Posts for May, 2023

The River Feshie is one of the most dynamic rivers in Scotland and almost uniquely, is shaped and governed by natural processes. The bears and wolves which once scavenged on salmon carcasses are long gone, but the Feshie still provides a fascinating glimpse into what Scotland?s wider landscape could look like in the future.

Peter Cairns, owner of Ballintean Farm, which sits on the banks of the Feshie, and an advocate for landscape-scale habitat restoration, or rewilding, will lead a leisurely walk and talk alongside the river, and reflect on the changes that have taken hold over the last 25 years.

He will also talk about how his own 120-acre ?rewilding reserve? fits into the wider ecological landscape.
This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Morrone Birkwood: spring-green birch, juniper and heather. In this self-guided walk we?ll take a look at the lush carpets of mosses that cover the ground, and their relations with water. We will follow the circular route through Morrone Birkwood (2.75 miles or 4.5 kilometers) in clockwise direction. As the path is narrow, uneven and muddy in places and crosses two burns, sturdy footwear is required.

Your experience of this walk will be greatly enhanced if you have a x10 hand lens or magnifying glass, or are able to take good close-up photos with your phone or camera.
This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Join RZSS Discovery Rangers for a wild walking tour and discover how species like polar bears, snow leopards and tigers at Highland Wildlife Park are helping to protect Scotland?s native species. The amazing animals at Highland Wildlife Park are ambassadors for their wild-living relatives and inspire us to combat conservation challenges all around the world.This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Discover the amazing variety of our pollinating insects and what we can do to help these tireless workers!

In the morning we will first open live traps set last night to identify the moths we have caught to later release them unharmed. Time and weather-permitting, we will take a short walk to see how many other pollinators we can find in the grassland and woodland around Burn O? Vat.

In the afternoon you can drop in any time between 1pm – 3pm to make a small bug hotel to take home (max. 1 per. family), have a go at some pollinator quizzes or artwork and view some of the moths found earlier.
This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Come along and explore Highland Wildlife Park?s secret Wildlife Garden! Test your native species knowledge and join our discovery rangers looking for some of the smaller, more elusive species that live alongside our tigers and polar bears. There are secrets to uncover in the grasses and under the water, and our team will be on hand to help you identify the hidden beasties you?ll discover. The event in the Wildlife Garden is free to attend and can be accessed without purchasing an entry ticket into Highland Wildlife Park. An entry ticket will be required to access any facilities or if you want to spot more of our amazing animals. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Join naturalist Dan Puplett and learn how to identify a number of birds by their songs. We will also cover other bird vocalisations and what they can tell us about the wildlife in the area. And while listening we?ll cover some visual ID tips as well as keeping an eye out for other wildlife and plants! tThis event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Take a walk with local historian and author John Halliday as he brings to life the stunning landscape of Glenbeg, an area inhabited for thousands of years that remains a local hidden treasure today.

Glenbeg, meaning ?the small glen? in Gaelic is situated just a couple of miles outside Grantown on Spey. John will lead you in an exploration of local historic sites and points of interest, weaving together a rich narrative of facts and stories around Gaelic place names, landforms, geology, myths and legends, Clan Grant history and so much more. The stunning circular walk follows roads and estate tracks with some uphill sections offering outstanding views of the Cromdale Hills and the Cairngorms.
This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

A guided handcycle ride for disabled adults exploring the local natural trails of the park. This ride is open to both those who own a handcycle and those who would like to hire own on the day. Hire is included free of charge as part of the ride. We will using Able2Adventure?s knowledge of the most impressive, fun and scenic trials in the park. This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

Who was the monstrous Muime and why was she burning our Scots pine forests? Why is the Giant of Kinveachy woods so clever? And does the King of the Faeries really live at Loch Morlich beach?

Discover local legends linked to nature and the landscape around Glenmore in a gentle walk over 1.5 miles. We?ll hunt for creatures both real and mythical, discover edible and useful plants, hear fantastical stories, and taste wild foraged tea.

Suitable for all with an interest in the outdoors, nature or folklore. The walk is on trails and is fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs or people with limited mobility.
This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/

How many kelpies are there on the River Spey and what does it mean if you see one? Who is the Fairy King and where might your hear his pipes?

Follow Strathspey Storywalks? audio tour of spellbinding folklore from Badenoch and Strathspey in the Cairngorms. Listen if you are out and about exploring, or at home. Discover local legends linked to nature and the landscape around Kingussie, Glenmore and Grantown on Spey. From outwitting cunning waterhorses, to saving our forests from an evil princess, to what might happen if you step inside a fairy hill, these are local tales intertwined with nature.This event is part of the Cairngorms Nature Festival which runs from 12 – 21 May 2023. It’s a ten day festival with over 80 exciting events across the Cairngorms National Park celebrating the incredible landscapes and nature found here.

To see full event details and book events please visit: https://www.cairngormsnaturefestival.co.uk/