Glen Urquhart Wildlife Recorders
A wildlife watching group is being set up by The Highland Council’s Rangers for local volunteers and enthusiasts covering the Glen Urquhart, Glen Affric and Strathglass areas.
The first meeting of the Glen Urquhart Wildlife Recorders will take place in Balnain Village Hall on Thursday the 24th January at 8pm.
Rangers with the Council’s Planning and Development Service hope to provide locals with enough information and support on how to explore, observe and record wildlife in their own areas which will help conservation agencies like the Highland Red Squirrel Group and Butterfly Conservation Trust.
The aim of the group is to encourage people to get together and enjoy the outdoors and hopefully see some fantastic displays by local wildlife while making a useful contribution to the people charged with caring for the nation’s countryside.
Over time, observations recorded by the group will help them to understand how local wildlife is coping with the ever changing conditions brought about by climate change and threats such as introduced non native species.
Corinne Hambly, Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger for Inverness West who is organising the first meeting and hoped to spark some enthusiasm for the project, said: “If you think you would enjoy observing butterflies, checking out what a squirrel had for dinner, coming face to face with a newt or spotting and recording any another species then come along to our first meeting in Balnain Village Hall on the 24th January at 8pm and see if you can spare some time to spend in the great outdoors looking for it’s elusive residents.
“The Council’s Countryside Rangers have been carrying out wildlife surveys for a number of years and it is something we all really enjoy. As there are many agencies looking for information I thought it might be an idea to see if there are any budding wildlife enthusiasts looking to volunteer. Maybe you enjoy feeding the birds in your garden or you always look out for the first butterfly of the summer. If you do you might enjoy taking part in a survey to monitor local wildlife.”
No previous experience is necessary as training will be offered to everyone who wants to be involved. For further information will be available at the meeting or by contacting Corinne on 01463 710786 or Corinne.hambly@highland.gov.uk
The Highland Council Countryside Rangers are a partnership between The Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage with the aim of promoting public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and conserving wildlife.