Orkney Nature Festival

About the Orkney Islands

Located just off the north coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands is a collection of 70 different islands, and home to around 22,000 people. Although small, the Islands have a long history of habitation, including remains from the Neolithic Period, and was part of Norway until the 15th Century. Scapa Flow, at the centre of the Orkney Islands, was heavily involved in World War I and World War II, and the area is now popular for both tourism and renewable energy research.

Orkney is home to a variety of different plants and animals, some of which are found in very few other places, and many of which are struggling in other parts of the World, but thriving in this habitat. The skies are frequented by curlew, lapwing and a range of other waders, as well as raptors such as hen harriers and short-eared owls. Each summer, Orkney’s cliffs are filled with the sounds and smells of gannets, razorbills, guillemots and puffins. The surrounding oceans are home to cetaceans such as Orca and Risso’s Dolphins, as well as seals, which pup here each year. On land, otters are present but elusive, and the area is home to the Orkney Vole – a subspecies found nowhere else on Earth. Botanical highlights include Oysterplant, Scottish Primrose and Sea Thrift.

Travelling between the Islands is possible through ferries and planes, while regular connections run by air and sea to Mainland Scotland. More information on visiting the Orkney Islands is available from Orkney.com.

About the Festival

Running since 2013, the Orkney Nature Festival has given thousands of people the opportunity to enjoy, and be inspired by, the magnificent Orcadian wildlife. Events have included cruises around some of the largest cliffs in Britain, nature photography classes with local experts, guided walks amongst choruses of birdsong, and much more.

During 2024/2025 the team have been working to ensure the longevity of the Orkney Nature festival by registering ourselves as an independent charity with the Office of Scottish Charities Regulator. This is a big step for the Orkney Nature Festival since the committee first formed late in 2023 and should ensure that we can continue to deliver more great festivals for years to come.

Orkney Nature Festival is a collaborative project co-ordinated by a new committee on behalf of partners around Orkney, including businesses, community groups and individual volunteers.

All of the policy documents which govern the running of the festival are able to be read in the policy library:

About the Committee

A group of volunteers work year-round to coordinate the activities and events which are part of the Festival. They bring a lot of experience, in a variety of different sectors, and are united by their love for the nature of the Orkney Islands.

Contact Us

The committee can be contacted by email, at orkneynaturefestival@outlook.com, or by using the form below. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.