Listings for Wildlife Week are being updated all the time. Please keep checking the website for new events.
Mull and Iona Wildlife Week
7th to 13th May 2011
Saturday 7th May
The Craignure Visitor Centre, WDCS and the HWDT
The Craignure Visitor Centre, WDCS and the HWDT will be holding a family event at the Visitor Centre in Craignure between 11.00am and 2.00pm The event will start in the centre with talks about the diverse animal and bird life to be found on the islands with plenty of information on hand. This will be followed by an hour long coastal walk searching for land and sea creatures with our experienced guide. In addition, there will be activities and lots of fun things for all the family to take part in.
Wildlife watching from the Oban Ferry 8.30am – 12.45pm
HWDT staff will be on the observation deck to help you spot and identify the varied wildlife to be seen from the MV Isle of Mull as you cross over. No additional charge.
Sea Life Surveys – Tobermory 10.30am
Feed the Lobster. An opportunity to feed the lobster and to learn about the wildlife in the seas around Mull. Visit the Marine Conservation Society for more fun and info. Free - Just turn up
Ranger led Cycle Ride - North Mull Community Woodland 2pm-4pm
Come and join a ranger led cycle around this beautiful woodland. Please bring your own bikes and helmets and meet at Langamull carpark. Further details tbc.
Sunday 8th May
Craignure Visitor Centre and Wings over Mull 11.00am – 3.00pm
The Craignure Visitor Centre and Wings over Mull would like to invite you to meet some of the beautiful birds you may encounter on the islands. There will be a owls, hawks and a falcon present at the Visitor Centre together with an experienced guide from Wings over Mull who can answer all your questions about them. There will also be information on the White Tailed Sea Eagles, owl pellets for children to dissect, mini nest boxes, and free literature to take away.
The Great Honeybee Hunt!
Join Mull and Iona beekeepers searching for feral honeybees and see what other insects you spot.
Island(s)-wide. £3 donation includes basic photo guide and record form. Map & compass/gps plus digital camera would be useful but not essential. Telephone 01688 302008 for full details.
Beach Clean and Work 'Party' at Calgary Bay. 2.00pm meet at the camping end of the bay
Come and join the Friends of Calgary Bay for an afternoon of activity, helping get Calgary ready for the season.
Light refreshments will be provided so bring something along for the feast!
Sea Life Surveys – Tobermory 10.30am
Feed the Lobster. An opportunity to feed the lobster and to learn about the wildlife in the seas around Mull. Visit the Marine Conservation Society for more fun and info (Sat & Sun only). Free - Just turn up
Monday 9th May
Rock Pool Discovery – Calgary Bay 2.30pm – 4.30pm
HWDT will lead an educational based activity afternoon, exploring and identifying creatures found in the rock pools at Calgary Bay.
Supper with the Puffins, Turus Mara - Ulva Ferry at 5.30pm and returns about 10.00pm. Times tbc.
This trip provides a wonderful opportunity for an evening excursion
to the Treshnish Isles. For those unfamiliar with the event, it
consists of an Oyster cruise out to the islands and a BBQ dinner on
the beach at Lunga with lobster, langoustine and mussels served up
with homemade bread and fresh salads, all washed down with a glass
of wine, of course. No one lives on Lunga so your fellow diners
will mostly be feathered!
Bookings should be made with Turus Mara on 08000858786 or 01688
400242 and places are very limited so please book early. A truly
memorable supper! Charge £45 adult, £25 children, all inclusive.
Tuesday 10th May
Full day photography tour, Sam Jones – 9.45am at the Islandscape Photography studio at Taigh Solais (the Harbour Visitor Centre) returning at approx 4.30pm
This full day photography tour is primarily field based, with an emphasis on exploring the best photographic sites on the island, accompanied by helpful tuition and advice in the field. The tour will be by Land Rover Defender and numbers are restricted to four, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please bring boots, waterproof gear and your camera.
Special offer charge of £75 per head
Inch Kenneth with Mull Charters Meet at 12.50pm at Ulva Ferry
Mull Charters will take you on a trip to Inch Kenneth to look for wild flowers with a local guide. Departure at 1300 from Ulva Pier. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. £30 per person, landing by small boat. Bookings by telephone 01680 300444 or 07788 677131
Film Screening – HWDT On the hour, every hour between 11.00am and 4.00pm
HWDT will screen their DVD in the shop on the Main Street. A brief introduction into the workings of the Trust will be provided and questions will be encouraged.
Mull Rocks! 8.00pm at the Western Isles Hotel, Tobermory
A talk and presentation by Mull geologist James Westland about the many and varied rocks to be found here on Mull. There will also be a question and answer session. To be followed by a field trip tomorrow (Weds).
Owl Prowl Meet at 9.00pm at Duart Castle Car Park
Look and listen for owls in their natural habitat. Bring a torch!
Charge £3 Booking essential, numbers limited to 20. Tel 01680 812377
Wednesday 11th May
The Geology of Mull 10.00am at the Lochbuie old Post Office
A field trip to discover and examine the rocky outcrops at Lochbuie. There will be a walk along the North West shore in the morning and then on the South West shore during the afternoon. With James Westland our island geologist. Please bring a packed lunch and stout shoes.
Talk on bird Ringing and Raptor Chicks by our island's raptor expert Sue Dewar. 7.30pm
Meeting at Craignure Village Hall. Charge £3 at the door
Beach clean – Kilninian
Ranger Service led beach clean. Full details and timings are yet to be confirmed.
Searching for Corncrakes on Iona – Start 10.50 and 1.20 from the slipway, Iona 2hrs
Pam Brown of Discover Mull tours will lead a walk to search for the elusive corncrake. If you want picking up on the way she may be able to help. Charge £10 bookings via Pam before hand at 01688400415 or 07780 600 367 max 12 people
Thursday 12th May
Trip to the Top
Meet
at Ardmore Forest Car Park at 2.00pm
Come and join a ranger led walk around the northern most tip of
Mull.
The walk offers the chance to view eagles, seals and coastal and
woodland birds and to learn about the local flowers and
archaeology.
Charge £3 Booking essential, numbers limited to 20. Tel 01680812377
Full day photography tour, Sam Jones
9.45am at the Islandscape Photography studio at Taigh Solais (the
Harbour Visitor
Centre) returning at approx 4.30pm.
This full day photography tour is primarily field based, with an
emphasis on exploring the best photographic sites on the island,
accompanied by helpful tuition and advice in the field. The tour
will be by Land Rover Defender and numbers are restricted to four
so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Please bring boots, waterproof gear and your camera. Special offer
charge of £75 per head.
Friday 13th May
An island Apart- Ulva Meet at Ulva Ferry at 10.00am
The walk starts with a short boat trip to the Isle of Ulva, Join the Ranger Service for a walk around part of this tranquil island where there will be opportunities to learn about the island's past and view island life today, constantly surrounded by wonderful scenery and wildlife.
Charge £3 Booking essential, numbers limited to 20. Tel 01680 812377
Discover Mull Wildisles special in conjunction with Calgary 'Art in Nature' Meet at 10.30am Art in Nature Car Park
'A wild walk' meet at Calgary Farmhouse and 'Art in Nature' car park at 10.30 am (duration approx 2 hours) £2 per person, proceeds to Wildisles Week. To book phone Pam Brown (Discover Mull) on 01688 400415
Events taking place every day
Wildlife Art Exhibition – The Gallery in the Woods at Calgary open 10.30am to 4.30pm
Paintings, photographs, and ceramics from island artists and visitors tea room. Free
Tall Tales of Mull.
Unique all day tours with Finlay Christine. Local myths, legends, history, flora and fauna and amazing wildlife around the Isle of Mull. Finlay will reduce the costs of his all day tours to £30 per head if you quote Wildlife Week when you book between 7 and 13 May. Call 01680 814215 for further details.
White tailed Eagle Viewing Hide – Loch Frisa Daily at 10am & 1pm
Ranger led visit. The first and only white tailed eagle viewing hide in the world. Call 01680 812556 to book (dedicated Hide Booking line) £5 adults/£2 children
Organic Farm Tours – Ardalanish farm
Part of the Soil Association Demonstration Farm system and the ‘Get On My Farm’ Initiative. Visitors are welcome to walk the organic trail all year round and visit the tearoom. There is also a Mill tour at 1pm each day to see the weaving. Parking and tour are free. No dogs.
Cruise on ‘the Hebridean Adventure’ from Tobermory harbour - Start 2.00pm for 3 hrs (not Sun)
Charge £35 adults £28 children Book direct at 01688 302 916
Wildlife Art Exhibition at Glengorm Castle
For cold wet days, there is a permanent display of wildlife paintings and prints at Glengorm Castle, by Scottish artist, Derek Robertson. www.derekrobertson.com
All walks require stout footwear and waterproof clothing (just in case!). Please be aware that many areas can be quite slippery. We are unable to guarantee the safety of our guests, and cannot accept liability for any damage they may incur as a result of taking part in any of the above events.
Mull & Iona Wildlife week is sponsored by Holiday Mull, Forestry Commission - Scotland, Mull & Iona Ranger service, Mull and Iona Community Trust, and the RSPB.
Please remember to follow the outdoor access code and to exercise your access rights responsibly. Act with courtesy, consideration and awareness. Look after the places you enjoy, and leave the land as you find it. Act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. Thank you.
In the spirit of being 'greener', and of saving our planet, why not use a bicycle, or public transport or maybe share a car to reach venues or starting points. Thank you.