Orkney’s festival season is full of folk music, art installations and scientific discoveries. But did you know that it all kicks off in mid-May with a celebration of our natural world?
The Orkney Nature Festival returns to the calendar between 12th and 19th May with a packed programme of events, including guided wildlife walks, whale-watching sessions, snorkelling safaris, and rockpool explorations.
The festival is the perfect opportunity to get outside and discover Orkney's incredible natural heritage, with a week’s worth of activities stretching from Sanday to South Ronaldsay. In total there are more than 50 events across five islands.
It all begins on 12th May with the return of the NorthLink Ferries Hamnavoe Nature Cruise and the chance to enjoy a sailing around Hoy, taking in the island’s spectacular coastline. You can expect to see plenty of seabirds and sea life, and even the possibility of a cetacean sighting or two. Local producers will be on hand to offer food and drink tastings, and the cruise will be accompanied by commentary from local RSPB experts too.
The following days bring guided walks at spectacular locations including the Ring of Brodgar, Hoxa Head, and Orphir Bay. The popular ‘guide in a hide’ sessions will return, with expert birdwatchers on hand in RSPB hides to help you point your binoculars in the right direction to see some of Orkney’s rich birdlife.
Skara Brae will host a nature-themed weekend on 18th and 19th May where you can learn how the Neolithic residents engaged with nature, and there will be a nature trail too. Just up the coast at the Brough of Birsay, young wildlife enthusiasts will be able to explore the rockpools and discover the creatures within them in the company of local experts.
Staying with the marine theme, there will be the chance to explore the world beneath Orkney’s waves with a snorkelling safari at the Churchill Barriers, and a day-long session to learn all about Orkney’s important seagrass habitats, which includes a guided snorkel through a seagrass meadow.
As well as all that, there is a special cinema showing, nature and wildlife-inspired art classes, and fascinating talks to take in.
It’s an extensive programme full of exciting events and it’s all organised by a collaborative committee on behalf of partners around the islands, including businesses, community groups, and individual volunteers.
View the full programme and book events on the official Orkney Nature Festival website. You can also keep up-to-date on Facebook.