Rangers show the way on the Peatlands of the Flow Country

Ranger Andy Summers illustrates some of the interesting peatland wildlife on a guided walk. Photo by one of the participants- Greg Allen from Lochinver

Over forty members of the public attended a series of high profile guided walks on the peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland led by the Highland Council Rangers.

Andy Summers, Senior Countryside Ranger said: “We saw lots of exciting wildlife including great views of a peregrine falcon, breeding greenshanks and red-throated divers, dragonflies hunting around bog pools. People were able to get up close and personal to examine insect-eating sundews and butterworts and enjoyed the chance to look at some pre-crofting carved stones and sheilings. All the guided walks were well received and many participants wanted to know when we are doing it again.”

The Highland Council Rangers were delivering these free events as part of the Flows to the Future Project peatland week.

There were guided walks exploring the historic Moine Path walk near Ben Hope and the spectacular Berriedale Strath as well as walks to some of the more remote Assynt “cnoc and loch” landscapes around Drumbeg.

More details about the Flow Country and lots of information about peatlands can be found on the website www.theflowcountry.org.uk

The Flows to the Future project gratefully acknowledges funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund