Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
The Loons and Loch of Banks
MarwickOpenSee opening timesSit on a bench beneath the vast open skies above The Loons, close your eyes and enter a different world, alive with bird calls. This is a wonderful landscape, rich with many wild species.
About
The Loons and Loch of Banks reserve is the largest remaining wetland in Orkney and the perfect place to see wetland wildlife at its best. Large areas of open water are surrounded by a mosaic of marshy grassland, swamp fen, mire and reedbeds, all dotted with smaller pools, providing a home for an abundance of wildfowl and waders.
Visit The Loons Listening Wall in spring and immerse yourself in the spectacular natural symphony of sound created by the many inhabitants of the thriving wetland in front of you. The Listening Wall was inspired by the concrete listening walls on the south coast of England, which formed part of Britain’s early-warning system at the start of the Second World War, with the parabolic shape of the wall designed to concentrate the sound at its centre.
The area around the Listening Wall has been planted up with wildflowers native to the area to encourage bumblebees, including the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee, adding to the diversity of the site.
At a glance
7 spaces. Spaces available in unmarked bays at The Loons Hide and The Loons Listening Wall. No height restrictions. No lighting.
There are no toilets here. The nearest RADAR scheme accessible toilets are at the Bay of Skaill, 4 miles (6.4km) from the reserve.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets (without accessible facilities) are at Birsay (4 miles/6.3 km) and Dounby (4.5 miles/7 km). Open 24 hours.
Level access to The Loons Hide and The Loons Listening Wall.
Level access to The Loons Hide and The Loons Listening Wall.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets (without accessible facilities) are at Birsay (4 miles/6.3 km) and Dounby (4.5 miles/7 km). Open 24 hours.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact The Loons and Loch of Banks
orkney@rspb.org.uk The Loons and Loch of Banks, Orkney, Orkney Islands, KW17 2NB 01856 850176