Wildlife reserves · Scottish Islands
The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve
The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve — RSPB nature reserve in United Kingdom.

Colin Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 2 h–4 h
- Best time of year
- Autumn & winter (migration & wildfowl)
- Free entry
- Dog-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
About
The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve is a wildlife reserve in the United Kingdom. It covers approximately 93 km². Managed by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Address: KW17 2NB. Wikidata describes it as: "RSPB nature reserve in United Kingdom". Coordinates: 59.0969°, -3.3195°.
Photo gallery
Official information
The Loons and Loch of Banks is the largest wetland in Orkney, offering a habitat for various wetland wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the natural sounds at the Listening Wall and observe diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee.
Place summary
The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve is located in the Scottish Islands, postcode KW17. Operated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, it serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, particularly bird species. The reserve is notable for its scenic lochs and wetlands, contributing to the region's ecological significance.
AI-generated from the structured facts on this page (operator, designation, listing, era). Not a substitute for visiting.
- Coordinates
- 59.0969, -3.3195
- District
- Orkney Islands
- Postcode
- KW17 2NB
- Parliamentary constituency
- Orkney and Shetland
- Phone
- 01856 850176
- Official site
- www.rspb.org.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q50121386 (CC0)
Other places nearby

The Loons and Loch of Banks
Forests & woodlands · 0.3 km

Knowe of Dale (Prehistoric Burnt Mound)
Archaeological sites · 0.5 km

Vickers pattern 3lb Recoil MK2 deck gun
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Choin Gallery
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H.M.S. "Tern"
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Vestra Fiold
Mountains & hills · 2.0 km

Vestra Fiold
Mountains & hills · 2.0 km

Knowe of Skogar Broch
Archaeological sites · 2.0 km
Nearby
Forests & woodlands · Scottish Islands
The Loons and Loch of Banks
The Loons and Loch of Banks is a forest or woodland in the United Kingdom.
Archaeological sites · Scottish Islands
Knowe of Dale (Prehistoric Burnt Mound)
Knowe of Dale (Prehistoric Burnt Mound) — a archaeological in scotland-islands, United Kingdom.
Memorials & monuments · Scottish Islands
Vickers pattern 3lb Recoil MK2 deck gun
Vickers pattern 3lb Recoil MK2 deck gun — a memorial in scotland-islands, United Kingdom.
Galleries · Scottish Islands
Choin Gallery
Choin Gallery — a gallery in scotland-islands, United Kingdom.
Where to eat & stay near The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve
Places to stay
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Birsay Hostel & Campsite
Birsay Hostel & Campsite — a campsite in scotland islands.
Hostels · Scottish Islands
Birsay Hostel & Campsite
Birsay Hostel & Campsite — a hostel in scotland islands.
Caravan parks · Scottish Islands
Caravan and Motorhome Club site
Caravan and Motorhome Club site — a caravan park in scotland islands.
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The Stromness Hotel
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve?
- The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve is in the Scottish Islands, United Kingdom (postcode KW17 2NB).
- What is The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve?
- The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve — RSPB nature reserve in United Kingdom.
- How do I get to The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve?
- Drivers can use postcode KW17 2NB.
- Who runs The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve?
- The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve is operated by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
- Is The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve free to visit?
- Yes, The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve is free to enter.
- How do I get to The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve?
- Drivers can navigate to postcode KW17 2NB. It sits within the Orkney and Shetland parliamentary constituency.
- Are dogs allowed at The Loons and Loch of Banks RSPB nature reserve?
- Most wildlife reserves allow dogs on lead only, with restrictions during ground-nesting bird season (March-July). Check signage at the reserve.