Natural
Environment
 As well as the huge array of ancient and more recent monuments,
Orkney also has a rich and interesting natural environment.
The combination of fertile farmland with the various other
habitats makes it a very good place for wildlife, and especially
birds. There are cliffs, marshes, moors and maritime heath
as well as sheltered bays, small islands and lochs, all of
which attract a variety of different species, depending on
the season and weather.
The many superb beaches and dramatic cliffs also provide wonderful
opportunities for walking. Whether just a stroll along the
Bay of Skaill or Aikerness after visiting Skara Brae or the
Broch of Gurness, or one of the many more adventurous walks,
Orkney will never fail to please. The islands are also great
for cycling, as the hills are not steep, and the roads quiet.
The predominant daytime colours in Orkney are the greens,
blues and browns of grass, water and moor. These colours vary
with the season and are particularly vibrant in summer, but
more muted in other seasons. Orkney is also famous for its
sunsets and for its long hours of daylight in summer. The Northern
Lights are occasionally seen, usually on a dark moonless winter
night.
The Orkney climate is much influenced by the sea, which varies
in temperature by only a few degrees over the year. This ensures
that winters are mild, but also that summers are never hot.
The weather is very variable, and it is possible to have every
season in a day! The combination of constantly changing weather
and changes in day length make for a huge variety of lighting
conditions which makes Orkney a paradise for artists, photographers
and lovers of the landscape in all seasons. Thus there is no “best” time
to visit.
 There are many good locations for observing wildlife, including
several RSPB Reserves. During the summer many thousands of
birds breed in Orkney, and the cliff colonies of seabirds are
especially impressive at Marwick Head in Birsay, and Noup Head
on Westray. Both Grey and Common Seals also breed here.
Maritime Heath, for example, on Papay and on Rousay is a favourite
nesting site for Terns and Arctic Skuas, while the Heather
Moorland on the hills is home to Hen Harriers, Merlin and Short-eared
Owls as well as many species of Waders. Curlews and Oystercatchers
are particularly abundant.
Orkney is also a good place to see migrants
and winter visitors such as Great Northern Divers, Long-tailed
Ducks, Goldeneye, Iceland Gulls and other species. The harbours
at Kirkwall and Stromness are both good places to look for
winter visitors, while the lochs in the vicinity of the Standing
Stones are excellent places to see wildfowl in all seasons.
|
