Peerie Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Peerie Water

The Muckle Water on Rousay's southside Overlooking from Novan the Muckle (Big) Water with the Peerie (little) Water also in view, situated in the characteristic heather moorland of the higher parts of Rousay. — The Muckle Water on Rousay's southside Credit: s allison

Peerie Water, located in Orkney, is a small freshwater marsh situated on the eastern coast of the island. It is often referred to as a "peerie" water, which in the local Orcadian dialect means a small body of water. This marshy area is characterized by its unique ecosystem and diverse flora and fauna.

Covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, Peerie Water is a shallow pool that is fed by natural springs and rainwater runoff. The water in the pool is predominantly freshwater, with a slightly brackish taste due to its proximity to the sea. The pool is surrounded by reed beds, rushes, and other wetland plants, creating a haven for a wide range of bird species.

Birdwatchers flock to Peerie Water to observe the numerous bird species that visit or inhabit the area. These include common species such as mallards, teal, and coots, as well as rarer species like little grebes and water rails. The reeds and rushes provide valuable nesting grounds and shelter for these birds.

In addition to its avian population, Peerie Water is also home to various amphibians, including frogs and newts, which thrive in the marshy environment. The surrounding vegetation supports a diverse range of insects, which in turn attracts insect-eating birds and other small mammals.

Peerie Water is a cherished natural feature of Orkney, not only for its ecological significance but also for its tranquil beauty. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the water's edge, taking in the sights and sounds of the marshland. The area is also popular for nature photography, providing ample opportunities to capture the unique flora and fauna that call Peerie Water their home.

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Peerie Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.147746/-3.0528904 or Grid Reference HY3929. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Muckle Water on Rousay's southside

Overlooking from Novan the Muckle (Big) Water with the Peerie (little) Water also in view, situated in the characteristic heather moorland of the higher parts of Rousay.

s allison

Twelve hour tower on Rousay

The mossy heathery top of Twelve hour tower on Rousay looking over Wester on to Skaviskaill Head then on to Westray

s allison

Lichen-covered stone

This stone, with its unusual markings caused by lichen, was seen on the track to the Loch of Loomachun.

Bob Jones

Moss of Loomachun

Looking north eastwards from the Moss of Loomachun towards Rousay's highest point, Kierfea Hill.

Bob Jones

Loch of Loomachun

The advice given in a leaflet describing walks on Rousay advises not to venture too close to this loch, as it is a breeding area for red-throated divers, several of which could be seen on the surface of the loch.

Bob Jones

Ruins of Hallgate farmstead, Rousay, Orkney

Looking towards Eynhallow Sound and Orkney mainland. When the first edition OS six inch map was surveyed in 1879-80 the farmstead comprised two roofed buildings, one unroofed building, an enclosure and a field. A close up of the grain kiln is shown at HY3830 : Grain kiln, Hallgate farmstead, Rousay, Orkney.

Claire Pegrum

Grain kiln, Hallgate farmstead, Rousay, Orkney

Looking towards Eynhallow Sound, Eynhallow island and Orkney mainland. HY3830 : Ruins of Hallgate farmstead, Rousay, Orkney shows an overview of the farmstead.

Claire Pegrum

Site of Loch of Wasday, Rousay, Orkney

The loch is shown on the OS 1:25,000 map (as viewed on Get a Map 6/6/12), but was dry when visited. The loch outflow is at the rocks half way up on the right hand side of the photo. The fenceline shown on the 1:25,000 map running along the south side of the loch is an old earth dyke (running upwards from bottom right of photo). The fence running along behind the loch is not shown on the map.

Claire Pegrum

Twelve Hours Tower

A longer walked than it initially seemed with Chris Bienkowski, Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs. Name: Twelve Hours Tower Hill number: 12193 Height: 210m / 689ft Parent (Ma/M): 1553 Blotchnie Fiold Area:23: Orkney Islands Class: 2 Grid ref: HY390311 (est) Drop: 54m Col: 156m HY408310

Rude Health

Loch of Loomachun

Looking West-Southwest across the small but significant Loch of Loomachun on Rousay in Orkney. High on the island at 190m amongst the moss and heather the habitat supports a community of Red-throated divers.

s allison

Moorland pool below Sinclair's Hill, Rousay, Orkney

Fulmars breed on the inland cliffs in this area.

Claire Pegrum

Ruined cottage, Newhouse, Rousay, Orkney

The cottage lies on the southern slopes of Sinclair's Hill. The Knowe of Ramsay chambered cairn can be seen below the cottage and Eynhallow Sound and Orkney mainland are beyond. The OS six-inch map published in 1882 shows the cottage to be called London.

Claire Pegrum

Rousay; Path leading to Knowe of Yarso Cairn

Colin Park

Rousay: postbox № KW17 52, Frotoft

A fairly modern postbox (1994 at the earliest, otherwise it would have POST OFFICE instead of ROYAL MAIL) serving this small hamlet on the southern side of the island.

Chris Downer

Knowe Of Yarso Chambered Cairn

An Orkney-Cromarty stalled cairn. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Eynhallow Sound from Rousay

The photo shows the standing waves between Eynhallow and the Mainland which occur at a particular state of the tide. The admiralty chart shows a ridge of shallows across the sound at this point. I understand the standing waves are called ‘roosts’ from Nordic ‘rösts’.

Mick Garratt

Knowe of Yarso

By the time this contributor had reached the track leading up to the third chambered tomb on this stretch of coast, it was clear that a walk up to the tomb would be a waste of energy as like the others it was closed to the public.

Gordon Hatton