Conservation through restoration
North Ronaldsay is home to one of Scotland’s most distinctive living traditions: its native seaweed-eating sheep and the historic stone sheepdyke that keeps them on the island’s foreshore.
Unlike most flocks, native North Ronaldsay sheep live primarily on the foreshore, grazing on seaweed and coastal plants (the only sheep in the world to do so), and the sheepdyke is central to this unique system. Built from stones sourced straight from the foreshore, the sheepdyke was built in 1832 and encircles the island for almsot 13 miles, separating the island’s native seaweed-eating sheep from the cultivated land inside. Its construction helps preserve both the island’s rare breed and its distinctive system of communal sheep management. Maintaining the sheepdyke is essential to protecting the native flock, preserving the island’s agricultural heritage, and keeping alive a way of life found nowhere else.
Each summer, the North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival brings volunteers, islanders and visitors together to help repair and rebuild sections of the dyke. The festival began in 2016 after the sheepdyke was featured on BBC’s Countryfile, prompting an outpouring of interest from people keen to visit the island and lend a hand. Since then, SheepFest has grown into a much-loved and admired annual celebration of conservation, community and island culture.
In 2026, the festival returns for its tenth anniversary, taking place from Wednesday 22nd July to Monday 27th July 2026. The week includes two daily supervised dyke-building sessions, usually running from 9am–12pm and 2pm–5pm, giving volunteers the chance to learn traditional drystone repair skills while contributing directly to the care of the island’s Grade A-listed SheepDyke.
SheepFest is about more than stonework. Alongside the building sessions, the festival offers a programme of island activities, workshops and evening events, with past highlights including traditional music, an island dance, lighthouse tours, a visitors-versus-islanders football match, local food, art, nature and plenty of good company. All activities are subject to weather and change, as with all things island life.
No previous building experience is needed, and instruction is provided on site by the island’s Sheep Dyke Wardens and festival team. Volunteers are required to watch the Health & Safety video before taking part. Dyke-building involves heavy stones and is not recommended for children under 16.
It does not cost anything to volunteer at SheepFest, although visitors are responsible for arranging for their own travel, accommodation and meals. Volunteer transport is provided from the Bird Observatory to the building site each day, while those staying elsewhere on the island may need to arrange their own transport.
Please note that SheepFest 2026 is now full, and the waiting list has also closed. North Ronaldsay is a wonderful island to visit at any time of year, and anyone unable to attend the festival is warmly encouraged to explore the island at another time.
For more information, visit www.nrsheepfestival.com
For more information on the native sheep, visit www.theorkneysheepfoundation.org.uk
Discover 13 Stone Miles – a beautiful video featuring island voices, and a fantastic interactive map
