Posts for February, 2024

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.

We will meet in the RSPB Insh Marshes Car Park – what3words: ///epic.youth.venturing and grid ref: NN775998

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

Over 1.5 days we will be maximising our chances of encountering the beautiful moths of Highland Scotland.
Our target species are Kentish Glory, Netted Mountain Moth, Sword Grass, and Small Dark Yellow Underwing. Secondary possibilities include Large Red-belted Clearwing, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, Scarce Prominent, Broom-tip and Birch Mocha. Two nights, 1.5 days, starting on the evening of 10th May, finishing lunchtime 12th May.

Our a series of Lepidoptera events are aimed at finding some of the UKs rarest or most difficult to see species. All the profits from these workshops will go to Butterfly Conservation helping to support projects that monitor, protect and manage these superb species.

Monday 13th: Bat and Moth Evening, Upper Deeside

8.30pm – 10pm, Braemar

Our evening will start by looking at the marvellous moths that have been caught in the light traps from the previous evening. We will then go on a short walk to watch and listen for bats that are emerging to hunt insects. This event is suitable for families.

We will explore the wildlife of the Cairngorm mountains on this guided walk around Glenshee. Weather permitting we aim to use the chair lift to ascend a munro called the ‘Cairnwell’. We will search for mountain wildlife such as Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare as well as alpine plants. If the chairlift is not running then we will walk up the tracks from the ski centre. A reasonable level of fitness is required for this guided walk (especially if the chair lift is not operating!). This event is suitable for families.

Join this fun, hands-on event that’s great for all the family! You will see a wide variety of beautiful and intricately patterned moths up close and personal, all caught the previous night by Dan and Rachael. This event is suitable for families.

We will enjoy a 5km/3 mile walk through Caledonian Forest in Upper Deeside looking for birds of prey, carnivorous plants and a variety of insects. This event is suitable for families.

Saturday 18th May 2024: Dawn Chorus, Upper Deeside

6am – 9am, Braemar

Join this introduction to bird songs and calls as we listen to many species in along the River Dee and Caledonian woodland. Get to know the commoner species and understand a little more about how to identify different bird calls and songs. This morning is suitable for beginners right through to expert birders!

Over two days and nights we will look for Dark Bordered Beauty in the Aspen stands of the Dee, Aberdeenshire. This species is scarce and will require a focused trapping effort as well as daytime searches. We will also operate traps at higher altitude to try for a couple of Scottish specialities. Target Species include Dark Bordered Beauty, Northern Dart and secondary species include Northern Arches, Cousin German, Chestnut-coloured Carpet, Grey Mountain Carpet, Pretty Pinion, Dark Tussock and Scotch Annulet. Two nights, two days, starting on the evening of 2nd August, finishing lunchtime 4th August.

The Mar Lodge Estate Open Day returns! This is when we fling open our doors and welcome anyone and everyone to the estate. All are welcome on the day.

You will be able to see inside the Stag Ballroom, have a tour of the historic lodge, walk around the lodge grounds, get up close to our estate vehicles, and hear all about our work here by meeting and chatting to estate staff.

All of our in-house teams will be on hand to chat, so you can meet the Stalking team, Ecologists, Ranger Service, Estate Maintenance and Visitor Services. So if you’ve got a question about stalking, or paths, or volunteering, or wildlife or weddings, or indeed any other subject you’ve been desperate to ask about but never had the chance, this is the event for you.

Refreshments will be available to purchase in the lodge (CASH ONLY), and the rangers will set up a free self-led activity to keep younger members of the family occupied.

The event is free, and open to all. Admittance to the ballroom is also free.

There is a small charge of £5 per person if you want to join a tour of the lodge itself (free to National Trust for Scotland, or National Trust members). Tours will be run every hour, throughout the day. You will be able to pay on the day, but if you want to pay in advance, you can do so here on Eventbrite. If you do pay in advance, please make sure you bring confirmation of your purchase with you on the day, otherwise you will still be charged £5 for admittance.

Visitors arriving by car will be able to drive over the Victoria Bridge for the Open Day. Signage will direct you via a one-way system towards the parking area, on the lawn next to the ballroom.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

I invite you to join me on a WOMEN’S WELLNESS RETREAT in the wilds of the Cairngorm National Park, voted one of the 20 top places to visit by National Geographic Traveller. You’ll sleep in a cosy mountain lodge nestled in beautiful Glenfeshie.

It’s a weekend designed to support, nourish and empower women who are trying to navigate their way through the Perimenopause/Menopause, who are curious and want to know more and know they will benefit from being around other like-minded people.
Bring a friend, family member or come solo…. pause – breathe – REBALANCE.
For more details go to my website yogacairngorms. com or my Instagram bio or email lindaolds86@gmail.com