Posts for July, 2024

An evening talk with a difference, keen all round Naturalist and TV Presenter Nick Baker will give us a live introduction to the hidden and private lives of some of our overlooked “small folk”. We will find out more about their life cycles and stories, a fascinating insight into a hidden world.

‘Britain’s Hidden Fishes’ is a pioneering one-hour documentary shot by professional underwater and wildlife cameraman, Jack lakes and rivers to put a spotlight on the underdogs of British fauna; our fish. Narrated by Jeremy Wade, this film was shot over the course of two years to bring stories, behaviours and footage never seen before of British fish. It brings a new light on the intriguing behaviours and diversity of fish, bringing light to an often overlooked part of the natural world which we live alongside. Fondly nicknamed “The Fish Twitcher”, you may have enjoyed seeing some of Jack’s underwater work on TV programmes such as BBC Springwatch, The One Show and Countryfile – along with the recent David Attenborough documentary, Wild Isles. Jack is also author of the Freshwater Fishes of Britain and the Field Guide to Pond & River Wildlife of Britain & Europe, and hosts discussions on nature on his popular podcast, The Bearded Tit.

Rivers are without a doubt my favourite habitat to photograph having been to highland streams, Hampshire’s chalk streams and large midland rivers like the Severn and Trent. Follow me down a British river seeing what they have on show. From drone shots high above to lots of underwater photography this unique talk shows Britain’s river life as never seen before.

With the UK being the most nature depleted nation in Europe – is it too late to reverse the tide? This talk looks at the positives and negatives and hopefully offers some promise for the future.!

Natures Haven – From Reed beds, Fens, Cliffs, heaths to Saltmarsh. This region really does have them all . Find out why this area recognised as Britain’s most ecologically diverse and the wildlife that lives there.

Join us for a walk around Moray’s earliest surviving tower house, reputedly built for Scotland’s vilest man, Alexander Stewart—the infamous Wolf of Badenoch. Drumin Castle, an impressive medieval fortification, stands on a commanding bluff overlooking the confluence of the River Livet and the River Avon.

Upon reaching the castle, you’ll learn about its architecture, history, and the notorious Wolf, whose evil deeds continue to cast a long shadow over Moray’s history.

Drumin Castle has now reopened after masonry repairs, with access to the first floor now possible via a narrow stone staircase. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Please park at the Drumin Castle car park. This short circular walk will begin at the Drumin Castle sign in the car park. The route follows a pedestrian trail to the castle and returns via a set of steps. Please dress appropriately for changeable weather. Children love castles and are very welcome to attend. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

Please note that toilets are not available on site.

This event is funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

A show of locally grown fruit, vegetables and plants and flowers, as well as baking and preserves. Teas and homebaking also available for an additional charge. Exhibits for sale afterwards.

“Glenlivet it has castles three, Drumin, Blairfindy and Deskie”. This easy guided walk will take us to the 16th century tower house of Blairfindy and begins outside the iconic Glenlivet Distillery. On the walk in we’ll enjoy stunning views over one of Scotland’s most famous glens. You’ll learn a bit about Glenlivet’s rich history and some whisky history too.

Blairfindy Castle was completed in 1564 by John Gordon. In its heyday Blairfindy was a fine example of a three storey L-plan tower house and even today shows a remarkable degree of preservation. A project to stabilise Blairfindy Castle took place in 2019, funded through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership, a programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The castle is now open to visitors for the first time in decades and has been specially adapted to encourage nesting birds and pollinators.

Please park at the The Glenlivet Distillery car park. The walk will start from outside the stillhouse under the green signpost marked ‘Blairfindy Castle 1/2 mile’.

Welcome stargazers! Join us at the Field of Hope, Tomintoul as we celebrate the return of darker skies with the Perseid Meteor Shower on Monday, Aug 12, 2024 at 22:30. Bring your blankets, nibbles, warm flasks, and friends for a night of wonder under the stars with our local astronomer Sam. If the weather is unsuitable outdoors on the night a presentation will be given at the Discovery Centre indoors in Tomintoul where you’ll also be able to explore the Dark Skies exhibition.

We will be meeting at the Discovery Centre in Tomintoul from 10pm onwards. We will then walk in a group with red head torches down to the Dark Sky Discovery site and bird hide. Parking is available in the square.

Participants will be contacted prior to the event with an update on weather and conditions.

We Are Water Foundation and Craigendarroch Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Craigendarroch Lodges, Managed by Hilton Grand Vacations join forces to kick off the second edition of “Walkathons For Water” with 21 walks in 21 European cities in Spain, U.K., France, Italy, Portugal and Austria. These charity walks aim to reduce the distance for children in their search for water and give them the opportunity to have a more dignified life. It is a special event due to its charitable nature, but also because of its significant distance: 6 kilometres is the average distance that millions of children in Africa, Asia and Latin America must walk every day to fetch drinking water. For every kilometre that is walked during these Walkathons will help to shorten the distance for those searching for water.

The Walkathons will help raise funds to support two aid projects to bring drinking water and sanitation to more than 5,600 beneficiaries in India and Tanzania. In India, funds are being raised for the construction of domestic toilets in 50 households in the indigenous Irular community (Ranipet, Tamil Nadu), while in Tanzania the project will provide sustainable access to safe water for the village of Kwedizinga (Tanga region).

The Walkathon will start at Craigendarroch Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club – Braemar Rd, Ballater, Royal Deeside, Scotland AB35 5XA – on Tuesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. and the walk will be around the Moorland area. At the end of the Walkathon, participants are invited to enjoy some fun activities including a raffle.

To register, simply access the “Walkathons For Water” 2024 website and register with a minimum donation of €5, or register directly onsite.