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Agricola

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Agricola

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.
Shapinsay Gas House Credit: Shirley Grant

Agricola, Orkney is a picturesque freshwater marsh located in the northern region of Scotland. Covering an expansive area, it serves as a vital ecosystem for a diverse range of flora and fauna. With its serene beauty and abundant wildlife, Agricola is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.

The marsh is primarily characterized by its calm lake, pool, pond, and freshwater habitats. These bodies of water are interconnected, creating a complex network that supports a rich aquatic ecosystem. The lake, with its crystal-clear waters, forms the centerpiece of the area, attracting various waterfowl species.

The pool and pond areas, on the other hand, provide a suitable breeding ground for amphibians and small fish. These habitats are home to an array of aquatic plants, including water lilies and reeds, which offer shelter and food sources for the resident wildlife.

One of the most remarkable features of Agricola is its freshwater marsh, characterized by its waterlogged soil and abundance of wetland plants. This marshland supports a diverse range of bird species, including herons, ducks, and geese, which rely on the marsh for nesting and foraging.

Visitors to Agricola can enjoy the tranquil surroundings while observing the various bird species in their natural habitat. Additionally, the marsh provides opportunities for fishing and boating, allowing visitors to further immerse themselves in the beauty of the area.

Overall, Agricola, Orkney is a captivating freshwater marsh that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife diversity. Its pristine lakes, pools, ponds, and marshland provide a haven for numerous species, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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Agricola Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.043443/-2.9254855 or Grid Reference HY4617. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.
Shapinsay Gas House
All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.
Mill Dam, RSPB Reserve This reserve has a hide overlooking the dam. The reserve is home to many birds including ducks such as the pintail, waders, black headed gulls and the water rail. In winter the ducks are joined by whooper swans and greylag geese.
Mill Dam, RSPB Reserve
This reserve has a hide overlooking the dam. The reserve is home to many birds including ducks such as the pintail, waders, black headed gulls and the water rail. In winter the ducks are joined by whooper swans and greylag geese.
Main Street, Balfour Village This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
Main Street, Balfour Village
This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
Elwick Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.
Elwick
Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.
Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.
Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay
This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.
Shapinsay pier
Shapinsay pier
Skerry of Vasa Taken from a ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay.
Skerry of Vasa
Taken from a ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay.
Furrowend
Furrowend
South West corner of Grass Holm South West corner of Grass Holm. This is a small island inhabited only by a few sheep. Photo taken from an inflatable workboat. Island of Gairsay can be seen in the background.
South West corner of Grass Holm
South West corner of Grass Holm. This is a small island inhabited only by a few sheep. Photo taken from an inflatable workboat. Island of Gairsay can be seen in the background.
Furrowend Bay looking towards Galt Ness Outer Islands ferry passing the Galt Ness Gun Battery
Furrowend Bay looking towards Galt Ness
Outer Islands ferry passing the Galt Ness Gun Battery
Balfour Castle Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.
Balfour Castle
Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.
The Shapinsay Ferry Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.
The Shapinsay Ferry
Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.
Field near Balfour An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".
Field near Balfour
An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".
Balfour Castle Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.
Balfour Castle
Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.
Shapinsay Harbour Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!
Shapinsay Harbour
Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!
Strombery and Twi Ness viewed from the west. Balfour Castle and the Doocot to the south of the castle can be seen in the distance.
Strombery and Twi Ness viewed from the west.
Balfour Castle and the Doocot to the south of the castle can be seen in the distance.
Mill Dam RSPB wetlands, extreme northern verge, Shapinsay The photo is taken from a ridgetop somewhat north of the hide.
Mill Dam RSPB wetlands, extreme northern verge, Shapinsay
The photo is taken from a ridgetop somewhat north of the hide.
Elwick Bay, Shapinsay North tower of Balfour Castle visible in extreme upper left of image.
Elwick Bay, Shapinsay
North tower of Balfour Castle visible in extreme upper left of image.
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Agricola is located at Grid Ref: HY4617 (Lat: 59.043443, Lng: -2.9254855)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shaver.decrease.prominent. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Kaiser Clett West Banks Furrow of Agricola Agricola

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