Thursday 15th May
RSPB Hobbister Guided Walk
Where: RSPB Hobbister Reserve, what3words location: ///pops.whirlpool.strumming
Meet: Meet in the RSPB Hobbister Carpark
Car parking: There is a small carpark at RSPB Hobbister.
When: Thursday 15th 9:30am - 11:30am
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: [email protected]
This guided walk around the RSPB Hobbister reserve will introduce you to the reserve’s plants and wildlife.
Species on the Edge – Find out more about Orkney’s Bumblebees’
Where: Arcadia Park, Kirkwall KW15 1RL what3words location: ///enlighten.emeralds.pulled
Meet: Arcadia Park Car Park, Scapa Cresent, Kirkwall ///noodle.nylon.belonging
When: Thursday 15th May 2 - 3:30pm
With: Species on the Edge in Orkney
Age: All welcome – anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Site information: Please note that this site has no toilet facilities and limited parking. The site car park is not suitable for coaches or large vehicles.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only
Cost: Free
Booking: Not required.
Contact: [email protected]
Join Species on the Edge at Arcadia Park to learn about Orkney Bumblebees, how to identify them and how you or your business can get involved in protecting the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee. Orkney is one of the last few areas it is now found in UK, but it needs our help.
The event will involve a short walk around Arcadia Park including an introduction to Orkney bumblebees, a workshop in how to identify them and an opportunity to find out more about our work for the Great Yellow Bumblebee in Orkney too. The walk will be a gentle walk of 1-2km with lots of stops to identify bumblebees. We will be walking on both concrete and grassy paths with some wet areas and uneven ground. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for all weathers. For more information, contact [email protected]
For more details about Arcadia Park, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/arcadiaparkorkney/about
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.
Orkney’s Underwater Giants – Sharks & Skate caught on camera
Where: Online Talk
When: Thursday 15th May 7pm
With: Orkney Skate Trust
Cost: Free with option of donation to support Orkney Skate Trust work
Booking Required: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/orkneyskatetrust/1587803
Join the Orkney Skate Trust for an exciting deep dive into their work and the stunning underwater world of Orkney! Get up close with an array of marine life, from crabs to fish, with a special spotlight on the fascinating sharks and skates that call these waters home. Discover the different species found in Orkney and learn why their conservation is important. Don’t miss this captivating journey beneath the waves!
Evening Wildlife Walk - FULL
Where: Yesnaby
When: Thursday 15th May 7pm - 9pm
With: Wild Orkney Walks
Site Information: Rough paths and cliff tops, no toilets and restricted access for those with mobility issues.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only
Cost: Free
Booking Required: Yes [email protected]
Contact: Megan [email protected]
In a special for the Orkney Nature Festival, Wild Orkney Walks are offering a free evening wildlife walk which will give you an introduction to some of Orkney’s bird and wildflower species. The cliffs at Yesnaby are exposed to the elements yet here you can find a wealth of wildlife, including seabirds, waders, wildflowers and a very rare beetle. We will take the time to look at the wildflowers and birds, share some useful identification tips with you, and if we are really lucky, we might even get to see an Orkney sunset. Information on where to meet and what to bring with you will be provided at the time of booking.
Candle Making Workshop
Where: Moonshine Candle Workshop, Kirkwall
Meet: Address will be emailed at time of booking
When: Thursday 15th May 7pm & Friday 16th May 2pm
With: Moonshine Candles
Cost: £35pp
Booking Required: Yes https://moonshinecandleco.com/collections/workshops
Catherine’s candles use 100% natural, non-toxic soy wax and plant-based wicks, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable craft. Come along and make candles with nature-inspired scents, using blends that capture the essence of the outdoors—think coastal blooms, woodland warmth, and Orkney sea salt. Scents are carefully selected to reflect Orkneys landscapes, helping participants create candles that bring a piece of nature into their own spaces through scent, highlighting how scent can deepen our connection to the environment.