Arcadia Park is in full leaf and flower.

The plants are also preparing for Autumn, and a great source of food for birds and a variety of wildlife.

The Orkney News has been following this wonderful volunteer and community led project since its start.

In the early days it had critics who wanted a traditional park but the organisers held true to their aim of developing a place for the community where wildlife would have a home in the heart of Kirkwall.

From this in 2019 to what we have 2025

It’s valuable to look back at how this oasis has evolved from its inception and the role of the volunteers who plant, and maintain it.

2019

2020 – 2024

2025

Arcadia Park has a Facebook page where you can keep up with developments and it has days when you can help with the planting and maintenance. One of the wonderful things about this park is that not only is it a haven for wildlife but children simply love exploring its many winding paths which disappear into the trees.

Click on this link for the Facebook Page : Arcadia Community Park.

Arcadia Park is a place for the Orcadian community to contribute to nature and wildlife. It is an outdoor space run by the Arcadia Community Group located across from the Balfour Hospital. The park is home to locally designed sculptures which enhance the space and inspire visitor interaction.

Arcadia Community Park is regularly looking for volunteers to help maintain the park and contribute to making it a really special place to be for all to use. Visitors can do as little or as much as they are willing and able to, truly making it the community’s park.

If you would like to volunteer, or have any suggestions to improve the park, email arcadiaparkorkney@gmail.com.

And here’s a short film of our visit there on August 24.

Fiona Grahame

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