A visit to Fernvalley is always a pleasure.

The wildlife rescue centre in Rendall is an amazing place where animals which have been abused or unwanted are cared for with great love and expertise.

There’s a huge variety of animals and beside each is the reason why they are there. The stories of their rescue are very moving. Each enclosure also has facts about each animal and there are talks by the keepers at set times in the day.

Particularly impressive are the educational resources at the centre quite exceptional for anywhere in Scotland.

Animals can be sponsored and this helps towards the considerable costs of their upkeep. Beside each enclosure are the name tags of each sponsor. In amongst individuals are the names of some of Orkney’s schools.

It was wonderful to wander around Fernvalley and take in the beauty of the animals in their care from beetles to meercats. The centre also has a superb café and a small shop where you can buy locally made crafts.

Click on this link for the Facebook page: Fernvalley wildlife Centre where you will find its opening times 10 to 4pm.

Fiona Grahame