Patterns of Flora on Raasay, off the Isle of Skye

Pyrola rotundifolia
Image: S. Bungard

Many thanks to Dr Stephen Bungard, County Recorder for North Ebudes (that's the Isle of Skye to most of us!) He has been in touch to tell us about a project he is involved in which brings together art and botany on the lovely island of Raasay off the east coast of Skye. Raasay is home to Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean who can be heard here reciting his poem 'Hallaig' set to music by Martyn Bennett. The video includes images from the Isle of Raasay. 

The project is organised by ATLAS Arts, and is called Patterns of Flora: Mapping Seven Raasay Habitats. It is being launched with a weekend of activities taking place during the weekend of 6th - 7th June. Stephen collaborated with organisers to identify the seven habitats and will also be offering guided botanical walks during the weekend. The project also features the work of ceramicist Frances Priest.

Ophioglossum azoricum
Image: S. Bungard

More details about the project can be found here, Stephen's website is here, his blog about the plants he sees on Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles is here, and you can see Stephen's Flora of Raasay and Rona here. 

For images and more information on the plants of Skye, Carl Farmer's website is here and this blog by BSBI Treasurer Terry Swainbank focuses on the wildlife he sees on his croft on Skye.