The organisers of this year’s Cairngorms Nature Festival are inviting people to get up close and personal with nature during two days of events next weekend at venues across the Cairngorms National Park.
One of the events is a mothwatch (Photo: CNPA/C Milburn)
This year there are four main hubs of activity, Ballater, Aviemore, Tomintoul and Blair Atholl. There will be many activities and events to participate in for all ages, from hands-on experiences such as bird ringing to 4×4 safaris.
TV’s Nick Baker will be one of the special guests and members of the public can join him on a Bio-Blitz in Boat of Garten in the morning of Saturday 16 or listen to him talk about his life as a wildlife presenter in the evening.
On Sunday 17 Grantown on Spey is hosting a day of talks by nature writers including John Lister-Kaye, Jim Crumbley and Neil Macgregor. Chris Townsend will be talking about writing, long distance walking and photographing the outdoors. This event runs from 11am at the Grant Arms Hotel and costs £10 for the whole day – tickets on the door or from The Bookmark in advance.
If you happen to be in Tomintoul then get up to speed on your Bird ID Techniques, take part in some Survival Skills training or make some bird boxes and insect homes.
Muir of Dinnet will be the place to see some winged wonders of the night. Or why not head to Ballater to try out some fly fishing, to hear about the Secret Life of Mammals or take a look at Scotland’s Natural Larder. For a full list of events (some need to be booked in advance) check out the Cairngorms Nature Festival website.