Species on the Edge - Upcoming Events

Scrub clearing work party, near Black beach, Kilninian, Isle of Mull, 26 & 27 April

• What: Join us for a two-day work party, clearing scrub from this slender scotch burnet site.
• When: Friday 26th & Saturday 27th April, 10am - 4pm.
• Where: near Black beach, Kilninian, Isle of Mull
• For more information and to book, contact: [email protected]
• More details:
  • Scotland's Burnet moths are some of the most magnificent and rarest insects in the UK. The Slender Scotch Burnet only occurs on Mull and Ulva, and is a key species of the Species on the Edge programme. Their fragile habitat is being threatened by encroaching cotoneaster, join us to help remove the scrub and learn more about these magnificent day flying moths. We might even see a caterpillar or two!
  • Even if you can only make it for part of either day you are still welcome to attend.
  • Full instructions will be sent to anyone who registers.
  • No previous experience is necessary but please note that the site is steep so the work will be physically challenging.
  • Please bring good boots with ankle support, warm and weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.
  • Tools, gloves and instructions will be provided.

Short-necked Oil beetle workshop and field visit, RSPB Loch Gruinart, Islay, 29 April

• What: 
• Join Buglife Species on the Edge officer, Sally Morris, to learn about the lifecycle of short-necked oil beetles, how to ID them, and how you can help conserve them by getting involved in surveying efforts. We will also be heading out to Ardnave to practice these newly learn skills and find these beetles in the field!   
• When: 29 April 10am-12pm
• Where: RSPB Loch Gruinart, Islay 
• For more information, contact: [email protected]

Slender Scotch Burnet Caterpillar Hunt, Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull, 9 May

• What: Join us for a caterpillar hunt and to learn more about the rare dayflying slender Scotch burnet moth followed by tea and cake at the Glengorm cafe.
• When: Thursday 9 May, 10:30am – 3:00pm
• Where: Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull
• For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • Please email the above address to book your place. You will then receive joining instructions nearer the time.

Slender Scotch Burnet Work Party, Burg, Isle of Mull, 27 May

• What: The fragile habitat of the rare slender Scotch burnet moth is being threatened by encroaching bracken. Join us to help remove it and learn more about these magnificent day flying moths.
• When: Monday 27 May, 10am – 4pm
• Where: The Burg, Isle of Mull
• For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • Please email the above address to book your place. You will then receive joining instructions nearer the time.
  • Access to the site will be by a 4x4 in two runs so only 7 places available - booking is essential.
  • No previous experience is necessary but the site is steep so is physically challenging. Please bring good boots with ankle support, warm and weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch. Tools, gloves and instructions will be provided.

Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Walk, Grasspoint, Isle of Mull, 30 May

• What: Join us on a walk to look for the colourful marsh fritillary butterfly.
• When: Thursday 30 May
• Where: The Burg, Isle of Mull
• For more information and to book, email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • Please email the above address to book your place. You will then receive joining instructions nearer the time.
  • Please bring a packed lunch and waterproofs, good walking boots advised as ground can be uneven and lumpy.

Celebrating Women in Nature Butterfly Picnic, Nairn Beach, 25 May

• What: Join the Species on the Edge East Coast team, Highlife Highland Rangers and female members of Butterfly Conservation’s highland Branch for this female only event – a wander along Nairn beach looking out for local wildlife including the small blue butterfly. Cake and hot drinks will be provided.
• When: Saturday 25^th May, 10am – 1pm
• Where: Nairn Beach. Meet at Maggot Carpark, Nairn. Grid Ref: NH889570
• For more details, contact: [email protected]

Painting and photography workshop, Dornoch Beach, 29 May

• What: Join us as we spend time spend time in the dunes watching and learning about small blue butterflies as Sally provides guidance on painting and photography in nature.
• When: Wednesday 29^th May, 12pm – 3pm
• Where: Dornoch Beach. Meeting point TBC.
• For more details, contact: [email protected]

Butterfly bike ride with moths, Culloden, 30 May

• What: Join us to inspect a moth trap set in advance by the Species on the Edge team, followed by a gentle mountain bike ride through the woods and onto Culloden Battlefield. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and discuss nature, exercise and being outside.
• When: Thursday 30^th May, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
• Where: Culloden. The meeting place will be provided upon booking your place.
• For more information and to book, contact: [email protected]
• More details:
  • Over 18s only
  • You will need: A mountain or hybrid bike suitable for off road tracks in good working order and a helmet. You will be responsible for your own bike and safety.
  • Coffee and cake will be provided afterwards.

Butterfly field trip, Portnockie, 1 June

• What: Join us for a short walk to watch and learn about butterflies, especially the small blue.
• When: Saturday 1 June, 12pm – 1:30pm
• Where: Portknockie Harbour – there are some parking spaces alongside the open-air pool and public toilets here too. Grid ref: NJ486685
• For more information and to book, contact event leader, Nick Littlewood: [email protected]
• More details:
  • Paths are mostly good but there are slopes, and we will also venture onto tussocky grassland.
  • What’s needed: Just sensible footwear. Bring binoculars and camera if you have them, but not essential.
  • This is a small coastal area and the walk is very much weather dependant so please register with the event leader to be kept informed on any last minute changes.

Butterfly field trip, Loch Fleet, 1 June

• What: Join us for a gentle wander along good paths to look for butterflies, in particular the small blue. There are also some lovely wildflowers to be seen.
• When: Saturday 1 June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Where: Official Loch Fleet carpark. Grid ref: NH806957. What3Words: pioneered.zoned.snappy   
• For more information and to book, contact event leader, Tony Mainwood: [email protected]
• More details:
  • What’s needed: a packed lunch.

Butterfly field trip, Ardersier, 1 June

• What: Join us for a gentle wander along good paths to look for butterflies, in particular the small blue.
• When: Saturday 1st June, 10am – 1pm
• Where: Ardersier Common public car park at the north end of Ardersier as you head towards Fort George. Grid ref: NH779557. What3Words: chain.comply.matrons
• For more information and to book, contact event leader, Pete Moore: Mobile: 07590 589533. Email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • What’s needed: a packed lunch.

Monthly Thurso BeeWalks, multiple dates

• What: Join us for one of our guided BeeWalk surveys along the riverside in Thurso. Get outside, meet new people, and learn bumblebee ID skills!
• When:
  • Tuesday 9th April
  • Tuesday 7th May
  • Tuesday 11th June
  • Tuesday 2nd July
  • Tuesday 6th August
  • Tuesday 3rd September
  • Tuesday 1st October
• Where: Along the riverside in Thurso. Meet at 2pm at the corner of Janet Street and Sir George’s Street, Thurso.
• For more details, contact: [email protected].
• More info:
  • Walks are about 2km and will take 1-2 hours, depending on the bees.
  • No need to book - just turn up on the day.
  • If the weather is too poor to do a BeeWalk, we’ll do a bit of ID practice and walk the route to look at plants instead.
  • All welcome; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Monthly Tongue BeeWalks, multiple dates

• What: Join us for one of our monthly guided BeeWalk surveys in Tongue, walking from the Ben Loyal Hotel to Caisteal Bharraich/Castle Varrich. Walks will take one to two hours, depending on the bees. Get outside, meet new people, and learn bumblebee ID skills!
• When: Walks will be arranged at a day or two’s notice to allow us to take advantage of the best bee surveying weather. If you’d like to be kept updated about Tongue BeeWalks, please email or text us with the words “Tongue BeeWalks” and we’ll be sure to let you know dates and times as they’re arranged.
• Where: Tongue, from the Ben Loyal Hotel to Caisteal Bharraich/Castle Varrich
• For more details, contact: [email protected] or 07510 384794
• More info:
  • Walks will take 1-2 hours, depending on the bees.
  • No need to book - just turn up on the day.
  • All welcome; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Monthly Kinlochbervie BeeWalks, multiple dates

• What: Join us for one of our monthly guided BeeWalk surveys near Kinlochbervie, walking from Droman Pier to Polin machair. Walks will take one to two hours, depending on the bees. Get outside, meet new people, and learn bumblebee ID skills!
• When: Walks will be arranged at a day or two’s notice to allow us to take advantage of the best bee surveying weather. If you’d like to be kept updated about Kinlochbervie BeeWalks, please email or text us with the words “KLB BeeWalks” and we’ll be sure to let you know dates and times as they’re arranged.
• Where: near Kinlochbervie, walking from Droman Pier to Polin machair.For more details, contact: [email protected] or 07789 668206
• More info:
  • Walks will take 1-2 hours, depending on the bees.
  • No need to book - just turn up on the day.
  • All welcome; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Come and say hi to the team! Multiple locations, multiple dates

• What: Our North Coast team will be attending a number of shows and events over the spring and summer. We’d love to see you there!
• When and where:
  • Thurso Grows open day: Saturday 4th May
  • Caithness Show: Saturday 20th July
  • Durness Gathering: Friday 26th July
  • Thurso Grows open day: Saturday 31st August
• For more details, contact: [email protected].

Small Blue Day, Caithness, 12 May 2024

• What: Join the Species on the Edge North Coast team and local partners to celebrate the small blue butterfly! The day will include: information on small blue butterflies and the work planned in the local area; fun craft and seed planting activities suitable for all the family; and an opportunity to sign up to become a small blue survey volunteer. Caithness Environment Volunteers will also be carrying out habitat management work in the car park area during the event and over 18s are welcome to join in. The day will end with a coastal walk through small blue territory.
• When: Sunday 12 May, 10:30 am – 1pm
• Where: Castlehill Heritage Centre, Caithness
• For more details, contact: [email protected].
• More info:
  • The event will be delivered by Species on the Edge, Dunnet Community Forest, RSPB Forsinard, Association of Northern Trails, and the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.
  • Drinks and biscuits will be provided.
  • If you are over 18 and wish to join in with the habitat management work, please come dressed appropriately for outdoor work.

North Coast Wildlife Wanders, multiple locations, multiple dates

• What: Learn about the special wildflowers of your region with one of our Wildflower Wanders!
• When and where:
  • Dunnet Community Forest: Tuesday 28th May
  • Strathy: Saturday 15th June
  • Melness: Tuesday 9th July
• For more details, contact: [email protected].
• More info:
  • All our wildflower wanders will start at 2pm and last approximately 1.5 hours.

Two-day meadow management training, Caithness and North Sutherland, multiple dates

• What: Good grassland management is essential to maintaining flower rich meadows which support a huge range of wildlife and cutting at the right time of year is crucial. Join the Species on the Edge North Coast team for a two-day meadow management course this summer. Day one is basic scythe instruction. Day two will comprise of a talk and Q&A on meadow management, some raking, plus a chance to meet other local scythers, chat about meadows and find out about opportunities to volunteer your newfound scything skills.
• When:
  • Caithness: Sunday 18th August and Sunday 25th August
  • North Sutherland: Monday 19th August and Monday 26th August
• Where: Caithness and North Sutherland
• For more details, contact: [email protected].
• More info:
  • Places are limited so booking ahead is essential and a small deposit will be charged, refundable on attendance. If this might be a problem for you, please get in touch to discuss your situation.

Ring of Brodgar Walk, Ring of Brodgar, 1^st Thursday of every month.

What: Join Species on the Edge Orkney officer Sam and Historic Environment Scotland for a short guided walk around the Ring of Brodgar.

When: 1pm – 2pm on the 1^st Thursday of every month, commencing 4 April 2024.

Where: Meet at the sign in Brodgar car park

For more details, contact: [email protected]

More info:

• Join the Historic Environment Scotland rangers and SotE officer Sam to learn more about the ring and the wider landscape in which it sits.
• This is a free walk and no need to book.
• These walks are dog-friendly. Please keep your dog on a lead throughout.

Orkney Nature Festival Nature Walks, Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, 16 - 19 May

• What: Join the Species on the Edge Orkney team each day of the Orkney Nature Festival for an early morning walk around the 2km RSPB Brodgar nature reserve footpath to discover this wildlife haven in the heart of Neolithic Orkney. On a gentle stroll on the grassy path, enjoy wildflowers, babbling curlew, lapwings displaying, buzzing bumblebees, and perhaps even a selkie seal or two!  We will also try some mindfulness to connect us to nature in this special place. The team will also be leading a joint walk with Historic Environment Scotland at the Brodgar researve each day of the festival from 1-2pm.
• When: Twice daily, Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May, 7am - 9am & 1pm - 2pm
• Where: Ring of Brodgar. Meet in the Ring of Brodgar car park.
• For more information, contact: [email protected]        
• More details:
  • All welcome – anyone under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
  • No need to book, just turn up on the day.

Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival, 22-29 June

• What: Join us for the third annual Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival. This celebration of the Outer Hebrides’ nature and wildlife is a community-led festival coordinated by Species on the Edge. Get involved as an event host, artist, volunteer or attendee. The full programme of events will be published on the OHWF website at the end of May:
• When: 22–29 June, with a Fringe Festival running through July.
• Where: Across the Outer Hebrides
• For more information, email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • For more information on hosting an event or offering a venue, head to: https://www.outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk/host-an-event
  • For an idea of the sort of events you can look forward to, check out the 2023 programme of events: https://www.outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk/2023-all-events
  • More information on how you can get involved as a volunteer or artist will be coming soon.

Bressay Bumblebees Workshop, Bressay, 20 April

• What: Join the Species on the Edge Shetland team and Shetland Amenity Trust for an introduction to Shetland’s bumblebees, their habitats, and how you can help us survey them.
• When: Saturday 20th April, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
• Where: Speldiburn Café, Bressay
• For more information, email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • If the weather allows this event will be outdoors so please wear suitable clothing.
  • Free event. All welcome. Refreshments will be provided.

Wader ID Workshop, Loch of Spiggie, Shetland, 27 April

• What: Join us for a Wader ID Workshop to find out more about waders, their habitats and how you can help survey them.
• When: Sunday 27 April, 1 – 3pm
• Where: Spiggie Hide, Loch of Spiggie Nature Reserve, Shetland
• For more information, email: [email protected]
• More details:
  • This is a free event.
  • Please wear suitable clothing for walking in wet conditions.

Butterfly Recording Training Day, Borgie Public Hall, 21 June

• What: Join the Species on the Edge Solway Coast team to learn about Dumfries and Galloway’s coastal butterflies, with focus on Northern Brown Argus. The day will include a morning session focusing on NBA identification and survey techniques and an afternoon field trip to Brighouse Bay to see a range of species in the field and practice survey skills.
• When: Friday 21^st June, 9:30am – 3pm
• Where: Borgie Public Hall.
• For further information and to book your place, contact Jack: 07729627311 Email: [email protected]