Partnership project to boost wildflowers and biodiversity across Orkney

Orkney Islands Council, in partnership with the Species on the Edge programme, has begun a series of wildflower planting initiatives aimed at strengthening habitats for pollinators and enhancing biodiversity across the county. 

Since the 1930s, 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost across the UK, causing huge declines in pollinators. Now, species which were once widespread, like the Great Yellow Bumblebee, are at risk. This partnership approach aims to boost their habitat and bring benefits for the community. 

Helen Cromarty, Species on the Edge Orkney Project Officer commented: “We are delighted to be working with Orkney Islands Council, UHI, NHS, RSPB Scotland and many others across Orkney to create more vital wildflower areas and provide pollinators with vital food sources and connected habitats. Most of this work takes place on the Orkney B-line, part of our partner Buglife’s B-lines project, which is a series of insect-friendly pathways being created throughout the UK that looks like a road map. Thank you to all involved, from those who have provided advice to those who are helping us on the ground too.” 

The first planting took place at the entrance to Warbeth Cemetery in May, where volunteers from Species on the Edge (SotE), helped sow a mix of native wildflower seeds and installed temporary fencing and a sign to raise awareness of the work. 

Planting events have already taken place in areas near the Council's road verges in Kirkwall and Burray and are now being organised for later this month and early August in Stromness, St Margaret’s Hope and Dounby.  Local residents, schools and volunteer groups are invited to help establish new wildflower areas that support pollinators and create attractive, nature‑rich spaces. If anyone is interested, please contact helen.cromarty@rspb.org.uk. 

As part of the planting programme, SotE volunteer Leslie Rendall and UHI Orkney are currently growing wildflower plug plants to support the work. The plugs have been grown from seed collected locally, mainly in Kirkwall last year.  

Matthew Wylie, Service Manager (Roads & Grounds), said:  

“Creating space for nature within our roadside network is an important part of how we manage our land. By working with SotE and local groups, we can enhance our green spaces in a way that supports wildlife while still maintaining the high safety standards required on our roads. These small changes across the county can add up to meaningful improvements for wildlife.

"The Council’'s Verge Maintenance Plan recognises the opportunity to conserve and enhance biodiversity in areas where this does not compromise safety."

Species on the Edge is also working with NHS Orkney to grow plug plants for the grounds of the Balfour Hospital. Work is underway at other OIC-owned sites to establish wildflower meadows, with plug plants and seed also to be planted at several privately owned sites across Orkney. 

Baseline ecological surveys have already been completed at planting sites, with follow‑up surveys taking place later this year.  It is hoped that surveys will continue in future years too. 

RSPB Scotland has demonstrated that at least one of the threatened species, the nationally rare Great Yellow Bumblebee, has benefitted from wildflower plantations at their Brodgar and Onziebust reserves in Orkney. Both reserves are set to receive renewed Great Yellow Bumblebee Champion site certificates from Bumblebee Conservation Trust this month. 

Records of sightings and monitoring efforts provide valuable data to help build a clearer picture of population trends and the effectiveness of habitat improvements. John Crossley, Orkney Field Club Committee member and bee and plant recorder for Orkney, said: 

"Conserving Orkney's declining native wildflowers is incredibly important. Thanks to efforts of Helen and the SotE team many more people are aware of this and are participating in practical projects, while road verges are set to become more flowery and beneficial for pollinators. It has been a pleasure to be involved. "   

Colin Risbridger from UHI commented: 

“UHI Orkney are very pleased to be working with Species on the Edge, evaluating the success of propagating local wildflower plug plants as well as creating a wildflower meadow with this year’s Rural Skills students. This partnership opportunity working with SotE & OIC provides valuable real-life experience for students in propagating a local product market.” 

RSPB Scotland is providing ecological guidance to ensure that appropriate species are planted in suitable locations, helping to create connected habitat corridors across Orkney. 

This collaborative project reflects a shared commitment to supporting Orkney’s natural heritage, improving habitat quality and encouraging community involvement in caring for local environments.