Carved out of a disused quarry that became an unsightly dump, Strathborg picnic site in Sandwick is a credit to the local community that worked so hard to bring together this project of restoration and renewal.

It was a community effort involving the Dounby school, local contractors, and the Community Council, with funding from a series of organisations including the Orkney Islands Council Community Development Fund.

This is more than a picnic site, for the restoration of this dump site is providing a place for a multitude of plants and wildlife.

Started in 2009, it continues to evolve as new trees are planted, community volunteers maintain it, and plants seed themselves around this little haven.

Fiona Grahame

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