First South Skye Nature Festival to be held

The South Skye Nature Festival takes place between 24-26 July, with a packed programme of talks, workshops, guided walks and outdoor activities.

The event is organised by Sleat Nature Group and features more than 40 events, most of which are free to attend.

The programme includes expert talks on Skye birds, the mysterious corncrake of north Skye, sea trout, the role of amphibians and reptiles, the sounds of nature, species reintroduction, marine protected areas and why biodiversity matters.

Practical workshops will cover bird identification and surveys, coastal and woodland foraging, and cetacean identification. There will also be the chance to make a mat from beach rope.

Guided walks include a look at the ferns of the Plock, Gaelic in the Scottish rainforest at Leitir Fura, the landscapes and nature of Knock and Ord, and woodland and peatland restoration at Tormore and Broadford. Kayaking sessions will also take place around Skye’s shores.

On Saturday evening, Ocean with David Attenborough will be screened at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, followed by a Q&A.

The festival hub will be at An Crùbh, with stalls and displays from organisations including British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Fishing For Litter, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Trees for Life, Skye and Lochalsh Rivers Trust, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Blue Marine Foundation, CLIMAVORE, Forestry and Land Scotland, and others.

For the full programme and to reserve places, visit the Sleat Nature Group website.