Shetland: Shetland Wildflowers
During the short summer season the Shetland Islands explode with wildflowers. While the variety is not as profound as in the more southerly location or the alpine regions, the carpets of color are quite impressive. The coastal cliffs are covered by pink carpets of Sea Pinks, blue flowers of Spring Squill, yellows of Bird’s-foot Trefoil, and purples of Red Campion. Further inland, in marshy areas of peat bogs, it’s good hunting for Yellow Irises and orchids – there are three species of northern orchids in the islands, including the spectacular Northern Marsh Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid (found both). And the heaths are naturally covered with heather.
