Woodland fun with countryside rangers in Inverness and Nairn

Families looking for outdoor fun and adventures with Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers can join Inverness East and Nairn Ranger John Orr on two events taking place in Culloden and Nairn.

On Tuesday 5 July from 2 - 3:30pm, a Gruffalo walk best suited for children under the age of 8 with accompanying adults on Culloden Avenue in Culloden, Inverness follows the theme of the award winning story book by Julia Donaldson.

“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark woods……” join mouse on his stroll as participants follow a fun woodland trail. Ranger John Orr will introduce the group to woodland animals along the way, help them to complete fun tasks and see if they can find a Gruffalo.

He said: “The Gruffalo is the famous and fantastic children’s book that looks at the animals that live in our woods, their houses and what they eat.  This fun event for under 8s will help them to explore our beautiful wooded avenue and learn a little about who lives there.”

Participants should meet at the Doocot car park off Barn Church Road, Culloden (Grid reference NH 729464). This event is free for accompanying adults, with a small charge of £2 per child.  All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The avenue is suitable for prams and buggies. For further information tel: 01463 710786

Another woodland event for fearless families has been organised in Tradespark Wood Nairn on Sunday 12 July from 2 - 4pm.

John Orr invites people to join him on a “dragon walk” to hunt for these mythical creatures as he points out tracking signs along the way.

He says: “Do dragons really exist? There’s only one way to find out! Be brave and join the dragon trail.  We will be looking out for very distinctive tracks and signs of these elusive and fascinating creatures. As this is the dragon breeding season we may even find signs of a dragon’s nest but we must stick together and never leave the path as they can be very aggressive at this time of year!”

To book a place on the Dragon Walk (adults £3 children/concessions £2) or to get more details tel: 01463 710786.

Both guided walks are part of The Highland Council’s annual programme of Countryside Ranger events which can be found on the Council’s website at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/countrysiderangerevents.htm. The aim of the Countryside Rangers is to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and to conserve wildlife.