New path for Happy Valley

Work is about to begin on building a new boardwalk path at Happy Valley in Stenness.

Once complete, it will create a new circular route, reducing wear and tear on existing paths through the mature woodland and opening up further areas of the local nature reserve for people to explore.

The work is due to get underway on Monday 13 May and also involves installing two stone benches, one in the ‘pond field’, the other in the reserve’s ‘young tree field’.

It is expected to take three to four weeks to complete and during this time Happy Valley will be closed to the public.

Eileen Summers, Environment Officer with Orkney Islands Council, said: “This work will enhance an already special place and we look forward to people trying out the new facilities when it has been completed.

“Once the building materials and equipment are on site, there will be little or no room left in the Happy Valley car park. For this and for safety reasons we felt it best to close Happy Valley while the work is underway.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and thank folk in advance for their patience and understanding. We plan to see Happy Valley open again before the busiest time for summer visits.”