Posts for April, 2022

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.

Explore the tranquil Insh Church with its ancient Pictish Bell. Hear stories of ghostly goings on the ferry, and if you are lucky see the ospreys on their nest.
The walk will also include a chance to have a go at foraging, learning about the folklore of plants as well as their uses.

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.

Explore the shore of Loch Morlich on this 4 hour guided walk (including breaks). See the site of the logging dam at the west end of the Loch before passing by the Shein More hill, home of Domhnull Mor, King of the Fairies. Learn about the Spectre of the Bloody Hand at the east end of the Loch and hear tales about the hills and mountains that border Glenmore.
After a lunch break outside the Glenmore Visitor Centre, find out about the fascinating recent history of Glenmore Lodge, playing a pivotal role in Norwegian resistance in WW2, before journeying back to the start on the track bed of the WW1 logging railway.
Walk is approximately 6.5km long over mostly level forest tracks with a one uphill section.

Wander through the remnants of the Caledonian Forest and learn about how prehistoric people used the forest to survive the harsh climate of the Cairngorms.
At Loch Vaa and Avielochan there will be an opportunity to understand how the landscape changed from the Neolithic to the Medieval Age as well as a chance to explore the Bronze age Clava type burial cairns.
Foraging and folklore is also included!
Walk is just over 5 miles long (8.6km) on mostly flat terrain.

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.