A full programme of Ranger Events for June has been published:
Monday 2nd June
Start Point is the destination for the Sanday Ranger guided walk today. A couple of hours on the tidal island looking at the birds, flower, lichens, shells and shipwrecks. Bring a picnic and wellies for the slippery crossing, and meet Rod at the Scuthvie (pronounced Skuthy) car park at 12.30. Phone him on 1857-600-341 for more info.
Wednesday 4th June
Rod the Ranger, on Sanday, will be heading for the West side of the island today, hoping to find seabirds on the ledges. A picnic on the boulder beach, and possibly Puffins on a flypast. Meet him at Villafield at 12.30 if you’d like to join in. If you don’t know where Villafield is, ring Rod now on 01857-600-341.
Sunday 8th June
The Rangers of Sanday and Eday are joining forces for an excursion to Papay. If you live, or are staying, on either of those islands – or even if you’re on the Mainland – you’ll be travelling on the Orkney Ferries excursion boat from Kirkwall to all three islands on Sunday morning. Booking is essential, and for more information call Sanday’s Ranger Rod Thorne on 01857-600-341
Thursday 12th June
Ranger Rod will be leading another walk to Doun Helzie on Sanday today. If you’d like to join him, bring a picnic. You’ll explore the caves and arches, and hunt for a Faroese sunset shell. Meet at the sub-station on the Stove Road at 11.30. Phone Rod on 600-341 for more info.
Monday 16th June
Join Sanday’s Ranger today on the 3-hour Whitemill Wander. Coastal birds, seals, flowers, and you will certainly hear about and even see the Hogboon of Hellihow. Bring a picnic and meet at the Whitemill car-park at 12 noon. Ring Rod on 01857-600-341 for more info.
Wednesday 18th June
Rod the Ranger, on Sanday, will be heading for the West side of the island again today, hoping to find seabirds on the ledges. A picnic on the boulder beach, and possibly Puffins on a flypast. Meet him at Villafield at 12.30 if you’d like to join in. If you don’t know where Villafield is, ring Rod now on 01857-600-341.
Tuesday 24th June
If you’re on Sanday today, you’re still in time to join Ranger Rod on a morning walk around the coast at Laminess and Pool at the south end. Much of the rock is beautiful red sandstone, and at the end of the walk we’ll see the remains of the Neolithic settlement in the eroded coast. Meet at the last turning point on the Laminess road at 9.30 a.m. More info from Rod on 01857-600-341
Saturday 28th June
Today is the first guided trip of the year to Start Point Lighthouse on Sanday. Join Ranger Rod and go up the tower with Lighthouse-keeper Andrew Skea. Booking is essential, so call Rod on 01857-600-341 if you’d like to join in. There’ll be transport available from the school upper car-park at 11.00 a.m., or you may meet at the Scuthvie car-park at 11.15.
Nothing organised?
If you are on the island and there are no advertised events, Rod is easily persuaded to take groups rock-pooling, or looking for seal pups – both of which are tide-dependent. Ring 01857 600341, email nearhouse@zetnet.co.uk and/or come round to Nearhouse
