Countryside Rangers Upcoming Events 2024
We are now using Eventbrite for some of our event bookings – check out our listings and follow us here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/high-life-highland-countryside-rangers-33097164665
All other bookings can be found on the High Life Highland booking site: https://booking.highlifehighland.com/
HLH Membership options can be found here: Join High Life Highland – High Life Highland
Explore the heart of the Scottish Highlands, with the eleven naturalists from the High Life Highland Ranger service. Our articles bring you news stories about wildlife and history; our events and conservation efforts.
Nature Unveiled | High Life Highland Ranger | Substack
Date: Wednesday 19th February
Area: Easter Ross
Lichen Safari at Rogie Falls
Do you like Lichen? Have you never heard of it before but interested to know more? Join the Ranger for a short walk to discover a whole new world!
Lichen are a combination of fungi and algae working together to support each other and they come in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and forms.
They were one of the first organisms to start colonising the earth and they can tell us a lot about our environment. They are well worth getting to know better.
Time: 10am – 12pm Booking ref: Eventbrite
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Wednesday 19th February
Area: Inverness
Winter Wildlife Walk – Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
Join us for some fresh air and a 3 km walk around this beautiful Reserve. We will be looking out for seashore wildlife. Binoculars are available. Meet at the car park at the bus turning circle at the end of Kessock Road. Adults only please. * Please be aware that there is a minimum donation of £1 required to book on via Eventbrite. This does not go to the Ranger Service but is to cover Eventbrite Fees.*
Time: 11am -1pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected] 07771370959
Date: Thursday 20th February
Area: Online
Ben Nevis – An introduction to this iconic mountain
Join us to explore Ben Nevis’ rich history, diverse wildlife and gain an understanding of the challenges of walking the UK’s highest mountain. We will delve into its breathtaking landscapes, cultural significance and the adventure of conquering its heights from the comfort of home.
Time: 7pm to 8pm Booking ref: Eventbrite
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Monday 24th February
Area: Lochaber
Green Library Nature Club
Join us at Caol library for crafts, nature and lots of fun. Over the next few months we will be looking at a number of wildlife themes and taking part in craft and practical activities to help nature. For 7-12yr olds.
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: N/A
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 25th February
Area: Easter Ross
Dingwall Nature Club
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate, learn about and experience nature.
It is open to all children between 7 and 12 years old. Booking is not required, just turn up. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Topics coming up include making homes for wildlife, otters and spring.
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm Booking ref: N/A
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Wednesday 26th February
Area: Inverness
City Explorer Walk – Ness Islands & The River Ness
Join the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger for a leisurely 3km stroll through the Ness Islands and along the river looking out for winter wildlife and discovering some of the history of the Islands. Adults only. Meet at the main entrance to The Inverness Botanic Gardens.
Time: 11am-1pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage. * Please be aware that there is a minimum donation of £1 required to book on via Eventbrite. This does not go to the Ranger Service but is to cover Eventbrite Fees.*
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected] 07771370959
Date: Wednesday 26th February
Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 27th February
Area: Online
Slow-worms in the Highlands and Islands
Slow-worms are a type of legless lizard and are often mistaken for snakes. Unlike snakes they can blink, have a flat forked tongue and can drop their tails if attacked.
Our guest speaker Cally Ullman-Smith from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation reports on the findings of the 2024 Slow-worm survey.
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm Booking ref: Eventbrite
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 28th February
Area: Ardnamurchan
Green Library Nature Club
Bring your “grab and go” or packed lunch along to the Sunart Centre for a supervised lunch hour followed by nature themed activities in the library and outdoors. Come dressed for the weather and bring your sense of adventure!
Time: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: booking is essential – drop into the library or contact Eilidh-Ann
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 28th February
Area: Easter Ross
Volunteer Day – Gorse Clearance at Tarbat Ness
The valuable coastal heath habitat at Tarbat Ness is in danger of being crowded out by encroaching Gorse. We will be using hand tools to remove Gorse closest to the paths to give heath vegetation underneath a chance to grow.
Meet at the Tarbat Ness Car park
Gloves will be available, but you may wish to bring your own.
Time: 2pm – 4pm Booking ref: N/A
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Saturday 1st March
Area: Inverness /Nairn
Volunteer Day – Wildflower Seed Sowing on the new Butterfly Banks at Ardersier Common
The butterfly banks have been created at Ardersier Common. We are looking for volunteers to help with the final springtime seeding of the banks, raking of the sand. and possibly a bit of weeding around the edges where we hope to sow Yellow Rattle as well as opening up some of the glades by removing gorse. It will also be an opportunity for anyone to drop in by and learn a little about the species all this hard work is for – the small blue butterfly and other pollinators. Cake will be available but please bring your own lunch, gloves and loppers if you have any.
Meet at the Ardersier Shoreline – opposite the Water Treatment Works any time from 11am onwards (ends at 3pm). Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Time: 11am-3pm
Contact: [email protected] 07771370959
Date: Sunday 2nd March
Area: Ardnamurchan
Volunteer Day – Sunart Footpaths
Join Ranger Eilidh-Ann and Sunart Community Company on this regular volunteer session. This month we will be making improvements to the Ardnastaing Beach path so please bring gloves, loppers, hand saws and spades. No need to book – this is a drop-in activity.
Time: 1.30pm – 4pm.
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Wednesday 12th March
Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Wednesday 19th March
Area: Caithness
GREEN LIBRARIES KIDS NATURE CLUB, WICK
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm Spaces limited, please email to book.
“Spring into action” – what to look for and an indoor planting activity.
We make no charge for this event, but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 20th March
Area: Online
The Magic & Mystery of Clava Cairns
Join John the local High Life Highland Ranger and Astro Archaeologist Douglas Scott for an amazing journey through the ancient stones of Clava Cairns, an early Bronze-Age site located near Inverness, Scotland. Discover the secrets and stories hidden within these sacred monuments and others like them as we explore their history and folklore. You will gain a deeper understanding of their probable use and significance. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to uncover the enchantment of Clava Cairns from the comfort of your own home!
Time: 7pm to 8pm Booking ref: Eventbrite
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Saturday 22nd March
Area: Easter Ross
Volunteer Day – Dingwall Spring Clean
Come along to Dingwall Library where we will have litter pickers and bags available so you can help us give Dingwall a Spring Clean and stop rubbish from heading in to our waterways.
All equipment will be provided, although you may want to bring gloves.
Refreshment’s will be provided in the Library once you’re done. Along with some interactive games and information about water wildlife and reducing waste
This is a drop in event, there is no booking required.
Time: 11am – 2pm
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Monday 24th March
Area: Online
The Life of Highland Otters
Follow the year of a Highland otter in this online illustrated talk about these elusive, wild mammals. We will go from Spring to Winter and discuss their life histories.
Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Booking ref: Eventbrite
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Monday 24th March
Area: Lochaber
Green Library Nature Club
Join us at Caol library for crafts, nature and lots of fun. Over the next few months we will be looking at a number of wildlife themes and taking part in craft and practical activities to help nature. For 7-12yr olds.
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: N/A
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 25th March
Area: Easter Ross
Dingwall Nature Club
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate, learn about and experience nature.
It is open to all children between 7 and 12 years old. Booking is not required, just turn up. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Topics coming up include making homes for wildlife, otters and spring.
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Wednesday 26th March
Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 22nd April
Area: Easter Ross
Dingwall Nature Club
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate, learn about and experience nature.
It is open to all children between 7 and 12 years old. Booking is not required, just turn up. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Topics coming up include making homes for wildlife, otters and spring.
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Wednesday 23rd April
Area: Caithness
GREEN LIBRARIES KIDS NATURE CLUB, WICK
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm Spaces limited, please email to book.
“Earth month” Outdoor tree planting activity (family members very welcome).
We make no charge for this event, but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 25th April
Area: Ardnamurchan
Green Library Nature Club
Bring your “grab and go” or packed lunch along to the Sunart Centre for a supervised lunch hour followed by nature themed activities in the library and outdoors. Come dressed for the weather and bring your sense of adventure!
Time: 12.30pm – 3pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: booking is essential – drop into the library or contact Eilidh-Ann
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Monday 28th April
Area: Lochaber
Green Library Nature Club
Join us at Caol library for crafts, nature and lots of fun. Over the next few months we will be looking at a number of wildlife themes and taking part in craft and practical activities to help nature. For 7-12yr olds.
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: N/A
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 15th May
Area: Easter Ross
Guided Ranger Walk to Ferry Point in Dingwall
Join the Ranger for a wee walk in nature and discover the wildlife around Dingwall.
This will be a free short walk starting from the library. We will walk down to Ferry Point and back looking out for Dingwall’s wild residents.
This is a free event funded by the Green Libraries Project.
Time: 10am – 12noon
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Wednesday 21st May Area: Caithness
GREEN LIBRARIES KIDS NATURE CLUB, WICK
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm Spaces limited, please email to book.
“Under the seaweed” Meet and learn about some seashore critters, fun with microscopes and a craft.
We make no charge for this event, but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Monday 26th May
Area: Lochaber
Green Library Nature Club
Join us at Caol library for crafts, nature and lots of fun. We will be looking at wildlife themes and taking part in craft and practical activities to help nature. For 7-12yr olds.
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: N/A
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 27th May
Area: Easter Ross
Dingwall Nature Club
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate, learn about and experience nature.
It is open to all children between 7 and 12 years old. Booking is not required, just turn up. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Topics coming up include making homes for wildlife, otters and spring.
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Friday 30th May
Area: Ardnamurchan
Green Library Nature Club
Bring your “grab and go” or packed lunch along to the Sunart Centre for a supervised lunch hour followed by nature themed activities in the library and outdoors. Come dressed for the weather and bring your sense of adventure!
Time: 12.30pm – 3pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: booking is essential – drop into the library or contact Eilidh-Ann
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 13th June
Area: Sutherland
Balblair Rare
This will be a short guided walk from the car parking area at the entrance to Balblair woods at Loch Fleet, Golspie. From the path we will be able to see the beautiful woodland wildflowers One-flowered wintergreen and Twinflower. These flowers are particularly rare in Scotland today as they are ancient native pinewood specialists, they are not worth missing!
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Wednesday 18th June
Area: Caithness
GREEN LIBRARIES KIDS NATURE CLUB, WICK
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm Spaces limited, please email to book.
“Exploring the outdoors” A nature-spotting walk along the riverside.
We make no charge for this event, but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Monday 23rd June
Area: Lochaber
Green Library Nature Club
Join us at Caol library for crafts, nature and lots of fun. We will be looking at wildlife themes and taking part in craft and practical activities to help nature. For 7-12yr olds.
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: N/A
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 24th June
Area: Easter Ross
Dingwall Nature Club
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate, learn about and experience nature.
It is open to all children between 7 and 12 years old. Booking is not required, just turn up. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Topics coming up include making homes for wildlife, otters and spring.
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
Date: Friday 27th June
Area: Ardnamurchan
Green Library Nature Club
Bring your “grab and go” or packed lunch along to the Sunart Centre for a supervised lunch hour followed by nature themed activities in the library and outdoors. Come dressed for the weather and bring your sense of adventure!
Time: 12.30pm – 3pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: booking is essential – drop into the library or contact Eilidh-Ann
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 28th June
Area: Sutherland
Bat Walk at Gearchoille Community Wood
Come along and find out what bats eat, where they live and other interesting facts about these wonderful creatures as we wander through Gearchoille Community Woods.
If the weather is unsuitable on the 27th we will aim to try again on the 4th July.
Families, adults and good dogs welcome! No unaccompanied children. Booking essential 24 hours beforehand.
Time: 9pm – 10.30pm Booking ref: Eventbrite
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected]
