On September 27, The Outrun, a film based on the memoir of Amy Liptrot, will be released in cinemas across the UK.
The film follows a journey of addiction, recovery and the healing power of nature, set amongst the incredible landscapes in Orkney.
As depicted in the film, during this time Amy worked for RSPB Scotland surveying Corncrakes. In this blog marking the film’s UK release, we highlight some of Orkney’s other wildlife and how connection with nature can be healing for us all.
Nature in Orkney
Wildlife in Orkney is varied and inspiring. The islands and the sea are home to nationally and internationally important populations of species like Hen Harriers, Curlew and Great Skua. Beyond these you can see other waders such as Lapwings, Redshanks and Oystercatchers or some of Scotland’s charismatic seabirds – Puffins, Razorbills and more.
It’s not only bird life either, you might catch a glimpse of seals or dolphins in the clear cool waters, the endemic Orkney vole is found nowhere else in the world, and if you’re very lucky you could spot an otter. Orkney is also one of the last remaining strongholds of the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee in the UK.
Great skua adult resting, in maritime heath habitat, Hoy RSPB Scotland reserve, Orkney. Andy Hay (rspb-images.com).
As a nature conservation charity, RSPB Scotland has a great opportunity in Orkney and our nature reserves play a key part in helping many of the species mentioned here.
Across Orkney we’re working with communities and delivering action for nature. Some of this includes peatland restoration, which will have benefits for climate and wildlife, supporting farmers and landowners to protect species like waders, and working as part of the partnership delivering Orkney’s Native Wildlife Project, which aims to safeguard the unique native wildlife of Orkney by addressing the threat posed by invasive non-native stoats.
Nature and wellbeing
As well as nature reserves across Orkney being protected for wildlife there, they are incredible places to connect with nature and celebrate Scotland’s wildlife. The Outrun reflects on how this connection can benefit us.
In recent years, more and more people have begun to appreciate the role nature can play in health and wellbeing. A growing body of evidence indicates that a greater connection to nature improves mental wellbeing and increasing your connection with nature can positively impact a range of conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression.
RSPB Scotland are part of Species on the Edge, a partnership dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland's coast and islands, tackling the impacts of environmental change on wildlife to benefit both nature and people.
One of the initiatives recently launched as part of the project in Orkney is RSPB Nature Prescriptions, a joint initiative with NHS Orkney and Species on the Edge, designed to increase patients’ physical and mental health through increased connection with nature. We hope that Nature Prescriptions can provide personal and meaningful connections, improving physical and mental wellbeing and complementing other health interventions.
Alongside projects like this, we're working to improve access to nature for everyone and ensure as many people as possible can experience their natural environment - both now and into the future.
Thrift growing in shoreline fissures, North Hill RSPB reserve, Papa Westray. Andy Hay (rspb-images.com).
The Outrun
It’s incredibly exciting to see the RSPB represented on the big screen alongside the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife in Orkney. We hope the film will inspire people to engage with nature and wildlife and ignite a passion to protect it at a time when nature seriously needs our help.
The Outrun out now in UK cinemas - Watch the trailer below.