Flanders Moss

Downs, Moorland in Orkney

Scotland

Flanders Moss

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

Flanders Moss, located in Orkney, Scotland, is a unique and captivating landscape characterized by its downs and moorland. Stretching over an area of approximately 500 hectares, it is a significant ecological site renowned for its biodiversity and natural beauty.

The moss is composed of a variety of habitats, including wetland, peat bog, and heathland. These habitats support a rich array of plant and animal species, making Flanders Moss a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The bog is home to an assortment of aquatic plants such as sphagnum moss, bog cotton, and heather, which thrive in the acidic and waterlogged conditions.

The area is also a sanctuary for many bird species. Visitors can spot rare and migratory birds, including hen harriers, curlews, and lapwings, as they nest and feed in the moss. The presence of these birds adds to the unique charm and appeal of Flanders Moss.

In addition to its ecological significance, Flanders Moss holds historical importance. The remains of ancient settlements, including Bronze Age and Neolithic artifacts, have been discovered in the vicinity, providing a glimpse into the area's past.

To preserve its ecological and historical value, Flanders Moss is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed by nature conservation organizations. Visitors can explore the moss through a network of trails and boardwalks, allowing them to appreciate its beauty while minimizing any negative impact on the delicate ecosystem.

Overall, Flanders Moss in Orkney offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring Scotland's diverse landscapes.

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Flanders Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.1451/-3.0646083 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

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

Rousay; Ruinous kiln oven on farm at Westside

Colin Park

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