Library launches new Orkney Flora Trail

A wild makeover of the Library forecourt has seen it transformed into a space where folk can enjoy and learn about local wildflowers.   

Orkney Library and Archive’s Interactive Orcadian Flora Trail explores local wildflowers and habitats, through planters, poetry recordings in local dialect, and more.

A series of raised planters describes a range of habitats - coastal, meadow, woodland, moorland, roadside – and the specific types of wildflowers typically found there.

The wheelchair-friendly planters were made by staff and service users at the Council’s St Colms facility which works with folks with learning disabilities to develop employability and skills development opportunities.

Visitors to the Library can take a moment to enjoy the wildflower displays in the planters, as well as nearby sensory panels, sound chimes and a wooden finger maze. 

Those with more time to linger can listen to wildflower-themed poetry recordings by local dialect group, Orkney Voices, or dive into more information on any of the wildflowers that have caught their eye – simply by scanning a QR codes on the planters.

A dedicated webpage for the trail links off to other resources in the Library available for folk to borrow or burrow into. Head to the Library website www.orkneylibrary.org.uk

The project was one of 13 awarded a share of the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) last year. Administered by Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the PLIF fund supports initiatives designed to inspire engagement across areas such as digital upskilling, sustainability and inclusivity.   

An official launch took place on Friday 22 August, attended by Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council, and by local people who helped get the initiative off the ground, including local dialect group Orkney Voices and Martin Kenny who helped create the various habitats and wildflower displays.

Vikki Kerr, Team Manager of Orkney Library and Archive, said the space offers a way for folks to dip in and out of Orkney’s natural world: “We know there is huge interest in Orkney’s biodiversity. We wanted to provide a way for folks to get to know their local flora - to the level of detail that suits them.

“Our plan is to host visits and activities with local schools on an ongoing basis, and help inspire an interest in and sense of custodianship for Orkney’s unique natural world.”   

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council, said the project was a great example of local libraries responding to their local communities: “This project provides an entry point for local people to learn more about a topic close to their hearts – which is of course a brilliant way to increase engagement with libraries and all they have to offer.”   

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Education, Leisure and Housing Committee said: “I would like to thank the many people who helped bring this important project to life, which has certainly brightened up the entrance to our much loved Library.   

“Visitors can witness both the beauty of our local flora and the changes brought by the seasons – all right in the centre of town.   

“We very much hope to see local people enjoying the results for years to come.”