Caithness and Sutherland nature events – SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODES INCLUDED

High Life Highland (HLH) rangers have a roster of family-friendly, nature events lined up throughout August for members of the public to engage with and learn more about meadows.

First of the events coming up is the Caithness pollinator count which is on Monday, August 7 from 11am to noon at the newly created meadow by the Crofter’s Snug, caravan/motorhome site at East Mey in Caithness.

Andy Summers, HLH’s senior countryside ranger for north Highlands, said: “After a slow start due to a very dry May and June, the newly created wildflower meadows are now looking stunning.

“These meadow events are a chance for us to see exactly what sort of bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators have been attracted to the pollen and nectar rich flowers now growing on our sites.

“When it comes to insects, butterflies seem to get all the publicity, but there are hundreds of other species – which, although less flamboyant, are important pollinators. I am looking forward to helping members of the public to identify hoverflies, solitary bees, moths and much more.

“The meadow events are good example of citizen science in action, where we get our communities to help measure the success of the wildflower meadow mosaic project. If you’re interested in learning more about your local wildlife, this is an excellent opportunity to start!”

Steve Walsh, HLH’s chief executive, concluded: “HLH is delighted to be facilitating this educational series of events across the Highlands.

“Countryside rangers play a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging appreciation of the local scenery, wildlife, and heritage. As well as writing an insightful monthly column on a variety of topics, these events help to further promote a love of Highland nature.

“I hope that members of the public interested in learning more will consider seeing what the August roster has on offer.”

Please see the below full list of upcoming events across the Highlands for August, where you will also find the respective codes and links where booking is necessary:

• Caithness Pollinator Count – Monday, August 7 from 11am-12pm (at the newly created meadow at the Crofter’s Snug, caravan/motorhome site at East Mey in Caithness. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking not required).
• Beetle Mania – Tuesday, August 8 from 10am-11.30am (guided by HLH countryside ranger, Paul Castle, at Bettyhill Library. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Wear suitable footwear and clothing for garden exploring. Booking not required).
• Pollinators, Wildflowers, and Seed Collecting – Tuesday, August 8 from 10am-12:30pm (guided walk from Gairloch beach to the harbour. Booking not required).
• Bettyhill Leisure Centre Pollinator Count – Tuesday, August 8 from 2pm-3pm (guided by HLH countryside ranger, Paul Castle, at the newly created meadow at the North Coast Leisure Centre in Bettyhill, north Sutherland. Booking not required).
• Pollinator Count at St John’s Pool – Thursday, August 10 from 11am-12pm (guided by HLH countryside ranger, Paul Castle, at the newly created meadow at St John’s Pool in Dunnet. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking not required).

While these events are free-of-charge so that nature learning can remain accessible to everyone, donations in support of local Countryside Rangers are accepted and encouraged: high-life-highland.myshopify.com/collections/donate/products/countryside-rangers-donation

The majority of the charity’s funding comes from customer/member income. It is also grateful to receive funding from the Highland Council for the delivery of service on behalf of the local authority.

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