Posts for July, 2023

Volcanoes account for some of Earth’s most fascinating and violent geographical features, a force for destruction and creation. But did you know that volcanic activity and space volcanoes are also found on other planets and moons? Join us at the Glenlivet Hall in the Cairngorms Tomintoul and Glenlivet Dark Sky Park to learn about and be inspired by incredible space phenomena. If the weather is favourable we will have an observing session outside the hall after the presentation.

This eco-event is now in its 3rd year and will again showcase ways of achieving a sustainable environment with the green credentials of local businesses on display.

The show is organised by volunteer members of Sustainable Strathspey, an eco-group in Badenoch and Strathspey which aims to initiate local change to help tackle the nature and climate emergencies.

We are expecting return visits by most of last year’s stallholders including representatives from the building industry, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Home Energy Scotland, Grantown Society, wind farm developers, wildlife champions, and experts in waste management, the circular economy and creative child’s play. This year we are extending our invitation to all with an interest in active travel.

Whether you live nearby or are visiting from further afield, our aim is to inspire and help everybody to connect with nature.

This season, we’re piloting a limited series of immersive forest walks (also known as forest bathing) that have been specifically designed to provide a rich experience of Abernethy Forest. Even for those who already love the outdoors, many say that forest bathing differs dramatically from their usual experience of being in nature.

Our guided forest bathing walks are specifically designed to provide opportunities to quietly connect with the details of nature, and relax, restore, and recalibrate.

An opportunity to learn or develop a skill in willow weaving at workshops in the community woodland. Come along and relax, enjoy meeting people or sit quietly by. Come for an hour or all stay all day. Donations appreciated.

Followed by tea/coffee, cake and a chance to chat

Followed by tea/coffee, cake and a chance to chat

Followed by tea/coffee, cake and a chance to chat

Followed by tea/coffee and cake, with a chance to chat

Kingussie Festival of Words – a couple of days to think about words, one way or another. A couple of talks. Three workshops. A live poetry event.

Some poems, songs, stories. And a couple of events for the younger ones. Oh, and a poetry competition.
All on this year’s theme – Immigration and Emigration.

More info. in programme leaflet available locally, on facebook soon, and most importantly on our eventbrite (link to the right!) where tickets can be purchased too.

A collaboration between artists Elizabeth Reeder and Amanda Thomson, Cairngorms Connect and people who live or work in or visit the Cairngorms.

A commonplace book is a collection of writings, images and documents gathered by people to show a place at a particular time. They could be considered scrapbooks or like a Scottish Kist – where things that are valued are communicated to and kept for future generations.

We plan to create the first Cairngorms Connect Commonplace Book, including submissions from anyone who wants to write down or photograph or draw something of this place that they’d like to share with others.

Do you want to offer something to the commonplace book but don’t know where to start? Are you interested in writing or photography or drawing or simply sharing something of what you know of this place? You don’t need to be a writer or an artist, just someone who loves the Cairngorms and has something to share with others about this place.

Come along to one or more of the workshops where Elizabeth and Amanda will offer some ideas of where you might start. The workshops will be a great place for them to answer any questions you have about the project too.

Tuesday 6th June, 6-7:30pm, online
Monday 10th July, 6-7:30pm, Loch Garten Nature Centre
Monday 7th August, 6-7:30pm, RSPB Insh Marshes

Workshops are free but places are limited so please register to reserve a space.

No previous creative experience is necessary, and all ages* and abilities very welcome.
*under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

It is important that all people have equal access to Cairngorms Connect events. We are happy to provide for your requirements, wherever possible eg. BSL interpreters, off-road wheelchairs, adapted bikes etc. If have any accessibility requirements, please get in touch.