Watery wildlife events for the Easter holidays

The Highland Council Rangers are staging some fun water wildlife related events over the Easter school holidays.

The first event takes place today (19 April) with children invited to join the Rangers at Culloden Battlefield for an afternoon of pond dipping. They’ll be plenty of chances to enjoy the delights of pond dipping by putting nets into the many boggy areas to see what beasties might be are lurking there. The session runs from 2pm to 4pm and costs £3.50 per child. Places should be booked in advance by telephoning 01463 255291.

On Saturday 22 April the watery action moves to the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve in Inverness for an exploration of the seashore. The afternoon Explore the Seashore event starts at 2pm and lasts for two hours. Anyone coming along should meet up with Ranger John Orr at the Old Ferry Ticket Office by the turning circle at the end of Kessock Road. The cost will be £4.50 for adults, £3.50 concessions and £15 for a family ticket.

Inverness area Ranger John Orr said: “The creatures in our seashore rockpools and fresh water burns and bogs are starting to get more active at this time of year. Both of these events are a chance to explore some of these wetter places and find out more about the animals and plants that live there.”

The Countryside Rangers run many events and guided walks which aim to help raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and heritage of the Highlands. A programme of Ranger Guided Walks and Events is on the council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/outdoorhighlands

ENDS