The largest 'wild' land mammal you are likely to see is the mountain hare, this species turns white in winter.

Rabbits are prolific, stoats and weasels along with polecats are multiplying and regarded as a nuisance for they frequently eat the eggs of nesting birds and raid folk's hen-houses.

Frogs (right) and Hedgehogs are seen on the move when it is getting dark and also the Shetland field mouse, thought to be of Viking stock, for they are bigger and redder in colour than those found in the rest of Britain.

Domesticated animals kept include dogs, cats and sheep, the picture of the lamb above shows the Shetland breed, many of these are coloured brown or 'moorit'. There is some cattle, of which a few are of the Shetland strain, although these are now becoming scarce, a handful of Shetland ponies (right) and pigs.

With over 40 miles of coastline, stretching from Hamar's Voe, right around the coast of Eshaness and in to Ronas Voe encompassing the HEARD area, the majority of which is recognised as being the most spectacular and exposed coastline in Shetland. The cliffs afford many excellent vantage points for whale watching and in the last few months,

Recorded sightings have included 50 or more White Sided Dolphins, pods of 3 or more orcas or killer whales, numerous minke and sperm whales, a leatherback turtle and lots of basking sharks.

This area is teeming with otters.

Both common and grey seals bask on the rocks along the coast and on fine nights dolphins and porpoises (neesicks) play in the voes.