Orkney Natural Heritage
Sanday Ranger Service
Exploring the rich habitats, seal colonies, and dark skies of Sanday.
Sanday is the largest of the northerly Orkney Isles, featuring a landscape dominated by sand dunes and unspoilt beaches. The island offers a wealth of natural heritage, wildlife, and archaeology. Its diverse habitats include protected marine sites that support a rich variety of species throughout the island.
Island Wildlife and Seal Observations
The local environment provides an ideal habitat for observing nature across different seasons. Among its highlights is the grey seal pupping season, which allows unique insight into an Orkney seal colony. Visitors to the online platform can explore video features including the Sanday Seal Cam to follow these events during the pupping period.
Dark Skies and Natural Phenomena
Beyond its coastal habitats and marine life, Sanday provides excellent conditions for viewing night-sky phenomena. Clear atmospheres and minimal light pollution make it possible to experience the spectacular Aurora Borealis alongside vast dark skies across the island.
Latest
- Wildlife of Sanday
Explore the rich wildlife, protected marine sites, and diverse natural habitats of Sanday.
- SEALCAM
The Sanday sealcam offers a unique opportunity to follow an Orkney seal colony during the pupping season.
- About Sanday and the Ranger Service
Dominated by sand dunes and unspoilt beaches, Sanday is the largest of the northerly Orkney Isles, offering a wealth of wildlife, heritage and archaeology.
- Northern Lights
Experience the spectacular Aurora Borealis and dark skies over Sanday.
- Gallery / Videos
Explore video features including the Sanday Seal Cam during the grey seal pupping season.