High Life Highland Rangers have an incredible roster of family-friendly, nature events lined up throughout August for members of the public to engage with and learn more about meadows.
Kicking off with the ‘Thurso Riverside Bumblebee Safari’ on Wednesday 2nd August from 10am to 12pm, participants can learn how to safely catch and identify some common bee species – and potentially even a rare Great Yellow Bumblebee – guided by High Life Highland’s countryside Rangers at Thurso Riverside.
Andy Summers, High Life Highland’s Senior Countryside Ranger for North Highlands, said: “After a slow start due to a very dry May and June, the newly created wildflower meadows are now looking stunning.
“These meadow events are a chance for us to see exactly what sort of bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators have been attracted to the pollen and nectar rich flowers now growing on our sites.
“When it comes to insects, butterflies seem to get all the publicity, but there are hundreds of other species – which, although less flamboyant, are important pollinators. I am looking forward to helping members of the public to identify hoverflies, solitary bees, moths and much more.
“The meadow events are good example of citizen science in action, where we get our communities to help measure the success of the wildflower meadow mosaic project. If you’re interested in learning more about your local wildlife, this is an excellent opportunity to start!”
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive, concluded: “High Life Highland is delighted to be facilitating this educational series of events across the Highlands.
“Countryside Rangers play a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging appreciation of the local scenery, wildlife, and heritage. As well as writing an insightful monthly column on a variety of topics, these events help to further promote a love of Highland nature.
“I hope that members of the public interested in learning more will consider seeing what the August roster has on offer.”
Please see the below full list of upcoming events across the Highlands for August, where you will also find the respective codes and links where booking is necessary:
Thurso Riverside Bumblebee Safari – Wednesday 2nd August from 10am-12pm (All equipment is provided. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Booking is essential via https://booking.highlifehighland.com/programme/2 using booking code SOS000040)
Caithness Pollinator Count – Monday 7th August from 11am-12pm (at the newly created meadow at the Crofter’s Snug, Caravan/Motorhome site at East Mey in Caithness. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking not required)
Beetle Mania – Tuesday 8th August from 10am-11.30am (guided by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Paul Castle, at Bettyhill Library. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Wear suitable footwear and clothing for garden exploring. Booking not required)
Pollinators, Wildflowers, and Seed Collecting – Tuesday 8th August from 10am-12:30pm (guided walk from Gairloch Beach to the Harbour. Booking not required)
Bettyhill Leisure Centre Pollinator Count – Tuesday 8th August from 2pm-3pm (guided by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Paul Castle, at the newly created meadow at the North Coast Leisure Centre in Bettyhill, North Sutherland. Booking not required)
Guided walk to Steall Meadow and Falls – Wednesday 9th August from 9am-12pm (this event is for adults only, guided by the Highland Heritage Ranger, and has a £20 ticket cost. Please book using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-walk-to-steall-meadow-and-falls-tickets-592907892467)
Pollinator Count at St John’s Pool – Thursday 10th August from 11am-12pm (guided by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Paul Castle, at the newly created meadow at St John’s Pool in Dunnet, Caithness. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking not required)
Lochinver Church of Scotland Meadow Walk – Thursday 10th August from 11am-11:30am (guided by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Andy Summers. Meet at Bayview car park Lochinver. Booking not required)
Clachtoll Meadow Walk – Thursday 10th August from 11am-11:30am (guided by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Andy Summers. Meet at Clachtoll Beach car park. Booking not required)
Inchnadamph Meadow Walk – Thursday 10th August from 3pm-4pm (guided by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Andy Summers. Meet at Inchnadamph car park. Booking not required)
Scything Festival – Saturday 12th August from 11am-3pm (now in its third year, learn the basics of scything at Kyle and Lochalsh’s Community Parkland, ‘The Plock’. Booking not required)
Meadow-making Workshop – Tuesday 29th August from 10am-12:30pm (at the Barn, Ardgay, facilitated by High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Marcia O’Hara. For this particular workshop, please book using the following Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meadow-making-workshop-at-the-barn-ardgay-tickets-660317616767)
While these events are free-of-charge so that nature learning can remain accessible to everyone, donations in support of local Countryside Rangers are accepted and encouraged: https://high-life-highland.myshopify.com/collections/donate/products/countryside-rangers-donation
