Days out
Brodgar
StennesOpenSee opening timesA strip of land between two lochs, spot Curlews, drumming Snipe, Lapwings and Dunlins gathering around the water's edge at Brodgar.
About
⚠Our phones are temporarily unavailable, please email the RSPB Orkney Office on orkney@rspb.org.uk with any enquires.⚠
Discover a wildlife haven in the heart of Neolithic Orkney. You'll find the nature reserve at Brodgar in a spectacular setting, located between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, bordering the iconic Ring of Brodgar. Curlews, drumming Snipe, Lapwings, Dunlins, Redshanks and Oystercatchers all call this place home.
Sandwiched on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, Brodgar is the perfect place to scan through the large flocks of ducks, swans and grebes which feed and shelter on the edges of lochs Harray and Stenness.
On crisp sunny mornings, the grassland areas are often dotted with hundreds of Golden Plovers and Lapwings and, if you're lucky enough for the wind to drop, the mirror-calm lochs will reflect back the images of the surrounding hills and hundreds of wildfowl. You may even see a seal basking on an isolated rock by the road, far inland from the sea.
A gentle stroll along our flower-rich trail will take you past the meadow, which hums with bees in summer. The grassland fields are alive with the bubbling calls of Curlews, the drumming of Snipe and the unmistakable display flight of Lapwings in breeding season. In winter, the lochs play host to a range of wildfowl, including ducks, swans and grebes.
Our aim at Brodgar is to give a helping hand to some of the wildlife which is being squeezed out of modern landscapes. Since 2001, we have been managing the land to help wildlife thrive with a special focus on Lapwings, Curlews, Redshanks, Snipe, Skylarks and Great Yellow Bumblebees. Our grassland areas are lightly grazed by cattle or mown in late summer to create the ideal conditions for waders to nest and raise their chicks.
The verges by the nature trail are managed for wildflowers and the site has become a real haven for Carder Bees and the rarer Great Yellow Bumblebee.
At a glance
Ample parking in the Ring of Brodgar car park (Historic Environment Scotland).
No lighting.
No height restrictions. There are Blue Badge spaces at Ring of Brodgar car park (non-RSPB). Access from car park is via level boardwalk to road then rough grassy path with a uphill incline which can be wet and muddy at times. There is a wide kissing gate from the road to the grassy track.
Additional Blue Badge parking by the side of the road gives access onto the rough grassy path leading to the Ring of Brodgar. There is a wide gate from the layby to the path.
Accessible RADAR scheme toilets are available in Finstown, 5 miles (8km) to the east on the A965, and in Stromness, 6 miles (9.6km) to the west.
In Stenness, 2 miles (3.2 km) to the west on the A965 and in Finstown, 5 miles (7.5 km) to the east on the A965. Open 24 hours.
If you would like more information on the accessibility of the trail, please phone the Orkney office on 01856 850176.
If you would like more information on the accessibility of the trail, please phone the Orkney office on 01856 850176.
In Stenness, 2 miles (3.2 km) to the west on the A965 and in Finstown, 5 miles (7.5 km) to the east on the A965. Open 24 hours.
Assistance and other dogs welcome, but on a lead or under close control please.
This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April - 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead, and please clean up after your dog.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
See what’s here
Contact Brodgar
orkney@rspb.org.uk Brodgar, Stromness, Orkney Islands, KW16 3JZ 01856 850176