Posts for April, 2022

Grantown Initiative are delighted to host a family fun run the Many 2022. An opportunity to stretch the legs, explore part of the Grantown surroundings and find treasure as you go.

A warm up will be led by High Life Highland.

Walkers are very welcome. The route will take you through the beautiful community owned Anagach Woods. Please join us as we have a great morning and embrace the joy of being together outdoors

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

The breeding season for birds is coming to an end, however there is still plenty of other life to be seen on the marshes and in the meadow. The heather should be in full flower and field gentian may be coming into bloom. Wild flowers like knapweed and scabious provide nectar for butterflies.

We will lookout for the nationally scarce scotch argus butterfly which breeds on the reserve and can be the most common butterfly to be seen in August. Dragonflies like black darter and the impressively large golden ringed may also be seen.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

The breeding season for birds is coming to an end, however there is still plenty of other life to be seen on the marshes and in the meadow.

Colourful wild flowers include sweetly scented orchids, which attract beautiful butterflies and dragonflies. We will lookout for the scarce scotch argus butterfly which feeds on flowers like sunshine-yellow rock rose.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

On this leisurely walk, the breeding season is well underway so young birds and other creatures like roe deer will be keeping their parents busy. Lapwing chicks will be feeding, running and hiding while relying on their camouflage and their parents to defend them. The marshes and trail are full of life and colourful, scented flowers, including orchids.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Join us at the award winning Lynbreck Croft with foraging expert Clare Holohan from West Highland Herbal and co-author of Scotland’s Wild Medicine for a day learning about wild plants.

You will learn how to identify and use local plants for all round health, which will include a walk around the grounds of the croft in the morning with some foraging and discussion on food and medicinal uses of the plants we find.

You’ll then gather for a feast lunch, which will include some croft grown produce, supplemented with anything edible we find in the morning.

In the afternoon, you’ll head back out with Clare to do some more practical learning, either making remedies or foods with whatever we have found. Throughout the day, we will talk a little about how we work with nature and our team of animals to build biodiversity across Lynbreck, a place that can provide for all of us.

Please read website Terms and Conditions before booking

A family fun day on the village Greens in the centre of Ballater on Royal Deeside involving over 50 trade, craft and charity stalls, with entertainment for children including hook-a-duck and bouncy castle. As well as the local shops, restaurants and cafes, there are food stalls on the Green. The Ballater Pipe Band plays and there is live musical entertainment on the stage from Banchory Strathspey & Reel Society, culminating in a giant inflatable duck race on the River Dee at 3pm and a Tote operates if anyone fancies a ‘flutter’ on one of the ducks.

Follow us on: www.facebook.com/ballaterduckfestival

For Green Health Week we are encouraging you to step outside, connect with and enjoy the Cairngorms National Park and give nature a go!

Whether you’re experiencing nature near your doorstep, or something further afield, there are lots of ways to feel good.

Green Health Week is a promotional campaign and part of NatureScot’s ‘Our Natural Health Service’ initiative. Go to the website for more info!

Join us for a guided woodland wander. Our route will take us along the shore of Loch Garten, wind its way beneath towering pine trees and visit tranquil Loch Mallachie. We will listen for the chirps of crossbills and the trills of crested tits, look for tell-tale signs of red squirrels and explore the undergrowth of Caledonian pine forest.

The walk will follow footpaths and last roughly 3 hours, please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. Covid safety measures will be in place, more details can be found on the website. Toilets will be available at the beginning and end of the walk. Well-behaved dogs, on a lead, are welcome.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the walk begins.

Experience the peaceful wonder of the Dawn Chorus

Join us bright and early for a gentle stroll in tranquil Loch Insh Woods, listening for birdsong and learning how to identify which species are serenading us, with an optional coffee/breakfast* afterwards at the Boathouse Restaurant (at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre) who have kindly offered 20% off our order to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day.

We will meet in Loch Insh Outdoor Centre car park and walk through Loch Insh Woods on rough paths with exposed roots and some steps.

Children over 12 welcome, under 18s with an accompanying adult.

*Please note that the cost of breakfast is not included in the price of your ticket

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Spring brings to Insh Marshes.

On this leisurely walk see the lush green aspen leaves trembling and a variety of bird species, including curlew (which we may hear calling), lapwing and snipe (which could be displaying) and song birds singing through the trees.

During sunny intervals early butterflies like orange tip and small tortoiseshell will be flying.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.