News Archive
15.4.2002 - 2002 is the International Year of Ecotourism
Ecotourism activities have been expanding rapidly over the past two decades world-wide and further growth is expected in the future. Recognising its global importance, the United Nations designated the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism. Scotland is not a member of the World Tourism Organisation and for this reason has not become heavily involved with the International Year of Ecotourism. Nevertheless there are a number of activities and events planned for Caithness (&S utherland) which can help celebrate the International Year of Ecotourism
15.4.2002 - Wild Caithness Website Launch
This website (www.wildcaithness.org) has recently been launched at the Lybster Heritage Centre, one of the many sites where it is possible to enjoy the outdoors and experience some of the rich wildlife to be found around Caithness.
15.4.2002 - Wild Encounters Week (25th May to 2ndJ une)
The week is being organised by The Highland Council Ranger Service and includes daily natural heritage events in both Caithness & Sutherland. For further information visit this website.
15.4.2002 - Bogs, Botany and Birds at the Plantlife Munsary Peatlands Reserve (Saturday, 1st June at 2 p.m.)
To celebrate the international importance of our blanket bogs, Plantlife - the Wild-Plant Conservation Charity - is organising an excursion, in the company of expert guides, to this interesting peatland reserve in Caithness. For further details please contact Marina Finlayson, East Caithness Countryside Ranger. Highland Council, Bruce Building, Sinclair Terrace, WICK, Caithness. < /STRONG>
Tel: 01955 607758, email: marina.finlayson@highland.gov.uk
15.4.2002 - Scottish Natural Heritage Board Meeting (Tuesday, 25th June)
Would you like to influence the way nature conservation is organised? If so, why not take the opportunity to attend an informal evening with the North Areas Board members of the Government's nature conservation agents Scottish Natural Heritage. The Board members will be present at the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, on the evening of the 24th June where they will beh appy to discuss any questions and ideas that you might have. Pleasec ontact Iain Macdonald at SNH on 01408 633602 (Iain.Macdonald@snh.gov.uk) for further details.
15.4.2002 - The Caithness Show (Saturday, 20 July)
Come along to the County Show and visit the Environmental Exhibition Marquee with it's various wildlife displays, information and experts on hand to give advice and answer queries.
15.4.2002 - National Cetacean Survey (Saturday, 27 July and Sunday, 28 July)
Would you like to take part in a nation-wide survey of whales, dolphins and porpoise (cetaceans) organised by the Sea Watch Foundation?
The Highland Council Ranger Service are leading land based watches in Caithness as part of the survey and will provide expert assistance in looking for cetaceans amongst dramatic scenery. No prior expertise isr equired and you can 'drop in' for as long or as short a period as you wish. For details contact the Ranger Service on 01847 821531 or 01955 607758.
15.4.2002 - It's Wild! People, Nature and Tourism in Scotland" (1st and 2nd May)
A wildlife tourism conference at Aviemore on 1st and 2nd May. For information visit the following site: www.greentourism.org.uk/itswild.html
16.4.2002 - Nature Diary - Caithness - Signs of Spring
Cuckoo heard singing yesterday 10th this is early, usually later in month or May. First swallow seen flying along coast at Berriedale heading north on Saturday 6th, soon see the mass arrival of swallows ready to nest in the barns and old buildings around the county. A sand martin was also seen just recently.
Wheatear have started arriving back in the county particularly along the coastal moors one seen by a local landowner near Duncansby this week. The same landowner had a large group of ravens flying high over Duncansby in the same week.
A male snipe was displaying about 2 weeks ago near St. Johns Loch, diving and creating the 'drumming' sound using the widely spread outer tail feathers, sounds like rapidly repeated huhuhuhuhu. Yellowhammer are now singing their 'little bit of bread and no cheeeeese' song in the fields. Expecting anytime now the arrival of the warblers such as willow warbler, sedge warbler and grasshopper warbler (Newtonhill Community Woodland in Wick is a good place to hear grasshopper warbler in summer).
The summer seabirds are now arriving around the coastline, guillemots, razorbill and puffins are all gathering on the sea around the breeding cliffs. Black guillemots or tysties are around now with their black plumage and obvious white wing patches, if you see one close check out the bright red legs. There is a flock of kittiwakes in Dunnet Bay at the moment, often rising up in a large circling mass calling their name 'kittiwake kittiwake'. I saw my first great skua or bonxie as its otherwise known on the 2nd of April flying over Duncansby Head.
The best places to go in North Caithness to watch seabirds are Duncansby Head, Dunnet Head, Holborn Head and Dunnet Bay (good for great northern divers) and in East Caithness Noss Head, The Castle of Old Wick, Lybster Harbour, Latheronwheel Harbour, Dunbeath and Berriedale (particularly for kittiwakes).
For other bird watching there are public hides at the Loch of Mey and St. Johns Pool.
As well as birds there are other signs of spring; the first sighting of a bumblebee was on 17th March during a walk along the East Coast. There are quite a few small tortoiseshell butterflies around at the moment feeding on the spring flowers such as celendine and coltsfoot. The tadpoles are developing in the pools and the number of small flies is increasing. I was watching two pipistrelle bats feeding over the garden near Halkirk on the evening of the 8th at least they were happy for the fly hatch.
We had a report of several porpoise feeding offshore at Strathy Point last week, but they don't seem to have reached the bays over the North Eastern side yet. I saw one porpoise on the 4th March in Dunnet Bay swimming towards Murkle Bay and nothing since. Anyone with cetacean (whales, dolphins, porpoise) sighting please inform the Ranger Service as we are very interested, particularly in winter sightings.
Contact the Caithness Ranger Service on 01847 821531 for the North and 01955607758 for East Caithness
27.5.2002 - Dolphins in Dunnet Bay
There are between 10 & 13 bottlenose dolphins in Dunnet Bay at the moment(Monday 27/5), they have been around all morning feeding and leaping out of the water. They are coming in very close to the shore and providing excellent views, as good as any in the Moray Firth.
4.6.2002 - STACKS OF DUNCANSBY
seabird colonies
Thursday June 6th
EXPERIENCE THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SEABIRD CITY
Meet Duncansby lighthouse car park 2pm.
Lasts 2-3 hours
Stout footwear and waterproofs required
Further information Ranger Service 01847 821531.
4.6.2002 - Dwarick Head
TUESDAY JUNE 4TH
Beautiful coastal scenery, seabirds and plantlife.
Meet at Dunnet bay carpark. Start 2pm.
This is a moorland and coastal walk over rough ground with a little gradient
A reasonable level of fitness required.
Wear boots. Lasts 3 hours approx.
13.6.2002 - Nature Diary
Breeding season now in full swing, eider ducks with young in harbours around the county and a few pairs of shelduck in some harbours also. Ringed plovers are now with chicks dashing around searching for food along the coast. We have seen terns sitting but in lower numbers than last year.
13.6.2002 - Nature Diary
The breeding rafts that we constructed at St. Johns Pool have been a success, there are 3 pairs of arctic terns sitting and on the two floating rafts along with a black headed gull pair. The rigid platform had an oystercatcher successfully rear chicks on it and they all appear to be keeping the otters from predating them.
13.6.2002 - Nature Diary
The swallows have failed to return to Mary's house in and the numbers seem to be down in the Barrock area. House martins have just completed building nests at the visitor centre and they are a great sight flying around the dunes feeding on those nuisance midges.
13.6.2002 - Nature Diary
There are a couple of groups of common scoter in the bay perhaps 50 birds in total at the moment, along with both great northern and red throated divers.
13.6.2002 - Nature Diary
The bottlenose dolphins are still around the Dunnet Bay area (over 2 weeks now). I led a walk along Holborn Head on Monday evening and we had great views of about 5 or 6 of them really close in to the headland. Unfortunately had a confirmed report of a dead minke whale at Sarclet recently, we were able to collect the baleen plates and hope to use them in the display eventually. Any cetacean sighting please let the Ranger Service know (01847 821531).
13.6.2002 - Butterflies
Had two recent sighting of painted lady butterflies, these are migrant butterflies from southwest Europe and North Africa and not very common in this area. Early migrants may lay eggs on various plants including thistles and nettles, the caterpillars give rise to a second generation during September and October but these die when the cold weather arrives. Other butterflies on the wing are the green veined white, small tortoiseshell and the red admiral. We have just discovered another colony of small blue butterflies in the Dunnet area, which are also on the wing.
13.6.2002 - Moths
Poplar hawk moths and puss moths are also on the wing just at the moment. The poplar hawk moth is large with grey-brown and sculptured wings, it has a reddish patch to the base of the wing, which is hidden, when it is resting, it shows the red if it is disturbed. The puss moth is similar in size to the poplar hawkmoth, grey to white with fine black zigzag marks on the forewings. The name is derived from the cat-like fluffy hair covering the body, both species caterpillars feed on poplar, willow and sallow.
10.7.2002 - Children's Nature Group
For children 8-12 years
EVERY TUESDAY 11am-1pm (July 3rd,10th,16th, 24th, & 30th)
from Dunnet Bay car park throughout holidays
Pond-dipping, rock pools,mini-beasts etc.
Wear outdoor clothing and wellies if possible.
For further information call 01847 821531.
26.7.2002 - Whale and Dolphin Weekend
The national whale and dolphin watch weekend.
Our events are:
Sat 27th July Dunnet Bay 10 AM meet at ranger centre
Gills Bay 11.30 27th July
Sunday 28th July 10.30am Strathy Point, Sutherland meet at car park at end of public road. Sunday 28th 2pm Lybster Harbour meet at car park at harbour.
Please could people bring binoculars and warm clothing, each event will last approx 1.5hrs. The results of the watches will provide a snap-shot of the status and distribution of the cetacean population around the UK.
Also a quick note for the nature diary there are approx 6 bottlenose dolphins in Dunnet Bay this morning and they seem to have been around for several days - seen on Wednesday evening in the bay.
2.8.2002 - Nature Diary
National Whale and Dolphin Watch weekend took place on the 27/28th July, over 1000 people took part throughout the UK. The Ranger Service ran watches on Saturday at Dunnet Bay and Gills bay and on Sunday at Strathy Point and Lybster. In Dunnet Bay we saw about 6 bottlenose dolphins but they stayed quite far out towards Murkle and Thurso. We had about 10 people on that watch and they saw the dolphins.
At Gills Bay we only had a quick glimpse of one fin possibly bottlenose dolphin again. Last year at Gills there was a large group of harbour porpoise there for several weeks but they are absent at the moment. The bottlenose dolphins are known to attack porpoise and so they may be keeping them away.
Sunday was a washout with thick fog and rain, only two of us braved the elements at Strathy Point but we had one good sighting through a gap in the fog of a bottlenose dolphin just swimming by. We got nothing at Lybster. Records of cetaceans are always welcome and you can get a recording form from us if you wish to watch on a regular basis, winter records are very useful indeed. A date for your diaries - Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September we will be repeating the cetacean watches so get in touch or just come along if you are interested.
Other news the house martins on the centre have fledged their young this week, at least four and they are flying around the dunes learning the essentials of insect catching and ariel acrobatics.
We had a ringed plover nesting on the pebbles just near the centre and she has managed to rear two young who are now running along the beach with her learning about life. The nest was in a very busy section of the beach but the eggs are so well camouflaged that they were not detected by beach users. There was one egg left in the nest, which failed for some reason but 2 out of 3 isn't bad I suppose.
The cliff nesting birds have finished rearing young (except the fulmers) and most of them have gone back off to the open ocean. I did a guided walk at Duncansby Head yesterday (Thurs) and all the guillemots, razorbills and puffins are gone.
Many of the other Caithness breeding birds are now quiet and hiding away moulting feathers and resting after the rigours of chick rearing. It wont be very long before many begin to migrate south and the swans, geese and ducks begin arriving form the north and east.
Keep enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature around the county and anything of interest you come across then please let us know - 01847 821531.
2.8.2002 - CETACEAN SIGHTINGS REVIEW FOR NATIONAL WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCH WEEKEND, 27TH and 28TH JULY
A little over 200 sites were manned around the British Isles including Northern Ireland, from Hermaness in Shetland down to Jersey in the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly in Cornwall. Around one thousand people participated, with groups of as many as 20-30 attending some sites. Systematic watches were carried out from the land-based sites whilst others went to see on a variety of vessels from yachts to oil rig supply vessels and ferries. The prime aim was simply to raise public awareness of whales and dolphins around the British Isles, although we also hoped it would provide a useful 'snapshot' of the coastal distribution of different species in late July.
Saturday morning dawned fine and calm in many areas, and the first sightings had been reported already by 05:30 by Andy Tait, with porpoises seen opposite the Farne Islands at Bamburgh in Northumberland, and other early morning sightings, one as early as 04:30 of porpoises from Cley-next-Sea, Norfolk and shortly after from the entrance to the River Ribble in North-west England and at. In several regions, the weather then took a turn for the worse with wind increasing and the sea becoming quite rough in places. The west coast of Scotland and Hebrides had poor weather most of the day with wind and rain although this did not stop reports of porpoises and minke whales from around Mull, the Small Isles and, further north, in Gairloch. Two groups of bottlenose dolphins were sighted from the Cal Mac ferry south of Skye early in the morning, but then the weather closed in.
Sunday started similarly along the east coast of Britain with calm seas becoming rougher as the day progressed. The west coast of Scotland had very poor weather most of the day, with winds of force 4 or more, rain and mist, but in the evening this cleared in places and the sea flattened out. In Wales and Southern England, it was a generally good day, with very calm seas along the south coast especially.
Harbour porpoises have been the most frequently and widely reported species, occurring at most sites watched along the east coast of Scotland and North-east England south to Orford Ness and Kessingland beach on the Suffolk coast. On the west coast of Scotland south to West Wales and the north Devon coast, porpoises have been sighted at most localities watched. The main areas where the species has not been reported, despite systematic watches being conducted at a number of locations are from Kent and the south coast.
Second most frequently reported species has been the bottlenose dolphin with sightings off the west coast of Scotland near the Isles of Skye and Rum and in the Solway Firth, and on the north and east Scottish coasts from Caithness south to St Andrews Bay and the Tay Estuary. In England, small groups have been seen at several localities in the northern Irish Sea including around the Isle of Man, and in South-west England off the north Somerset, Devon and Cornish coasts, and in south Devon. The simultaneous distribution of widely separated small groups of bottlenose dolphins throughout the UK is particularly interesting. With the summer population of more than 200 bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay, west Wales being reported in only small numbers, it suggests that this population may have dispersed over a wide area of the Irish Sea with animals possibly ranging to South-west England. We already know that the Moray Firth population can range down to the Firth of Forth (and even Northumberland coast), and this certainly was reflected in the sightings over the weekend. The most easterly sighting of bottlenose dolphins in Southern Britain was at Selsey Bill in West Sussex, and the most southerly sightings were in Jersey, Channel Islands, where several small groups were seen.
The third most frequently reported species has been the minke whale. All sightings so far have been from Scotland - on the west coast around the islands of Mull, Rum and Eigg, and in Gairloch, and on the east coast in the Moray Firth off Tarbat Ness.
Common dolphins were sighted west of Pembrokeshire during surveys just prior to the weekend and over the weekend itself have been seen in the Celtic Sea and also near Ilfracombe, Somerset, off Lands End, and in South-west Scotland from the ferry operating between Oban and Craignure on the Isle of Mull.
White-beaked dolphins were seen off Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, and have just been reported also from the Northumbrian coast during the weekend, but so far have not been reported from the Northern Isles or any other part of Northern Scotland where this species usually is regular in summer.
Four sightings of Risso's dolphins have been reported over the weekend: a mixed group of Risso's and bottlenose dolphins were observed in Jersey, a single individual was seen at Porthgwarra in West Cornwall, a group halfway across the Irish Sea from the ferry running between Holyhead and Dublin, and another in the Irish Sea near Wexford.
There have been two sightings of killer whales, one of a pod of six from North Ronaldsay in Orkney on Saturday, and the other of a single animal six miles south of Burrow Head in Dumfries and Galloway on the same day.
Finally, there has been one sighting of long-finned pilot whales west of the Channel Islands from the ferry operating between Roscoff and Plymouth.
The last sighting of the weekend was reported by Ian Birks from Gairloch in North-west Scotland. In his words: "Ann and I are sitting at home, Ann with a glass of Red, both with binoculars, though little need to use them as we have a minke whale 500m from our lounge window feeding, circling at sand eels to the dismay of gannets. Sightings start at 21:54 as this one homed in on the gannets, still watching at 22::08. Can anyone beat this as the most comfortable, pleasurable whale watch in Britain? Lovely, sunny, calm evening, great sightings, wish you were here. Oh dear, now there are three Porpoises as wellŠ."
Anyone with sightings to add, please e-mail us on info@seawatchfoundation.org.uk. We will provide a final review shortly (a number of records have yet to be entered, and as I write, records are still coming in and have yet to be checked and plotted). Please look at the web site () for regular updates to the list of sightings.
A big thank you to Jilly Giffen for so ably co-ordinating the weekend, to BG and DEFRA for funding support, and to Faygate Printing for printing the brochure free of charge.
And, finally, thanks so much to all of you who supported this weekend, and to those of you who took groups of people out to sites to watch and conveyed your local knowledge through radio and TV interviews.
I will be in touch again in due course when all the records have been received and analysed.
All the very best,
Peter Evans
SEA WATCH FOUNDATION
23.8.2002 - Scottish Biodiversity Week
Friday 30th August
Marina Finlayson, East Caithness Ranger)
Batty About Bats! Latheronwheel Woodland
A short bat talk, around a campfire, to find out more about these fascinating creatures before hunting in the woodland. A torch would be useful, meet Latheronwheel harbour, 10.15pm (allow 1.5 hours).
Saturday 31st August
(Marina Finlayson, East Caithness Ranger)
Caithness Countryside Volunteers - Lybster Path
The volunteers will be clearing an overgrown path in Lybster - any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Meet Lybster Post Office at 10am.
Saturday 31st August
(Mary Legg, Caithness Ranger)
Seawatch
10.30am - Strathy Point, meet lighthouse carpark
2.00pm - Dunnet Bay, meet carpark by Ranger base
3.30pm - Gills Bay, meet large lay-by east of Gills ferry terminal
Sunday 1st September
Seawatch
2.00pm - Lybster, meet harbour
Friday 6th September
(Mary Legg, Caithness Ranger)
Bat Watch - Dunnet Bay
Meet 9.00pm, car park Castletown end of beach.
Please bring torch and warm clothes.
Sunday 8th September
(Mary Legg, Caithness Ranger)
Fungi & Wild Foods, Dunnet Bay
10.30am, meet Ranger base, Dunnet Day.
Tel 01847 821531 or e-mail mary.legg@highland.gov.uk for details.
15.10.2002 - Local people asked for their views on the Wildlife and Plantlife of Caithness
Local people are being asked for their views on what is special about the wildlife and plantlife of Caithness in response to the consultation on the draft Caithness Biodiversity Action Plan, which was launched today. People will have until the end of November 2002 to tell the Caithness Biodiversity Group what they like about the flora and fauna on their doorstep and what projects they would like to see undertaken to help protect or enhance it.
The Caithness Biodiversity Group first met in August and since then has been working to summarise what they think is special about the wildlife and plantlife of Caithness and how they would like to see it protected and enhanced. The draft plan sets out a number of objectives and identifies locally and nationally important habitats and species, main issues and threats, current biodiversity projects and opportunities for action in six sections based on broad habitat types.
Barbara Bremner, group chairman said: "The government is placing increasing importance on biodiversity and related issues and we hope that our plan will be used to secure additional funding and resources towards projects in Caithness. We hope that the local folk will tell us what they like about their environment and what they would like to see changed or improved. We have already funded the initiation of a small tree nursery at Dunnet Forest and improvements to a trout spawning burn at Broubster and we are looking for other project ideas to support next year."
After the consultation process, the key agencies and organisations responsible for taking forward the plan will meet to agree a delivery plan of 'who' will do 'what' and 'when' within the next five to ten years. The final document will be launched in late February 2003.
Copies of the draft Caithness Biodiversity Action Plan are available at local libraries and post offices. For your own copy, contact Paul Castle on 01847 821531 (daytime) 01847 831215 (evening).
6.2.2004 - FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY - STAR WATCH
A local astrologer will show us the moon and stars using his special telescope. Meet Dunnet Bay car park at 7pm. Wear warm clothing and bring a flask. There is a £1 per person charge.
8.2.2004 - SUNDAY 8TH FEBRUARY - BIRD WATCH , WICK RIVER
Meet Wick Riverside car park at 10.30am. Meetings are aimed at beginners and last about 2 hours. They involve a little walking and it tends to be cold. Wrap up well and bring a hot drink. Binoculars can be provided.
15.2.2004 - SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY - BEINN FREICEADAIN
Returning by the east bank of Loch Shurrery. This walk involves rough ground without paths and a climb up to 224m.
Boots and full waterproofs required. Bring packed lunch.
Meet Halkirk by grocers to pool cars at 10am.
22.2.2004 - SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY - BIRD BOX BUILD DAY
Help the Caithness Countryside Volunteers build nest boxes for a range of bird species such as tree creeper. Meet at Dunnet Visitor Centre at 10am.
Please bring any useful tools such as screwdrivers if possible. Tea/coffee provided.
27.2.2004 - FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY - STAR WATCH
A local astrologer will show us the moon and starts using his specialised telescope. Meet at Nosshead car park at 7pm. Wear warm clothing and bring a hot drink. There is a £1 per person charge.
6.3.2004 - SATURDAY 6TH MARCH - TREE PLANTING MORNING
Help the Caithness Countryside Volunteers plant trees to provide cover for birds. Please wear wellies and bring spade.
Meet at Achreamie cottage (house with conservatory on road bend Grid ref: ND 014 667) at 10am
14.3.2004 - SUNDAY 14TH MARCH - BIRDWATCH THURSO RIVER
Meet at Janet Street car park at 10.30am. Meetings are aimed at beginners and last about 2 hours. They involve a little walking and it tends to be cold. Wrap up well and bring a hot drink. Binoculars can be provided.
21.3.2004 - SUNDAY 21st MARCH - LOCH CALUIM FROM DORRERY
A circular walk into peatlands of Caithness returning to Loch Shurrery. Pick up at loch will be organised.
Approximately 12km. No gradient but wet in parts. Boots and full waterproofs required. Bring packed lunch.
Meet Halkirk grocers to pool cars at 10.30am.
18.4.2004 - SUNDAY 18TH APRIL - WICK TO SARCLET
Experience amazing scenery along this stretch of coastline. Cliff top walk - walking boots and waterproofs essential. Rough walking in places.
Walkers returned to cars from Sarclet. Bring packed lunch.
Meet at Castle of Old Wick car park at 10.30am.
15.6.2004 - Ranger Service Walks
Holborn Head
Stacks, Gloups and Seabirds
Monday evening 7pm. 21st June
Meet Scrabster lighthouse car park
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing
Medium walking 2-2.5hrs
walk weather and numbers permitting. Sorry no dogs. Children under 16 must be with adults.
Free
Duncansby Head
Stacks and seabird city
Thursday 17th June 2pm.
Meet Duncansby Head lighthouse car park.
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required. Bring binoculars.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of thousands of nesting seabirds.
Medium walking, lasts about 2-3hrs.
Free
further information 01847821531
17.6.2004 - MUNSARY OPEN DAY
Explore the unique landscape of the Caithness peatlands by joining a guided walk at the plantlife reserve at Munsary, near Lybster.
11AM SUNDAY 27
This event is free but places MUST be booked in advance. Contact Marina Finlayson at the Highland Council Ranger Service on 01955 607758 or e-mail marina.finlayson@highland.gov.uk
Full details will be given on booking
SLIDE SHOW
As part of the Munsary Reserve open day, you are invited to an evening at Waterlines
Guest speakers are Mr Ken Crossan, local wildlife & landscape photographer, and Dr Deborah Long, Conservation Officer for Plantlife Scotland
SATURDAY 26TH JUNE, 7PM AT WATERLINES
This event is free but places MUST be booked in advance. Contact Marina Finlayson at the Highland Council Ranger Service on 01955 607758 or e-mail marina.finlayson@highland.gov.uk
21.6.2004 - Dunnet Head to Dwarick Walk
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Spectacular clifftop walk
Wednesday 23rd June, 10.30am
Meet Dunnet Head lighthouse car park.
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required. Bring lunch and binoculars.
Enjoy spectacular scenery, coastal plants and possibly whales or dolphins.
Medium walking, lasts about 4-5hrs.
Free
Children under 16 must be accompanied. Sorry no dogs.
further information 01847821531
6.7.2004 - EAST CAITHNESS GUIDED WALKS IN JUNE
with the Highland Council Ranger Service
Every Wednesday - Dunbeath
Strath stroll along the meandering river & through beautiful birch & hazel woodland or shore walk with leaping salmon & birds of all description.Meet 2pm at Dunbeath Heritage Centre
Sunday 13th - Latheronwheel
Seawatch on the cliff top & woodland wander.
Meet Latheronwheel harbour at 2pm
Friday 18th - Lybster Coast
Clifftop walk to the old herring
station at Achastle on the look
out for cetaceans & nesting
seabirds.Meet Lybster Heritage
Centre, Lybster harbour at 2pm
Thursday 24th - Wick Coast
Experience the sights, smells of
an amazing seabird colony.
Discover sea stack & natural arch
along the way. Meet at Castle of
Old Wick car park at 7pm
Monday 28th - Keiss Coast
Enjoyable shore walk passing traditional harbour & 16th century castle ruins. Meet at Stain beach car park (Keiss beach) at 2pm
Reasonable level of fitness is required. Please wear walking boots, warm/waterproof outdoor clothing. Event is weather dependent, numbers permitting & children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Contact Details: Marina Finlayson, Bruce Building, Sinclair Terrace, Wick
Phone: 01955 607758 or e-mail marina.finlayson@highland.gov.uk
20.7.2004 - DUNNET HEAD
The Highland Council Ranger Service
DUNNET HEAD
A guided cliff top walk from the MOST NORTHERLY POINT of the Scottish mainland
Thursday 29th July
Meet Dunnet Head lighthouse car park at 10.00am.
Allow 4 hours
All walks are free of charge. Please dress suitably, wear boots and bring a snack.
Weather dependent
Further information 01847821531
20.7.2004 - Battery track from Dunnet Bay
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Battery track from Dunnet Bay
Bird watching in the bay followed by historical flagstone trail to see amazing rock gardens.
Wednesday 28th July at 7pm.
Meet Dunnet car park (Castletown end of bay)
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required.
Easy walking, lasts about 2-3hrs.
Free
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs.
Further information 01847 821531
29.7.2004 - Dwarick Head
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Dwarick Head
Scenic cliff top walk to hidden Loch Bushta.
Monday 2nd August 10.30am.
Meet at Dunnet Bay car park (by Ranger Centre).
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required. Bring a snack and binoculars.
Enjoy great views over Dunnet Bay and associated plants and wildlife.
Medium walking, lasts about 3-4hrs.
Free
Children under 16 must be accompanied. Sorry no dogs.
Further information 01847 821531
29.7.2004 - Invernaver Reserve
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Invernaver Reserve
plants,birds and archaeology
Wednesday 4th August
Meet Bettyhill carpark 10.30am,
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing essential. Bring lunch
lasts 4 hours approx.
reasonable fitness required. Please note there is a short steep section up to the broch.
Free
further information 01847821531
29.7.2004 - Dunnet Bay evening walk
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Dunnet Bay evening walk
Beach, dunes, woodland and associated wildlife.
Thursday 5th August at 7pm.
Meet Dunnet Bay north car park (near Ranger centre),
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required.
Easy walking, lasts about 2-3hrs.
Free
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs.
Further information 01847 821531
7.9.2004 - Scenic cliff top walk to hidden Loch Bushta.
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Dwarick Head
Scenic cliff top walk to hidden Loch Bushta.
Thursday 15th July 10.30am.
Meet at Dunnet Bay car park (by Ranger Centre).
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required. Bring a snack and binoculars.
Enjoy great views over Dunnet Bay and associated plants and wildlife.
Medium walking, lasts about 3-4hrs.
Free
Children under 16 must be accompanied. Sorry no dogs.
Further information 01847 821531
7.9.2004 - Dunnet Bay evening walk
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Dunnet Bay evening walk
Beach, dunes, woodland and associated wildlife.
Wednesday 14th July at 7pm.
Meet Dunnet Bay north car park (near Ranger centre),
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required.
Easy walking, lasts about 2-3hrs.
Free
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs.
Further information 01847 821531
7.9.2004 - Duncansby Head
The Highland Council Ranger Service
Duncansby Head
Seabird colonies and spectacular stacks
Tuesday 13th July at 2pm.
Meet at Duncansby Head lighthouse car park.
Boots or stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing required.
Enjoy spectacular scenery, coastal plants and birds and possibly whales or dolphins.
Medium walking, lasts about 2.5hrs.
Free
Children under 16 must be accompanied. Sorry no dogs.
Further information 01847 821531
8.10.2004 - Ranger Service Guided Walks
Tuesday 10th August
Beach Sculpture Competition. Annual family event. 11am onwards Dunnet Bay North. £1 per entry, judging at 4pm
Wednesday 11th August
Dunbeath Wednesday Wanders. Strath stroll or shoreline heritage walk. Meet at Dunbeath Heritage Centre at 2pm. Lasts 2.5 hrs.
Thursday 12th August
John O' Groats to the stacks via shell beach. Search for the 'Groatie Buckie' on the way to the magnificent Stacks of Duncansbay. Meet John O' Groats car park, by last house, 11am. Slow circular route lasts 4-5 hours, bring lunch.
Friday 13 August
Lybster Coast. A clifftop walk to the old herring station at Achastle, looking out for cetaceans, seabirds and plants. Meet 2pm at Lybster Heritage Centre, allow 2.5 hours.
Sunday 15th August
Armadale Gorge. Explore this exciting valley, rich in bird and plantlife. Meet Melvich toilets 10.30am, allow 4 hours, boots essential & bring lunch.
All walks are numbers and weather dependent, boots or stout shoes and warm waterproof clothing essential. All children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult, sorry no dogs allowed.
Further details on 01847 821531 or 01955 607758.
7.1.2005 - Holborn Head. Evening walk. Monday 4th July
Clifftop walk with seabirds, stacks, wild flowers and blowholes.
Meet 7.00 pm. At Scrabster lighthouse.
Lasts 2-3 hours.
Wear Stout footwear, bring waterproofs.
9.1.2005 - Bat Night - Castletown
Sunday September 4th
Meet at car park South end of bay 8.30pm
Stout footwear and warm clothing.
Bring a torch.
Children under 16 must be accompanied.
Sorry no dogs.
Walk is weather permitting.
Further information 01847 821531
22.2.2005 - The Highland Council Countryside Rangers Guided Walk
Drum Holistan to Beinn Ratha following the county March
Sunday 27th February.
This walk covers rough ground for about 11km. with roughly 250 metres of gradient.
Reasonable fitness is required.
Wear boots, waterproofs and bring packed lunches.
Meet lay by at county march NC 921645 10 am.
This walk is weather and number dependent.
Further information 01847821531
14.3.2005 - March Meanders
Enjoy a lovely walk in this woodland.
Search for signs of spring life enjoying its shelter. This walk will suit all ages and abilities but wrap up well.
Meet at Achvarasdal woodland entrance by Reay
At 2.00pm
Lasts approx 2 hours
This walk is part of the Spring Outdoor Access Festival.
For the most part it will follow made paths with little gradient.
This walk is weather and number permitting
For further information contact:
Mary Legg 01847821531
20.4.2005 - Springtime in the woods
Sunday 24th April
Spring is here, so enjoy a lovely walk amongst the trees. Search for signs of spring life and listen to bird song.
This walk suits all ages and abilities but wrap up well.
Meet at Achvarasdal woodland, entrance by Reay at 2.00pm. Lasts approx. 2 hours.
14.6.2005 - Duncansby Head Coastal Walk
Thursday 16th June
Seabird colonies and spectacular stacks.
Meet at Duncansby Head lighthouse carpark at 2pm
Lasts 2-3 hours
Stout footwear advisable.
HC Ranger North Caithness 01847821531.
20.6.2005 - Holborn Head Evening Walk
Monday 20th June
Clifftop walk with seabirds, stacks, wild flowers and blowholes
Meet at 7pm at Scrabster lighthouse carpark
Lasts 2-3 hours
Stout footwear advisable.
HC Ranger North Caithness 01847821531
21.6.2005 - Dunnet Head Guided walk (as part of healthy living week)
Wednesday 22nd June
A clifftop walk from the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland west to Dwarick pier.
Meet at Dunnet Head lighthouse carpark at 10.30am.
Allow 4-5 hours, bring lunch.
Boots essential.
HC Ranger North Caithness 01847821531.
24.6.2005 - Sandside to Melvich
Guided walk, Sunday 26th June.
Coastal plants seabird colonies and stacks.
Meet 10 am. By toilets at Sandside bay. (Walkers will be returned to their vehicles after the walk).
Allow 4-5 hours. Bring you lunch and wear stout footwear. Reasonable level of fitness required.
27.6.2005 - Castletown to Battery Road Evening Coastal Walk
Tuesday 28th June
A rich and interesting coastline to discover.
Meet in carpark at south end of Dunnet Bay at 7pm.
Lasts 2-3 hours
Stout footwear advisable
Free
27.6.2005 - Summer holiday fun with the Caithness Rangers
5th July – Pond dipping, bird watching and mini beasts! Explore the wild life around Dunnet. Dunnet pavilion 11am - 1pm. 8-11 yrs.
7th July - Woodland treasure hunt, Newtonhill wood 11am-12.30pm, 8-11years.
12th July – Sea shells and seabirds
Duncansby Head lighthouse carpark, stout footwear and warm clothes. 11am - 1pm. 8 yrs upwards.
14th July – Rock pool exploring, Stains carpark, Keiss beach. 11am-12.30pm. 8 - 11 yrs. Booking recommended.
19th July – Dragon Walk
Dunnet forest, discover the mystery of damsels and dragon that live in this forest 8 - 11 yrs. 11am - 1pm.
21st July – Bonkers about birds
Lybster heritage centre 11am-12.30, 8-11yrs.
26th July – Animals through games Dunnet bay childrens group. 11am, 7-11yrs
28th July – Wick river Come and dip for mini beasts, Somerfield carpark, boating shed end. 11am-12.30pm, 8-11yrs.
2nd Aug –Treasure hunt, 11am onwards, Achvarasdale forest (near Reay), 7-11yrs.
11th Aug - Sand sculpture contest
Reiss beach 11am-2pm.
£1 per family group.
Please dress suitably (wellies, etc) and bring along a snack.
Further information 01847821531
Booking Advisable
6.7.2005 - Duncansby Head to Skirza
Wednesday 8th June
A clifftop walk with sea bird colonies and spectacular scenery. Meet at Duncansby Head lighthouse carpark at 10.30am. Allow 5 hours.
Boots necessary as wet in places, some rough walking, reasonable fitness.
18.7.2005 - Broubster Forest - Sunday 17th July
Extensive views over Orkney and Caithness
Meet at Janet street, Thurso at 10.30am to pool cars
Lasts approx 3-4 hours
Stout footwear and warm clothes
Free
18.7.2005 - Duncansby Head to Skirza - Thursday19th July
A clifftop walk with sea bird colonies and spectacular scenery.
Meet at Duncansby Head lighthouse carpark at 10.30am.
Allow 5 hours.
Boots necessary as wet in places, some rough walking, reasonable fitness required
25.7.2005 - Dunnet Head Guided walk - Wednesday 27th July
A clifftop walk from the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland west to Dwarick pier.
Meet at 10.30am at Dunnet head lighthouse carpark
Lasts approx 4-5 hours
Boots essential
25.7.2005 - Castletown to Battery road Evening coastal walk - Thursday 28th July
A rich and interesting coastline to discover.
Meet at 7pm in carpark at south end of Dunnet Bay.
Lasts approx 2-3 hours
Stout footwear advisable
Free
8.8.2005 - Thurso River Guided Walk - Sunday 7th August
Follow the course of the river from Halkirk to Thurso. A vehicle will bring drivers back to the start.
Meet 10am outside grocers shop
Lasts approx 4-5 hours
Boots necessary as wet in places
Bring lunch
16.8.2005 - Bat Night Achvarasdal woodland
Thursday August 26th
Meet at entrance at 8 pm.
Stout footwear and warm clothing.
Bring a torch.
Children under 16 must be accompanied.
Sorry no dogs.
Walk is weather permitting.
5.9.2005 - Ship a Hoy
As part of Highland Wild Encounters.
Sunday 22nd May
The John O Groats Ferry will take us to Hoy to meet the RSPB warden who will show us part of this amazing island and its birds. Good chances of seeing cetacean and seals from the boat.
Meet John O Groat`s ferry Terminal.
Exact Time will be revealed on booking
Booking essential Tel 01847821531
Cost £25.00 per person
5.9.2005 - Fish Tales
The writer and angler Lesley Crawford will join the ranger to explain the life cycle of the trout and other fresh water animals that inhabit the lochs. We will also have a chance to see divers, harriers and buzzards.
Monday 23rd May 7pm At Broubster forest entrance.
5.9.2005 - Puffins Galore
A short walk to view one of the best puffin colonies in Caithness in the Dunbeath area exact location revealed on booking Time 20.00- 21.00 Booking essential Tel 01955607758.
5.9.2005 - Caithness Coast, Creatures & Castles
An Illustrated Talk on Coastal Wildlife found in Caithness. Meet Assembly Rooms, Sinclair Terrace, Wick Time 7pm. Allow 1 hour. Talk Free
5.9.2005 - Northern Puffins and Plants
A walk from the county border to Sandside bay past a busy puffinry. Drivers returned to start. Rough walking, reasonable fitness. Time 19.00 – 22.00 Tel 01847821531
5.9.2005 - Coastal Treasures of the Wick Coast
Experience the sights, smells of an amazing seabird colony set amidst the beauty of the East Caithness Coast. Discover sea stacks, natural arch & caves along the way. Bring packed lunch. Meet at the Castle of Old Wick car park. Time 12 noon Allow 1.5 hours.
5.9.2005 - Corbigoe Coast – Close Up!
Experience exceptional close-up views of breeding seabirds along the beautiful Corbigoe coast. View the fascinating seabird colonies & hidden coastal treasures. In the Thrumster area. Bring packed lunch. Time 12 noon, Allow 2 hours. Booking essential Tel 01955607758
5.9.2005 - Small is beautiful
Help us to monitor the most northerly colony of small blue butterflies followed by and exploration of Dunnet Bay and headland for divers. Bring lunch Meet Dunnet Bay car park north ND 219705. Time 11-15.00.
5.9.2005 - Bats & Bothies!
A nocturnal stroll up the strath of Dunbeath on the lookout for bats & other mammals before returning to a traditional salmon bothy to listen to tales of the local area. Events run in conjunction with Dunbeath Preservation Trust.
Cost £2 per person. Booking essential 0195560 7758 Time 22.00 Allow 2.5 hours.
7.12.2005 - Childrens Group - Tuesday 12th July
Sea shells and sea birds
Duncansby Head lighthouse carpark, 11am
Lasts approx 2-3 hours
8-11years, children under 8 have to be accompanied by an adult
Booking advisable
Stout footwear and warm clothes
Free
7.12.2005 - Duncansby Head Coastal Walk - Tuesday 12th July
Seabird colonies and spectacular stacks.
Duncansby Head lighthouse carpark
2pm
Lasts approx 2-3 hours
Stout footwear and warm clothes
Free
HC Ranger North Caithness 01847821531
7.12.2005 - Battery Road Evening Walk - Thursday14th July
A rich and interesting coastline to discover
Carpark at south end of Dunnet bay
7pm
Lasts approx 2-3 hours
Stout footwear and warm clothes
Free
