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About Brodgar

Snipe 'drumming' (display flight)

Image: Kevin Du Rose

Could there be a more spellbinding and mystical setting? This reserve surrounds the monument of the ring of Brodgar. Visit during the summer and hear the unmistakable bubbling cries of the curlews and the drumming of the snipe. You should also be able to see lapwings, dunlins, redshanks and oystercatchers.

Everywhere you look there's wildlife, and wildfowl including shovelers, teals and mallards, all of which breed nearby.

Opening times

Open at all times

Entrance charges

None, but donations to help us continue our work here are welcomed

If you are new to birdwatching...

Waders and waterbirds are relatively easy to see. This is a demonstration site for habitat management to encourage farmland birds.

Information for families

Guided walks are pitched at a family-friendly level and the walking is on even footpaths.

Information for dog owners

Some access for dogs - please contact reserve for details

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 59.003244,-3.229922
  • Grid reference: HY294135
  • Nearest town: Stromness, Mainland
  • County: Orkney
  • Country: Scotland

Get directions

Note: Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.