RSPB Scotland's Eleanor Davison shares some of the things that make the Orkney Nature Festival so special now that the 2020 dates have been announced.
Nature Festival highlights natural wonders of Orkney Islands!
A trip to Orkney is a treat at any time of year, though many people visit in May, when the Orkney Nature Festival celebrates the spectacular wildlife and natural heritage of the Orkney Islands. In 2020, the festival will take on even more of a marine theme, this being Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, although by necessity this is always a theme for Orkney!
Running since 2013, the eighth Nature Festival will take place between 9 – 17 May 2020 and will comprise a variety of nature-themed events across mainland Orkney and many of the islands. The programme is coordinated by RSPB Scotland, who run many of the events throughout the week along with local businesses and charities, community groups and individuals. A real group effort, the festival has grown over the years and has become an extremely popular fixture in the Orkney calendar, attracting many locals as well as visitors.
Sun sets on Marwick Head
So, what awaits visitors to the Orkney Islands? With graceful hen harriers soaring through the sky, the bubbling song of curlews on the air, noisy seabird cliffs with diving gannets and charismatic puffins to be spotted, curious seals following coastal walkers and even a resident pair of white-tailed eagles on the island of Hoy, Orkney is home to a magnificent range of wildlife. Add to this stunning beaches, a rich archaeological record, fascinating folklore and a vibrant arts and crafts community, and visitors are spoiled for choice!
RSPB Scotland itself manages 13 nature reserves across Orkney, which together cover more than 30 square miles and take in spectacular coastlines with bustling colonies of seabirds, beautiful wetlands filled with wildflowers and waders, and peaceful heather moorlands, home to hen harriers, short eared owls and red-throated divers.
Orca Watch 2019 at Marwick Head
The Nature Festival offers the opportunity to experience the fantastic wildlife and landscapes in Orkney, explore some of the islands and even take part in a new activity or learn a new skill! The 2019 festival saw over 1500 people enjoying a wide range of events and activities, with highlights including an Orca Watch event from the cliffs at RSPB Scotland Marwick Head, magical storytelling sessions and Flowers and Folklore walks at ancient sites, and Viking Hiking on the island of Hoy. Local children in Hoy also hosted a special open day for visitors to the Eaglewatch site to help them see and learn about the magnificent white-tailed eagles nesting on the island.
Workshops on wildlife photography, pottery and creative uses for discarded fishing rope collected from beach cleans proved popular along with a sign language session focussing on nature and more active events such as guided walks and snorkelling trips. Trips to the islands of Stronsay and Egilsay added more excitement to the programme, with sand art and creative writing workshops for children giving the younger attendees a chance to show off their skills using nature as inspiration.
Some of the pottery from the workshop
The festival ended with a special Sunday service at the spectacular St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall with a focus on the connections between faith and nature, followed by the traditional finale of the festival – a wonderful ‘Nature Cruise’ along the stunning coastline of the West Mainland. Those on board were treated to a fascinating commentary presented by RSPB Scotland staff and enjoyed spotting puffins along with many other seabirds and even a pod of Risso’s dolphins!
The programme for the 2020 festival is shaping up to be just as busy! Dawn chorus birdsong walks, bat detecting evenings and films showing the stunning underwater landscape around the islands are already being planned, alongside many coastal-themed craft activities and day trips to many of the islands. Guided walks focussing on wildflowers, wildlife and the rich ancient history of Orkney will take place alongside events that consider the links between nature and health. There is even a seaside-foraged afternoon tea event planned!
We hope that the festival will continue to showcase the opportunities to enjoy and interact with nature all over Orkney and highlight the importance of looking after our environment.
For more information on the festival as it becomes available you can check the website or the Facebook page.
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