Flowers

Wildflowers of Shell Island

As spring emerges, the island bursts into bloom. First the bluebells carpet the grassy banks—turning them a soft blue for just a few days. Then come the primroses, yellow patches brightening the early season.

Because large areas of the land have been left largely undisturbed for decades, the island supports an impressive variety of flora. For example:

• Over 13 species of wild orchid have been recorded on Shell Island. 

• Other common wildflowers you’ll spot include: wild roses, wild strawberries, spiny restharrow, germander speedwell, yellow archangel, foxgloves, navelwort (on walls and rocks) and sea thrift (also known as sea pinks) in the dunes and around the estuary. 

• The dune and sand-plain grasslands support wild-flower rich habitats typical of “machair” or dune grassland zones.

• In wetter marsh-areas and mud-flats, plants such as samphire also flourish in summer. 

Beyond just the visual delight, the flower-rich habitats help support insects, butterflies and birds, and contribute to the island’s sense of wildness and natural beauty.