Highland event has top spot during Scottish Biodiversity Week

In a top ten list of events being held during Scottish Biodiversity Week 2008 (18th - 28th May) Highland Council Rangers are organising three events, with a puffin watching guided walk in Caithness holding the number one spot.

Co-ordinated by the Scottish Biodiversity Forum and Scottish Natural Heritage, the aim of Scottish Biodiversity Week is to get people out and about and enjoying Scotland's countryside and wildlife.

A website, www.snh.org.uk/biodiversityweek  lists events held during Scottish Biodiversity Week and details on how to enter a Nature Photography Competition. Copies of a leaflet promoting Scottish Biodiversity week are being distributed throughout Scotland. The leaflet contains a top ten list of events.

Marina Swanson, Highland Council’s East Caithness Ranger will lead the number one event – a short walk called ‘Clowns of the Ocean’ - on 19th May in the Dunbeath area of Caithness. Lucky participants will have a chance to view a fascinating puffin colony.

At number three in the top ten Katy Martin, Highland Council’s Ranger for Inverness  will lead evening badger walks for small groups at secret locations Loch Ness side from Tues 20th to Fri 23rd May. Due to the popularity of the badger watching events, they are already fully booked.

During International Biodiversity Day (Thurs 22nd May) John Phillips, Highland Council’s Skye & Lochalsh Ranger will be teaching people about limestone on the Isle of Skye. From disused quarries to plants of the limestone pavement John will take participants on a fascinating journey meeting at Cill Chriosd Church, Suardal.

Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service said: “It’s no surprise that Highland Council’s Rangers are leading three out of the top ten events during Scottish Biodiversity week but I’m delighted that they are. There is also another Highland event which is being organised by Lochaber Geopark at Inchree Forest.
 
“We live and work in some of the most beautiful parts of the world and should never take that for granted. Scottish Biodiversity Week encourages us to be inspired and get out and about.”

For further information or to book a place on the events please contact: Caithness tel: 01955 607758 mob: 07824 351691; or Skye tel: 01471 822 905.