Meadowpipit appeared beside it and, only feet away, proceeded to feed her chick. What a rare experience.
Otters
With 4 miles of coastline we have an increased chance of seeing Otters. On a fine summer evening we often have a BBQ down by the boathouse, and it is not uncommon to spot an Otter swimming in to shore, often with food in its mouth. Totally unpreturbed by our presence. Guests report good sightings along the coast from Port Haunn towards the Whisky Cave too.