A Naturalist’s Shetland

J Laughton Johnston

This book provides a good overview of all species that can be found in Shetland from plankton to mammals and where/when is a good time to see them. It also provides snippets of Shetland’s culture and heritage.

Available from Shetland Library

The Birds of Shetland

Mike Pennington, Kevin Osborn, Paul Harvey, Roger Riddington, Dave Okill, Pete Ellis and Martin Heubeck

A very useful repository of the bird species that have been found in Shetland. It has been written and compiled by some of the top bird experts in Shetland.

Available from Shetland Library

Discover Shetland’s Birds

Paul Harvey and Rebecca Nason

This is a beautiful photographic guide of Shetland’s birds with stunning photographs taken by the Rebecca Nason, renowned wildlife photographer and text by Paul Harvey, local wildlife expert. 

Available from Shetland Library

Shetland Bird Report

Shetland Bird Club

A copy of the Shetland Bird Report is published every year detailing the species which have been found in the isles that year including all the rarities with details on where and when they were found. Contains lots of amazing photographs from local and visiting enthusiasts.

Current available issue is for 2018. The 2019 report is to be published in the new year. They are available from the Nature in Shetland website, the home of the Shetland Bird club here

Back catalogue available from Shetland Library

Otters in Shetland: The tale of the draatsi

Richard Shucksmith and Brydon Thomason

This book is packed full of stunning photographs of otters taken all over Shetland. The accompanying text gives a glimpse into their world with lots of information on all aspects of their lives.

Available from Shetland Library

Shetland’s Wild Flowers: a photographic guide

David Malcolm

Pictorial guide to the wildflowers in Shetland with large clear pictures. Details when they flower, habitat preference and growing sites.

Available from Shetland Library

Collins Bird Guide (2^nd Edition)

Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney, Dan Zettersrom and Peter J. Grant

Well regarded as the most comprehensive bird guide on the market and is used by bird enthusiasts as a general ID guide.

1^st edition available from Shetland Library

Britain’s Sea Mammals

John Dunn, Robert Still and Hugh Harrop

Provides details of all the whales, dolphins, porpoises and seal species in the UK including how to identify them and where best to spot them. The book has some great photographs and illustrations of how each species would be seen surfacing and moving through the water.

Available from Shetland Library

Collins Complete Guide to British Coastal Wildlife

Paul Sterry and Andrew Cleave

This book covers all coastal habitats from estuaries to rocky shores and sandy beaches, a complete overview of all marine life, plants, birds and mammals. A great guide to take rock pooling.

Marine Fish and Invertebrates of Northern Europe

Frank Emil Moen and Erling Svensen

This book is useful as it covers species which are likely to be found in Northern waters. With Shetland being so far north species distribution can vary from the rest of the UK. This book covers intertidal to deeper water species so would be great for anyone interested in snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

The Essential Guide to Beachcombing and the Strandline

Steve Trewhella and Julie Hatcher

A great book for anyone with an interest in beachcombing. It gives details and photographs of a wide variety of both natural and manmade treasures that are waiting to be found on the beach.

Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland (2^nd Edition)

Martin Townsend, Paul Waring and Richard Lewington

For anyone interested in moths this book is a great all-round guide to the most common moths found in the UK. Brilliant illustrations all actual size or to scale with details of when they fly and the plants they feed on.