The Isle of Arran Wildlife Festival
Posted: Tuesday, 30 May 2006 |
The Isle of Arran Wildlife Festival 2006
The Wildlie Festival launced at Kilmory Hall last Sunday and there was a suprisingly good turnout! The festival runs for the rest of the week but there are wildlife events all summer and Hazel is back on the island as the dedicated Information Officer for the Hen Harriers. So if you want to see some very rare birds go for a guided walk with Hazel! There are walks and trips orginised to see everything from basking sharks and dolphins to golden eagles, otters, red deer and famous geology. Here's this weeks events...
BOOKINGS DURING THE FESTIVAL - PLEASE NOTE:
If you would like to book a place on an event after Friday 26 May, please call Kilmory Hall on 01770 870345, where a member of the Festival team will take your booking, if there is no one available, please leave your name, the event you would like to take part in and a contact number (if you have one) and we will call you back to confirm your details.
You can continue to book a place on the Arran Sealife Special boat trips with Arran Adventure on 01770 302244.
Thank you and enjoy the Festival!
Arran is one of the most accessible and spectacular islands on Scotland’s west coast, under an hour from the mainland - and less than two hours from Glasgow.
It is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife from the majestic golden eagle, to the imposing red deer – and a UK stronghold of one of our rarest birds of prey, the beautiful hen harrier.
Its waters are a haven for seals, porpoises, basking sharks and even dolphins – and during the first Arran Wildlife Festival, we aim to bring you closer to some of these amazing creatures with four days packed with events.
Brought to you by RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Destination Arran
Please note that many events are weather permitting and the festival partners cannot be held responsible for cancelled events due to the weather.
27 -31 May (entire festival period)
Open day/Wildlife art exhibitions- Burnside Gallery, Brodick
Come and see our exhibitions - ‘Coastal Close-up’ and ‘The Elements’ plus wildlife photography and original wildlife art works. You can even take part in a class - weaving with ‘found objects’ collected from your walks or other activities including creating childrens jigsaws. Come along and make your own personal wall hanging to take home as a visual memory of a super holiday. All ages and family groups especially welcome. Please see individual festival days for times, enjoy a free glass of wine on Sunday 28 May.
Adult’s £15.00 Children £7.50 per session. All classes include materials, refreshment and snacks. Booking usually necessary. info@theburnside.com
Saturday 27 May and Sunday 28 May
12:20 – 17:30
Birds from the Boat
Join the RSPB North Ayrshire Local Group aboard the Ardrossan-Brodick (Arran) Calmac ferry and look-out for seabirds including diving gannets, guillemots, fulmars and more. The perfect way to start your holiday on Arran. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
Sunday 28 May
14:00
Family Fun Day and Hen Harrier Viewing Project launch
Join us at Kilmory Hall for the launch of the Arran hen harrier viewing project, as we meet this year’s family of ‘sky-dancers’ live on camera. The latest wildlife CCTV technology brings the close-up action to screens at Kilmory Hall so you don’t miss a second of the daily lives of these amazing and rare birds.
There will also be a host of fun activities for all the family to enjoy from the RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage and many other organisations including face-painting, craft stalls, games, a ‘marine roadshow’ and even a chance to meet our giant puffin! Activities will take place around Kilmory Hall, with an indoor facility if the weather is unkind.
A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland for more information on 0141 331 0993.
15:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer.
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls!
Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
19:00
Marine Wildlife Evening with COAST
Join COAST for an evening slideshow exploring some of Arran's rich marine world - and see some real-life examples of the wildlife found in our ses. A great event for anyone facinated by our amazing oceans.
A free event. Meet at Kilmory Hall.
Monday 29 May
07:00
Birds and bacon butties
An early morning walk from Kilmory Hall with the RSPB to discover the feathered songsters behind the dawn chorus, with a little help from the latest RSPB ‘singing’ cuddly bird toys!
Followed by bacon butties and hot drinks in the Hall. A free event, but donations are welcome.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
09:30
Minibus Safari of South Arran
Discover the island’s wildlife with experienced local guide John Rhead.
Booking only through John Rhead on 01770 870368. Tickets: Adults - £20, children £10.
10:00
Seashore Walk at Kildonan
Join National Trust for Scotland on a guided walk to see the seals and rockpool life at Kildonan. Meet at Kildonan Post Office at 10am. A free event, but donations are welcome.
Book with National Trust for Scotland on 01770 302462.
10:00
Forest Adventure Walk - with Forestry Commission Scotland
Explore the FCS woodland at Kilmory Water looking for the sights, sounds and animal signs of the wildlife that lives there. All reasonably fit adults and children are welcome on this all-day excursion.
Please bring walking boots/shoes, lunch and suitable clothing. This walk is 6KM in length. Meet at Kilmory Village Hall at 10am.
Booking with FCS on 01770 302218
14:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer.
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls!
Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
19:30
The Eagle Odyssey' Filmshow - at Kilmory Hall
A rare chance to see this multi award-winning RSPB Film Unit wildlife film featuring breathtaking footage of our largest and rarest bird of prey, the white-tailed (sea) eagle. Several years in the making, and winner of a ‘Wildlife Oscar’ for its engaging script, The Eagle Odyssey has played to sell-out audiences across Scotland. Suitable for all ages but recommended for 8 years plus due to 50 minute running time.
Tickets available from Kilmory Hall. Adults £3.00, children (under 16) FREE. To book call 01770 870345
Tuesday 30 May
10:00
Coastal Walk at Kilmory
Join National Trust for Scotland to explore the seashore from Kilmory.
Meet at Kildonan Post Office at 10am. A free event, but donations are welcome.
Book with National Trust for Scotland on 01770 302462.
12:00
Arran sealife special
Join local company Arran Adventure, as we whisk you from the island aboard the latest Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) on a fast-paced trip to Holy Isle, where we’ll slow the pace and look out for seals, seabirds and other wildlife along the shore – and maybe even porpoises.
Tickets and booking - Adults: £25, unaccompanied teens (12-17yrs) £20, children with an adult £15.
Book with Arran Adventure on 01770 302244 (extra trips may be availble dependent on demand)
14:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls!
Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
14:00
Wildlife Friendly Farm visit - Award winning!
Details Join the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) on a walk around Braehead Farm, winner of the 2006 NFUS Farmland Biodiversity Award, to find out how farming can benefit wildlife.
Meet at Braehead Farm (OS Grid Ref : NR927228). Book with FWAG on 01292 525 206.
18:00
Arran Geology talk (Lagg Hotel)
Did you know that Arran, with its famous sleeping warrior outline, was once part of a string of volcanoes which stretched from Skye to Antrim? Or that where the Firth of Clyde now laps against its shores, sand dunes swept across a fiery desert?
An informal illustrated introduction to Arran's geology with Rachal Wignall(SNH)
* the perfect introduction to Wednesday's geology walks.
19:30
Illustrated talk - an evening with Roy Dennis
Join us for an evening with one of Scotland's leading conservationists and the man behind the success of sea eagles and ospreys returning to Scotland.
A free event at Kilmory Hall.
Wednesday 31 May
09:30
Minibus safari of North Arran
Discover the island’s wildlife with experienced local guide John Rhead – the north of the island can one of the best places to see golden eagles. Booking only through John Rhead on 01770 870368. Tickets: Adults - £20, children £10.
10:00
Kildonan to Bennan Head shore walk
From deserts to volcanoes! Join geologist Rachal Wignall (SNH) to find out what the rocks of Arran's south coast can tell you about Scotland's dramatic past. Meet at Kildonan Post Office. A free event. Bring warm clothes, boots or wellies. A free event.
Book with SNH on 01292 261392.
12:00
Arran sealife special
Join local company Arran Adventure, as we whisk you from the island aboard the latest Rigid Inflatable boat (RIB) on a fast-paced trip to Holy Isle, where we’ll slow the pace and look out for seals, seabirds and other wildlife along the shore – and maybe even porpoises.
Tickets and booking - Adults: £25, unaccompanied teens (12-17yrs) £20, children with an adult £15. Book with Arran Adventure on 01770 302244 (extra trips may be availble dependent on demand)
14:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls! Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
14:00
North Newton Shore Geology Walk
Arran oldest rocks and the world famous 'Hutton's unconformity'. - find out what it's all about with geologist Rachel Wignall (SNH) Meet at Lochranza village hall. A free event.
Bring warm clothes and boots or wellies.
Book with SNH on 01292 261392.
The Wildlie Festival launced at Kilmory Hall last Sunday and there was a suprisingly good turnout! The festival runs for the rest of the week but there are wildlife events all summer and Hazel is back on the island as the dedicated Information Officer for the Hen Harriers. So if you want to see some very rare birds go for a guided walk with Hazel! There are walks and trips orginised to see everything from basking sharks and dolphins to golden eagles, otters, red deer and famous geology. Here's this weeks events...
BOOKINGS DURING THE FESTIVAL - PLEASE NOTE:
If you would like to book a place on an event after Friday 26 May, please call Kilmory Hall on 01770 870345, where a member of the Festival team will take your booking, if there is no one available, please leave your name, the event you would like to take part in and a contact number (if you have one) and we will call you back to confirm your details.
You can continue to book a place on the Arran Sealife Special boat trips with Arran Adventure on 01770 302244.
Thank you and enjoy the Festival!
Arran is one of the most accessible and spectacular islands on Scotland’s west coast, under an hour from the mainland - and less than two hours from Glasgow.
It is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife from the majestic golden eagle, to the imposing red deer – and a UK stronghold of one of our rarest birds of prey, the beautiful hen harrier.
Its waters are a haven for seals, porpoises, basking sharks and even dolphins – and during the first Arran Wildlife Festival, we aim to bring you closer to some of these amazing creatures with four days packed with events.
Brought to you by RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Destination Arran
Please note that many events are weather permitting and the festival partners cannot be held responsible for cancelled events due to the weather.
27 -31 May (entire festival period)
Open day/Wildlife art exhibitions- Burnside Gallery, Brodick
Come and see our exhibitions - ‘Coastal Close-up’ and ‘The Elements’ plus wildlife photography and original wildlife art works. You can even take part in a class - weaving with ‘found objects’ collected from your walks or other activities including creating childrens jigsaws. Come along and make your own personal wall hanging to take home as a visual memory of a super holiday. All ages and family groups especially welcome. Please see individual festival days for times, enjoy a free glass of wine on Sunday 28 May.
Adult’s £15.00 Children £7.50 per session. All classes include materials, refreshment and snacks. Booking usually necessary. info@theburnside.com
Saturday 27 May and Sunday 28 May
12:20 – 17:30
Birds from the Boat
Join the RSPB North Ayrshire Local Group aboard the Ardrossan-Brodick (Arran) Calmac ferry and look-out for seabirds including diving gannets, guillemots, fulmars and more. The perfect way to start your holiday on Arran. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
Sunday 28 May
14:00
Family Fun Day and Hen Harrier Viewing Project launch
Join us at Kilmory Hall for the launch of the Arran hen harrier viewing project, as we meet this year’s family of ‘sky-dancers’ live on camera. The latest wildlife CCTV technology brings the close-up action to screens at Kilmory Hall so you don’t miss a second of the daily lives of these amazing and rare birds.
There will also be a host of fun activities for all the family to enjoy from the RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage and many other organisations including face-painting, craft stalls, games, a ‘marine roadshow’ and even a chance to meet our giant puffin! Activities will take place around Kilmory Hall, with an indoor facility if the weather is unkind.
A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland for more information on 0141 331 0993.
15:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer.
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls!
Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
19:00
Marine Wildlife Evening with COAST
Join COAST for an evening slideshow exploring some of Arran's rich marine world - and see some real-life examples of the wildlife found in our ses. A great event for anyone facinated by our amazing oceans.
A free event. Meet at Kilmory Hall.
Monday 29 May
07:00
Birds and bacon butties
An early morning walk from Kilmory Hall with the RSPB to discover the feathered songsters behind the dawn chorus, with a little help from the latest RSPB ‘singing’ cuddly bird toys!
Followed by bacon butties and hot drinks in the Hall. A free event, but donations are welcome.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
09:30
Minibus Safari of South Arran
Discover the island’s wildlife with experienced local guide John Rhead.
Booking only through John Rhead on 01770 870368. Tickets: Adults - £20, children £10.
10:00
Seashore Walk at Kildonan
Join National Trust for Scotland on a guided walk to see the seals and rockpool life at Kildonan. Meet at Kildonan Post Office at 10am. A free event, but donations are welcome.
Book with National Trust for Scotland on 01770 302462.
10:00
Forest Adventure Walk - with Forestry Commission Scotland
Explore the FCS woodland at Kilmory Water looking for the sights, sounds and animal signs of the wildlife that lives there. All reasonably fit adults and children are welcome on this all-day excursion.
Please bring walking boots/shoes, lunch and suitable clothing. This walk is 6KM in length. Meet at Kilmory Village Hall at 10am.
Booking with FCS on 01770 302218
14:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer.
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls!
Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
19:30
The Eagle Odyssey' Filmshow - at Kilmory Hall
A rare chance to see this multi award-winning RSPB Film Unit wildlife film featuring breathtaking footage of our largest and rarest bird of prey, the white-tailed (sea) eagle. Several years in the making, and winner of a ‘Wildlife Oscar’ for its engaging script, The Eagle Odyssey has played to sell-out audiences across Scotland. Suitable for all ages but recommended for 8 years plus due to 50 minute running time.
Tickets available from Kilmory Hall. Adults £3.00, children (under 16) FREE. To book call 01770 870345
Tuesday 30 May
10:00
Coastal Walk at Kilmory
Join National Trust for Scotland to explore the seashore from Kilmory.
Meet at Kildonan Post Office at 10am. A free event, but donations are welcome.
Book with National Trust for Scotland on 01770 302462.
12:00
Arran sealife special
Join local company Arran Adventure, as we whisk you from the island aboard the latest Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) on a fast-paced trip to Holy Isle, where we’ll slow the pace and look out for seals, seabirds and other wildlife along the shore – and maybe even porpoises.
Tickets and booking - Adults: £25, unaccompanied teens (12-17yrs) £20, children with an adult £15.
Book with Arran Adventure on 01770 302244 (extra trips may be availble dependent on demand)
14:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls!
Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
14:00
Wildlife Friendly Farm visit - Award winning!
Details Join the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) on a walk around Braehead Farm, winner of the 2006 NFUS Farmland Biodiversity Award, to find out how farming can benefit wildlife.
Meet at Braehead Farm (OS Grid Ref : NR927228). Book with FWAG on 01292 525 206.
18:00
Arran Geology talk (Lagg Hotel)
Did you know that Arran, with its famous sleeping warrior outline, was once part of a string of volcanoes which stretched from Skye to Antrim? Or that where the Firth of Clyde now laps against its shores, sand dunes swept across a fiery desert?
An informal illustrated introduction to Arran's geology with Rachal Wignall(SNH)
* the perfect introduction to Wednesday's geology walks.
19:30
Illustrated talk - an evening with Roy Dennis
Join us for an evening with one of Scotland's leading conservationists and the man behind the success of sea eagles and ospreys returning to Scotland.
A free event at Kilmory Hall.
Wednesday 31 May
09:30
Minibus safari of North Arran
Discover the island’s wildlife with experienced local guide John Rhead – the north of the island can one of the best places to see golden eagles. Booking only through John Rhead on 01770 870368. Tickets: Adults - £20, children £10.
10:00
Kildonan to Bennan Head shore walk
From deserts to volcanoes! Join geologist Rachal Wignall (SNH) to find out what the rocks of Arran's south coast can tell you about Scotland's dramatic past. Meet at Kildonan Post Office. A free event. Bring warm clothes, boots or wellies. A free event.
Book with SNH on 01292 261392.
12:00
Arran sealife special
Join local company Arran Adventure, as we whisk you from the island aboard the latest Rigid Inflatable boat (RIB) on a fast-paced trip to Holy Isle, where we’ll slow the pace and look out for seals, seabirds and other wildlife along the shore – and maybe even porpoises.
Tickets and booking - Adults: £25, unaccompanied teens (12-17yrs) £20, children with an adult £15. Book with Arran Adventure on 01770 302244 (extra trips may be availble dependent on demand)
14:00
Guided moorland walk with the hen harrier officer
Join the Information Officer as we venture onto the moors in search of hunting harriers – your best chance of seeing these spectacular birds in their element. Also the chance of seeing stonechats, merlin – our smallest bird of prey, and perhaps day-flying short-eared owls! Bring walking boots, warm clothes and waterproofs. A free event.
Contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993 for more information.
14:00
North Newton Shore Geology Walk
Arran oldest rocks and the world famous 'Hutton's unconformity'. - find out what it's all about with geologist Rachel Wignall (SNH) Meet at Lochranza village hall. A free event.
Bring warm clothes and boots or wellies.
Book with SNH on 01292 261392.