Species on the Edge - Upcoming Events
Click on the headings below to see what events and opportunities we have coming up in each of our seven project areas. For more information on our project areas including contact details for our area officers, please head to our Project Area Summaries page.
Argyll Coast and Inner Hebrides
Slender Scotch Burnet Caterpillar Hunt, Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull, 9 May
- What: Join us for a caterpillar hunt and to learn more about the rare dayflying slender Scotch burnet moth followed by tea and cake at the Glengorm cafe.
- When: Thursday 9 May, 10:30am – 3:00pm
- Where: Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Please email the above address to book your place. You will then receive joining instructions nearer the time.
Slender Scotch Burnet Work Party, Burg, Isle of Mull, 27 May
- What: The fragile habitat of the rare slender Scotch burnet moth is being threatened by encroaching bracken. Join us to help remove it and learn more about these magnificent day flying moths.
- When: Monday 27 May, 10am – 4pm
- Where: The Burg, Isle of Mull
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Please email the above address to book your place. You will then receive joining instructions nearer the time.
- Access to the site will be by a 4x4 in two runs so only 7 places available - booking is essential.
- No previous experience is necessary but the site is steep so is physically challenging. Please bring good boots with ankle support, warm and weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch. Tools, gloves and instructions will be provided.
Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Walk, Grasspoint, Isle of Mull, 30 May
- What: Join us on a walk to look for the colourful marsh fritillary butterfly.
- When: Thursday 30 May
- Where: The Burg, Isle of Mull
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Please email the above address to book your place. You will then receive joining instructions nearer the time.
- Please bring a packed lunch and waterproofs, good walking boots advised as ground can be uneven and lumpy.
Nature Journaling, Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull, 9 June
- What: Join us for a day of nature journaling at the deserted settlement of Inivea while looking out for the rare transparent burnet moth.
- When: Sunday 9 June, 10:30am – 3:00pm
- Where: Meeting at Calgary Bay and then walking a short way to Inivea.
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Open to all, no experience of journaling needed. Lots of advice, support and materials provided.
- Places are limited to 10 - booking essential.
Creative writing, Glengorm, Isle of Mull, 16 June
What: Join us for a day of creative writing while looking out for the rare slender scotch burnet moth
- When: Sunday 16 June, 10:30am – 3:00pm
- Where: Meeting at Glengorm Cafe and then walking a short way down to the sea.
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Open to all, no experience of creative writing needed. Lots of advice, support and materials provided.
- Places are limited to 10 - booking essential.
Creative writing, North Shiel, Appin, 31 August
- What: Join us for a day of creative writing while looking out for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.
- When: Saturday 31 August, 10:30am – 3:00pm
- Where: North Shiel, Appin
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Open to all, no experience of creative writing needed. Lots of advice, support and materials provided.
- Places are limited to 10 - booking essential.
Full joining details will be provided nearer the time.
Willow weaving, Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull, 5 July
- What: Join us for a day of willow weaving including a short walk around the machair, looking out for the diversity of wildlife the grassland supports.
- When: Friday 5 July, 10:30am – 3:00pm
- Where: Calgary Bay, Appin
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Meeting at Calgary Bay, we will take a short walk around the Machair, an important herb-rich grassland supporting many different species of wildlife. We will then spend the rest of the day creating willow sculptures under the supportive guidance of Leen Skinner, a local willow weaver.
- Open to all, no experience of willow weaving needed. Lots of advice, support and materials provided.
- Places are limited to 10 - booking essential.
East Coast
Celebrating Women in Nature Butterfly Picnic, Nairn Beach, 25 May
- What: Join the Species on the Edge East Coast team, Highlife Highland Rangers and female members of Butterfly Conservation’s highland Branch for this female only event – a wander along Nairn beach looking out for local wildlife including the small blue butterfly. Cake and hot drinks will be provided.
- When: Saturday 25th May, 10am – 1pm
- Where: Nairn Beach. Meet at Maggot Carpark, Nairn. Grid Ref: NH889570
- For more details, contact: [email protected]
Painting and photography workshop, Dornoch Beach, 29 May
- What: Join us as we spend time spend time in the dunes watching and learning about small blue butterflies as Sally provides guidance on painting and photography in nature.
- When: Wednesday 29th May, 12pm – 3pm
- Where: Dornoch Beach. Meeting point TBC.
- For more details, contact: [email protected]
Butterfly ID Workshop and Walk, St Cyrus NNR, 29 May
- What: Join Buglife Species on the Edge Officer Caitlin for a workshop to learn about the fascinating life cycle of two of Scotland’s rarest butterfly species, small blue and norther brown argus, and how you can help us in conserving these wonderful species. The workshop will be followed by a butterfly walk around the reserve in celebration of Small Blue Week.
- When: Wednesday 29 May, 11am - 3pm
- Where: St Cyrus NNR Visitor Centre
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch.
Butterfly bike ride with moths, Culloden, 30 May
- What: Join us to inspect a moth trap set in advance by the Species on the Edge team, followed by a gentle mountain bike ride through the woods and onto Culloden Battlefield. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and discuss nature, exercise and being outside.
- When: Thursday 30th May, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Where: Culloden. The meeting place will be provided upon booking your place.
- For more information and to book, contact: [email protected]
- More details:
- Over 18s only
- You will need: A mountain or hybrid bike suitable for off road tracks in good working order and a helmet. You will be responsible for your own bike and safety.
- Coffee and cake will be provided afterwards.
Butterfly field trip, Portnockie, 1 June
- What: Join us for a short walk to watch and learn about butterflies, especially the small blue.
- When: Saturday 1 June, 12pm – 1:30pm
- Where: Portknockie Harbour – there are some parking spaces alongside the open-air pool and public toilets here too. Grid ref: NJ486685
- For more information and to book, contact event leader, Nick Littlewood: [email protected]
- More details:
- Paths are mostly good but there are slopes, and we will also venture onto tussocky grassland.
- What’s needed: Just sensible footwear. Bring binoculars and camera if you have them, but not essential.
- This is a small coastal area and the walk is very much weather dependant so please register with the event leader to be kept informed on any last minute changes.
Butterfly field trip, Loch Fleet, 1 June
- What: Join us for a gentle wander along good paths to look for butterflies, in particular the small blue. There are also some lovely wildflowers to be seen.
- When: Saturday 1 June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
- Where: Official Loch Fleet carpark. Grid ref: NH806957. What3Words: pioneered.zoned.snappy
- For more information and to book, contact event leader, Tony Mainwood: [email protected]
- More details:
- What’s needed: a packed lunch.
Butterfly field trip, Ardersier, 1 June
- What: Join us for a gentle wander along good paths to look for butterflies, in particular the small blue.
- When: Saturday 1st June, 10am – 1pm
- Where: Ardersier Common public car park at the north end of Ardersier as you head towards Fort George. Grid ref: NH779557. What3Words: chain.comply.matrons
- For more information and to book, contact event leader, Pete Moore: Mobile: 07590 589533. Email: [email protected]
- More details:
- What’s needed: a packed lunch.
Celebrating Small Blue week, Forvie NNR, 1 June
- What: Join Buglife Species on the Edge Officer Caitlin for a walk around Forvie NNR reserve to celebrate Small Blue week. We will be trying to spot and record the various species of butterfly and day-flying moth that can be found at Forvie!
- When: Saturday 1 June, 12pm - 2pm
- Where: Waterside Car Park, Forvie NNR
- For more information, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- If the weather is too dull then we will head to the Visitor Centre to watch an episode of David Attenborough’s ‘Life in the Undergrowth’.
- All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear suitable clothing.
- No booking required.
Incredible Invertebrates Minibeast Hunt, Forvie NNR, 24 July
- What: Join Buglife Species on the Edge Officer Caitlin to take part in a minibeast hunt around the Forvie Visitor Centre. We will be looking at moths caught in the light traps followed by a stroll down to the Sand Loch to see what kinds of invertebrate we can find and identify on the way!
- When: Wednesday 24 July, 12pm – 2pm
- Where: Forvie NNR Visitor Centre
- For more information, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- This event is suitable for all ages, but all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please wear suitable clothing.
- No booking required.
North Coast
Monthly Thurso BeeWalks, multiple dates
- What: Join us for one of our guided BeeWalk surveys along the riverside in Thurso. Get outside, meet new people, and learn bumblebee ID skills!
- When:
- Tuesday 7th May
- Tuesday 11th June
- Tuesday 2nd July
- Tuesday 6th August
- Tuesday 3rd September
- Tuesday 1st October
- Where: Along the riverside in Thurso. Meet at 2pm at the corner of Janet Street and Sir George’s Street, Thurso.
- For more details, contact: [email protected].
- More info:
- Walks are about 2km and will take 1-2 hours, depending on the bees.
- No need to book - just turn up on the day.
- If the weather is too poor to do a BeeWalk, we’ll do a bit of ID practice and walk the route to look at plants instead.
- All welcome; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Monthly Tongue BeeWalks, multiple dates
- What: Join us for one of our monthly guided BeeWalk surveys in Tongue, walking from the Ben Loyal Hotel to Caisteal Bharraich/Castle Varrich. Walks will take one to two hours, depending on the bees. Get outside, meet new people, and learn bumblebee ID skills!
- When: Walks will be arranged at a day or two’s notice to allow us to take advantage of the best bee surveying weather. If you’d like to be kept updated about Tongue BeeWalks, please email or text us with the words “Tongue BeeWalks” and we’ll be sure to let you know dates and times as they’re arranged.
- Where: Tongue, from the Ben Loyal Hotel to Caisteal Bharraich/Castle Varrich
- For more details, contact: [email protected] or 07510 384794
- More info:
- Walks will take 1-2 hours, depending on the bees.
- No need to book - just turn up on the day.
- All welcome; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Monthly Kinlochbervie BeeWalks, multiple dates
- What: Join us for one of our monthly guided BeeWalk surveys near Kinlochbervie, walking from Droman Pier to Polin machair. Walks will take one to two hours, depending on the bees. Get outside, meet new people, and learn bumblebee ID skills!
- When: Walks will be arranged at a day or two’s notice to allow us to take advantage of the best bee surveying weather. If you’d like to be kept updated about Kinlochbervie BeeWalks, please email or text us with the words “KLB BeeWalks” and we’ll be sure to let you know dates and times as they’re arranged.
- Where: near Kinlochbervie, walking from Droman Pier to Polin machair.For more details, contact: [email protected] or 07789 668206
- More info:
- Walks will take 1-2 hours, depending on the bees.
- No need to book - just turn up on the day.
- All welcome; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Come and say hi to the team! Multiple locations, multiple dates
- What: Our North Coast team will be attending a number of shows and events over the spring and summer. We’d love to see you there!
- When and where:
- Thurso Grows open day: Saturday 4th May
- Caithness Show: Saturday 20th July
- Durness Gathering: Friday 26th July
- Thurso Grows open day: Saturday 31st August
- For more details, contact: [email protected].
Small Blue Day, Caithness, 12 May 2024
- What: Join the Species on the Edge North Coast team and local partners to celebrate the small blue butterfly! The day will include: information on small blue butterflies and the work planned in the local area; fun craft and seed planting activities suitable for all the family; and an opportunity to sign up to become a small blue survey volunteer. Caithness Environment Volunteers will also be carrying out habitat management work in the car park area during the event and over 18s are welcome to join in. The day will end with a coastal walk through small blue territory.
- When: Sunday 12 May, 10:30 am – 1pm
- Where: Castlehill Heritage Centre, Caithness
- For more details, contact: [email protected].
- More info:
- The event will be delivered by Species on the Edge, Dunnet Community Forest, RSPB Forsinard, Association of Northern Trails, and the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.
- Drinks and biscuits will be provided.
- If you are over 18 and wish to join in with the habitat management work, please come dressed appropriately for outdoor work.
North Coast Wildlife Wanders, multiple locations, multiple dates
- What: Learn about the special wildflowers of your region with one of our Wildflower Wanders!
- When and where:
- Dunnet Community Forest: Tuesday 28th May
- Strathy: Saturday 15th June
- Melness: Tuesday 9th July
- For more details, contact: [email protected].
- More info:
- All our wildflower wanders will start at 2pm and last approximately 1.5 hours.
Two-day meadow management training, Caithness and North Sutherland, multiple dates
- What: Good grassland management is essential to maintaining flower rich meadows which support a huge range of wildlife and cutting at the right time of year is crucial. Join the Species on the Edge North Coast team for a two-day meadow management course this summer. Day one is basic scythe instruction. Day two will comprise of a talk and Q&A on meadow management, some raking, plus a chance to meet other local scythers, chat about meadows and find out about opportunities to volunteer your newfound scything skills.
- When:
- Caithness: Sunday 18th August and Sunday 25th August
- North Sutherland: Monday 19th August and Monday 26th August
- Where: Caithness and North Sutherland
- For more details, contact: [email protected].
- More info:
- Places are limited so booking ahead is essential and a small deposit will be charged, refundable on attendance. If this might be a problem for you, please get in touch to discuss your situation.
Orkney
Ring of Brodgar Walk, Ring of Brodgar, 1st Thursday of every month.
What: Join Species on the Edge Orkney officer Sam and Historic Environment Scotland for a short guided walk around the Ring of Brodgar.
When: 1pm – 2pm on the 1st Thursday of every month, commencing 4 April 2024.
Where: Meet at the sign in Brodgar car park
For more details, contact: [email protected]
More info:
- Join the Historic Environment Scotland rangers and SotE officer Sam to learn more about the ring and the wider landscape in which it sits.
- This is a free walk and no need to book.
- These walks are dog-friendly. Please keep your dog on a lead throughout.
Orkney Nature Festival Nature Walks, Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, 16 - 19 May
- What: Join the Species on the Edge Orkney team each day of the Orkney Nature Festival for an early morning walk around the 2km RSPB Brodgar nature reserve footpath to discover this wildlife haven in the heart of Neolithic Orkney. On a gentle stroll on the grassy path, enjoy wildflowers, babbling curlew, lapwings displaying, buzzing bumblebees, and perhaps even a selkie seal or two! We will also try some mindfulness to connect us to nature in this special place. The team will also be leading a joint walk with Historic Environment Scotland at the Brodgar researve each day of the festival from 1-2pm.
- When: Twice daily, Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May, 7am - 9am & 1pm - 2pm
- Where: Ring of Brodgar. Meet in the Ring of Brodgar car park.
- For more information, contact: [email protected]
- More details:
- All welcome – anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
- No need to book, just turn up on the day.
Outer Hebrides
Bumblebees at Loch Druidibeg workshop, Loch Druidibeg, South Uist, 13 May
- What: Join us to learn about bumblebees in the Outer Hebrides and help us build a better picture of where they are by taking part in some important survey work.
- When: Monday 13 May, 10am – 12pm
- Where: RSPB Loch Druidibeg, South Uist
- For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- Please bring appropriate clothing and a flask with a hot drink – we’ll provide the biscuits!
- Please let us know if you plan on coming so we know who to contact should we need to make any changes to the event due to the weather.
Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival, 22-29 June
- What: Join us for the third annual Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival. This celebration of the Outer Hebrides’ nature and wildlife is a community-led festival coordinated by Species on the Edge. Get involved as an event host, artist, volunteer or attendee. The full programme of events will be published on the OHWF website at the end of May:
- When: 22–29 June, with a Fringe Festival running through July.
- Where: Across the Outer Hebrides
- For more information, email: [email protected]
- More details:
- For more information on hosting an event or offering a venue, head to: https://www.outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk/host-an-event
- For an idea of the sort of events you can look forward to, check out the 2023 programme of events: https://www.outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk/2023-all-events
- More information on how you can get involved as a volunteer or artist will be coming soon.
Solway
Natterjack Toad Survey & ID Training, WWT Caerlaverock, 2 May
- What: Come along and learn about the fascinating ecology of Scotland’s rarest amphibian. Species on the Edge Project Officer Liam Templeton and Amphibian Conservation Officer Jack Harper will deliver training on how to identify the natterjack toad, as well as the standardised survey methods for monitoring this iconic species. This training is designed to guide you through the steps needed to become an accredited natterjack surveyor under ARC's organisational licence, giving you the opportunity to contribute valuable data to the national natterjack toad monitoring programme.
- When: Thursday 2nd May, 6PM – 10PM
- Where: WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, DG1 4RS
- For more information and to book, contact Liam: 07747270581 / [email protected]
- More details:
- Places on this course are extremely limited. Booking is essential and priority will be given to those with a strong desire to become a volunteer surveyor
Butterfly Recording Training Day, Borgie Public Hall, 21 June
- What: Join the Species on the Edge Solway Coast team to learn about Dumfries and Galloway’s coastal butterflies, with focus on Northern Brown Argus. The day will include a morning session focusing on NBA identification and survey techniques and an afternoon field trip to Brighouse Bay to see a range of species in the field and practice survey skills.
- When: Friday 21st June, 9:30am – 3pm
- Where: Borgie Public Hall.
- For further information and to book your place, contact Jack: 07729627311 Email: [email protected]
Contact us
Please send all enquiries to: [email protected]
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