Objections grow to windfarm near popular Munro

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Helen Webster

The John Muir Trust today added to objections for a windfarm near the popular Munro Ben Wyvis. The Trust's Chief Executive, Stuart Brooks, argues that the Clach Liath proposals (for 17 wind turbines standing 126 metres tall to blade tip) near Ben Wyvis in Ross-shire. He said: “I sincerely hope that planning officials will recommend that this application is rejected and that the Highland Council Planning Committee refuses permission. “The Clach Liath wind development would scar the sides of a notable and popular Munro in close proximity to Inverness. Wild places such as this should be valued for what they…

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Rhodie bashers wanted for Rum

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Helen Webster

A call has gone out for helpers with a Rhododendron clearance project to support native wildlife. Volunteers are wanted to take part in conservation work on the Isle of Rum between 13th and 16th July. The project is being run by the Isle of Rum Community Trust, and as well as clearing the invasive plants using the ‘lever and mulch’ technique, volunteers will also get the chance to help with wildlife gardening in the island’s community garden. Rum is one of Scotland’s most stunning national nature reserves, owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage, who are grant aiding this volunteer…

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Climate change affecting Highland plantlife

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Helen Webster

Climate change has impacted on upland plants and vegetation over the past half century, new evidence from north west Scotland has revealed. Research funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has revealed for the first time the impacts of climate change on mountain landscapes. The pioneering work was carried out by Aberdeen University and supported by the Hutton Institute and Bergen University, Norway. Dr Louise Ross of Aberdeen University and colleagues reassessed study plots throughout north west Scotland last surveyed by pioneering botanists Donald McVean and Derek Ratcliffe 50 years ago. Species which increased…

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First Moray Walking Festival

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Helen Webster

The first Moray Walking Festival will take place next week, from Thursday 21 June to Sunday 24 June inclusive and offers a unique opportunity to walk in Scotland's Malt Whisky Country, for Moray is the home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. The dates have been carefully chosen to make the most of the north of Scotland's long days and summer light. The programme, available and bookable on the website, includes walks for a wide range of abilities in a choice of beautiful locations, from Highland Moray in the Cairngorms National Park to the sandy beaches and…

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MCofS launches Onshore Windfarm Manifesto

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Helen Webster

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has launched its Manifesto on Onshore Wind Farms in which it calls for the Munros and Corbetts to be protected from the proliferation of wind farms in Scotland's push for renewable energy. The MCofS believes Scotland can achieve its aims for renewable energy without industrialising our most important mountains. The MCofS is calling for an immediate moratorium on commercial wind farms which encroach on the highest mountains, the Munros (peaks over 3,000ft) and Corbetts (2,500-3,000ft). The MCofS says, “These are among our finest mountain landscapes and are vital to our cultural and historical identity.…

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Grizzly Bears and Razor Clams: Chris Townsend talk 21 June

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Helen Webster

Long distance walker and photographer, Chris Townsend, will be launching his new book on Thursday 21 June in Grantown on Spey. Grizzly Bears and Razor Clams tells the story of Chris's walk along the 1200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail, which runs for 1200 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean through the states of Montana, Idaho and Washington. This is a wilderness route which much challenging terrain and remote country inhabited by bears and wolves. The trail is in its infancy; a mix of signed footpaths, abandoned old trails, dirt roads, animal tracks and cross-country hikes that made…

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Lost Valley Bridge closure

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Helen Webster

Walkers heading into the Lost Valley and Gearr Aonach in Glencoe will have to use an alternative approach as the Coire Gabhail bridge will be closed for repairs for 8 weeks from 19 June. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is carrying out essential repair work to the bridge and walkers and climbers will need to use the alternative bridge at Coire Nan Lochan (NN 167 567) a short distance further west along the River Coe instead. The bridge will be closed until 6 August and walkers approaching the Lost Valley, Bidean nam Bian and the Three Sisters will need…

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Ranulph Fiennes talk in Inverness

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Helen Webster

Fresh from allegations of faking accidents to spice up filming during an expedition, explorer Ranulph Fiennes will be talking about his career during an evening in Inverness on 20 June. The organisers of the event say that, “When world-renowned Polar Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes turned his attentions from the great frozen wilderness of the Poles to the world’s highest and most testing mountains he faced several challenges. For a start he was just entering his sixties and recovering from a very severe heart attack, had no climbing experience and, not least, suffered from vertigo! This is the inspirational story about…

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Wild about Gairloch set for 2nd year

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Helen Webster

A week of wildlife events based around Gairloch will run for its second year from 21 June. A wide range of trips, talks and guided walks including a lichen tour, a kayaking trip, a bat evening and a wildlife photography workshop are planned. Locals and visitors to the area are invited any number of the events, many of which have to be booked in advance. Running throughout the week, sponsored by the John Muir Trust and Hillbillies Bookstore in Gairloch will be a nature writing competition, with entrants being asked to capture something of the essence of wild Gairloch in…

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Seabird Open Day planned for Isle of May

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Helen Webster

Nature lovers are invited to find out all about the hidden lives of seabirds on the Isle of May at the popular Seabird Open Day on Sunday, 17 June. Experts will be on hand to tell all about the fascinating lives of the nearly a quarter of million seabirds which call the island home. The day is a chance to witness one of the top wildlife spectacles of Scotland, get close to the birds and talk to the expert researchers. There will alsobe plenty of fun for the kids, with storytelling, face painting, and more. The Isle of May is…

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