Wednesday 14th May
Species on the Edge Nature, Wellbeing and History Walk at Happy Valley
Where: Happy Valley, Bigswell Road, Stenness KW16 3LA what3words location: ///habit.spilling.sculpting
Meet: Happy Valley car park, Stenness
When: Wednesday 14th May 7am-9am
With: Species on the Edge Orkney
Age: All welcome – anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Site information: Please note that this site has no toilet facilities, limited parking and restricted access for those with mobility issues. The site car park is not suitable for coaches or large vehicles.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only
Cost: Free
Booking: Not required.
Contact: Samantha.Stringer@rspb.org.uk
Join Species on the Edge and some of the Happy Valley volunteers for an early morning walk around this wonderful wildlife haven. Discover its wildlife and history and pause for some mindful moments as we connect with nature in this special place. This will be a short gentle walk of around 1km on grassy paths, boardwalks, steps, and paths along a burn with some uneven ground. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for all weathers. Bring binoculars if you have them, some will be available to borrow on the day if not. For more information, contact Samantha.Stringer@rspb.org.uk
For more details about Happy Valley, visit www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/happyvalley/.
This event is being run by Species on the Edge, an exciting partnership programme of NatureScot and seven nature conservation charities, all dedicated to improving the fortunes of 37 priority species found along Scotland's coast and islands. Find out more here: www.speciesontheedge.co.uk.
Bird ID and Getting Started in BirdTrack
Where: Brodgar
Meet: TBC
When: Wednesday 14th May 9am – 12pm
With: BTO (British Trust for Ornithology)
Cost: Free
Booking Required: Yes https://www.bto.org/event/1861?channel=8&medium=92
Join BTO Scotland's Steve Willis for a walk around Brodgar looking for any birdlife we can find! We'll use the BirdTrack app in the field and find out more about how we can use it to record birds. We'll take a leisurely walk around Brodgar and Loch of Stenness and Loch of Harray taking in all the birdlife we can see. We'll cover identification features of various birds around us. There should be a nice range of waterbirds and raptors about. We'll use the BirdTrack app as we go, learning how the app works in the field, what details we can record, and what else we can find out about local sightings. The walk is suitable for everyone from complete beginners to to more experienced birders. Note the footpaths are on grass and gravel. We'll take our time throughout the morning!
Guide in a Hide Cottascarth
Where: Eddie Balfour Hide at RSPB Cottascarth, Norseman Village, Rendall what3words location: ///remedy.rooks.crackling
When: Wednesday 14th May 10am – 1pm
With: RSPB Orkney
Age: All welcome – anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only
Cost: Free
Booking: Not required
Contact: parker.hansen@rspb.org.uk
This hide session with our expert guide Mike will have you learning all about raptor ID- hopefully we’ll see Hen Harriers, who nest on the hills above the hide, and Merlins circling overhead.
Below the Strandline: Under the Rocks
Where: Houton, Orphir
Meet: Meet outside the ferry office at Houton. (OS ref HY319039, accessible by public transport)
When: Wednesday 14th May 2pm
With: Orkney Field Club
Age: All ages welcome
Site information: The walk will include clambering over uneven, wet rocks and is therefore not suited to those with physical disabilities
Cost: Free
Booking: Yes, physiopenny@hotmail.co.uk
Contact: Penny Martin - physiopenny@hotmail.co.uk
Join us to explore the shoreline at low tide at Houton, paying special attention to the marine animal life to be found.
The walk will include clambering over uneven, wet rocks and is therefore not suited to those with physical disabilities, however we welcome all ages and level of knowledge. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear is essential.
Our leader is diver, photographer and marine expert Penny Martin and although there is no charge for this event please book in case last minute changes are required.