Olav's Wood, Orkney, Scotland

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Woodland in Orkney

The landscape of Orkney, off the north coast of Scotland, is now mainly treeless. However, this was not always so and evidence suggests that early man in Orkney was at least partly responsible for the destruction of woodland (climate change may be another factor). Remains of natural woodland in Orkney, such as that at Berriedale on Hoy, are now rare.

It is sometimes said that present conditions in Orkney make it almost impossible for trees to grow, except in very sheltered areas. It is certainly difficult to establish new woodland, and young trees need careful attention if they are to thrive. The experience is that losses may be high and it is difficult to predict which species will survive.

Olav's Wood - Oback Burn Olav's Wood, South Ronaldsay, Orkney Olav Dennison - Olav's Wood
Oback burn runs through the wood. A woodland glade and spruce trees. Olav Dennison at the entrance to the woodland.

Olav's Wood

Here we describe Olav's Wood on South Ronaldsay, which has been established over many years. The first major plantings took place in the 1980s. It continues to be developed today. The woodland is approx. 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares) in area and runs down a hillside towards Windwick, alongside an attractive burn, Oback Burn.

Trees and shrubs from many parts of the world have been successfully established here and the wood now forms dense forest in some places and more open woodland elsewhere. For some of the exotics, this may be the northernmost point in the British Isles (and possibly elsewhere, given the latitude: 58 45' N) where they currently thrive, making this woodland of both horticultural and wildlife interest.

Helen and Stephen Manson of Cellardyke and Olav Dennison began planting the woodland and have been primarily responsible for its development and maintainance. The woodland is a testimony to these people and to others who have contributed to the development of the woodland and surrounding area.

Habitats

There is a variety of habitats in Olav's Wood:

  • Woodland: The woodland areas range from dense coniferous plantations, through to deciduous areas, and open mixed woodland. Typical woodland plants include primroses and the attractive Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum).
  • Heathland: Areas of heathland are found within the woodland and on its borders. Typical heathland plants include Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum).
  • Open grassland: There is a variety of open grassland types on the site with characteristic plants.
  • Waterside and wet woodland: Alongside the burn may be found waterside plants such as Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and the very common Yellow Flag Iris (in Orkney called `Seggs') (Iris pseudacorus).
  • Freshwater pools and stream: The burn itself contains a variety of aquatic plants.

This range of habitats supports a wide variety of plants, birdlife and invertebrates. For details of animals and plants on the site, see the species lists.

Location

Location: Olav's Wood, Oback Burn, Cellardyke/Sillerdyke, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, KW17 2RN. OS Grid reference: ND449869. The woodland is best entered from the Windwick road, off the A961, the main road from Burwick to St. Margaret's Hope. Entrance is through a farm-gate between Masseter and Linklater.

Warning

The woodland is on private land and is not a public utility. Access is not easy and can be dangerous. Paths are uneven and steep in places and can be very slippery. There are unfenced steep banks and areas of open water. Because of these dangers, it is not a suitable area for unsupervised children, and adults need to take great care.

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