10 outdoor walks, wildlife spotting, historic site visits and clean-ups being run by Highland countryside rangers in February
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FANS of the big outdoors, wildlife, historic sites, walks and more will find plenty to enjoy in the 10 events High Life Highland's countryside rangers have lined up in February.
Wednesday, February 1 – Inverness area
Winter Wildlife Walk – Carnarc Point – 10am to midday
The rangers will be embarking on a 3km walk to Carnarc Point and along the picturesque South Kessock shoreline.
Run by the local Highland ranger and the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve officer, the walk will see participants keep an eagle eye out for seashore wildlife. Binoculars will be available.
Those taking part should meet at the car park next to the Carnarc Point entrance gate on the Kessock Road.
The event is free, but donations are welcome as they help to protect the region's wildlife and heritage. Book a spot by emailing john.orr@highlifehighland.com or calling 07771 370959, quoting booking reference ACT000559.
Friday, February 3 – Badenoch & Strathspey area
Healthy Minds Group – 11am to 3pm
The local countryside ranger will be taking people on "a day of calm in the woods".
"We make a cosy camp to connect and engage with nature in our perfect spot!" said a spokesman.
"This week we’ll celebrate the fabulous nature found in the Cairngorms, doing some citizen science, and recording what we find."
The group runs every fortnight. Contact Saranne Bish if you are interested in attending, via saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com or 07818 588 222,
Wednesday, February 8 – Inverness area
Connecting Carers – A Tour of Clava Cairns – 11am to 12.30pm
High Life Highland's countryside rangers are working with Connecting Carers to provide short walks that give the region's carers the chance to get out and engage with nature.
And their latest outdoor outing will be a journey into the Highlands' bronze age past at the Clava Cairns, just outside of Inverness.
Related: PICTURES: People out and about in Inverness despite the weather
Participants are advised that the ground is uneven "but reasonably accessible for wheelchair users and prams".
To book a slot or check out other Connecting Carers events visit https://connectingcarers.org.uk/activities-events/all-events/
Alternatively email events@connectingcarers.org.uk or call the Carer Support line on 01463 723560.
Saturday, February 11 – Dingwall area
Dingwall Community Clear up – 1pm to 4pm
People looking to enjoy nature while helping to ensure the countryside remains beautiful for all, will get the chancwe to chip in with a community clean up in Dingwall.
"Join us for a community clear up event and some fun in the woods!" said a spokesman for the rangers. "We will be litter picking, removing garden waste and non-native rhododendron bushes to improve the woods for local people and wildlife.
"We will also have a fire going and a shelter up so we can stop for hot drinks.
"We need your help to get it all done! It’s a great way to stretch your legs and get active outdoors after Christmas!
Any children taking part must be accompanied by an adult, and people attending should also ensure they bring warm clothing and snacks for around the fire (although hot water will be provided).
For more information, or to book email marcia.o’hara@highlifehighland.com
Wednesday, February 15 – Sunart area
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian – 11am to midday
This one-hour local green health walk will help participants "reconnect with the natural world".
"Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air," said a spokesman.
"Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep.
"All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Email eilidh-ann.phillips@highlifehighland.com to book. The event is free but donations are welcome.
Thursday, February 16 – Inverness
A City Stroll – Ness Islands & The River Ness – 10.30am to midday
The local countryside ranger will be leading participants on a leisurely 3km stroll through the popular Ness Islands and along the river to look out for wildlife and the changing season.
The walk is for adults only and participants should meet at the main entrance to the Botanic Gardens.
The event it free, but donations are welcome.
To book email john.orr@highlifehighland.com or call 07771 370959 quoting booking reference ACT000596.
Friday, February 17 – Badenoch and Strathspey area
Healthy Minds Group - 11am to 3pm
The latest local healthy minds group event will be "celebrating the fabulous nature found in the Cairngorms".
Participants will get the chance to do some citizen science while also enjoying a day of calm in the countryside.
Contact saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com or call 07818 588 222 to book a spot.
Thursday, February 23 – Wester Ross area
Ullapool Nature Club: Tracking animals in Winter, Ullapool Library – 6pm to 7.30pm
A NEW nature club for children aged five to 12, the Ullapool Nature Club is set to entertain youngsters with some nature-related fun, games and learning in Ullapool Library.
"This second meeting involves learning to be a nature detective and how to know animals are around when we can’t see them," said a countryside rangers spokesman. "Using footprints, hair, sounds and more we can learn to look for signs of animals in the wild.
"This is an inside session and is the second of three trial sessions to see if the time and day suits participants.
"Parents or guardians must register their child/children on arrival but can leave the child until pick up time at 7.30pm. No booking is required."
There is no charge for the event but organisers have suggested donations of £1-£2 per child to help cover costs.
For more information email jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com or call 07917307499.
Thursday, February 23 – North Sutherland area
Strathy Hall to Melvich Walk – 10am to 3pm.
FANS of the far north coast will get the chance to explore some of the region's stunning coastal scenery and history during this guided 10.9km walk from Strathy Hall to Melvich.
Those taking part will visit old lime kilns, a promontory fort site and enjoy the coastal scenery.
"Some rough walking is involved so a good level of fitness, suitable walking gear and packed lunch is required," said a spokesman.
Tvent is for over 18s only and booking in advance is essential. No dogs are allowed.
There will be help with return vehicles if needed.
No charge is made for the event but donations are welcome.
To book email paul.castle@highlifehighland.com quoting booking reference ACT000548.
Friday, February 24 – Easter Ross area
Lily Loch Lichen Safari – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
THIS short walk at Lily Loch in Muir of Ord will give participants the chance to find out more about the fascinating world of lichen while enjoying a short walk in the outdoors.
"Do you like lichen? Have you never heard of it before but interested to know more?" said a spokesman. "Join the ranger for a short walk at Lily Loch in Muir of Ord to discover a whole new world!
"Lichen are a combination of fungi and algae working together to support each other and they come in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and forms.
"They were one of the first organisms to start colonising the earth and they can tell us a lot about our environment. They are well worth getting to know better."
The event is for adults only. As with other events, no charge is required but donations are welcome.
To book email marcia.o’hara@highlifehighland.com quoting booking reference ACT000570.
