Our Sponsors

The National Trust for Scotland

 

Mull and Iona Wildlife Week is supported by the Caledonian MacBrayne/Visit Scotland partnership at the Ferry Terminal in Tobermory

 

Photo credits:  Montage images:  Dolphins, Sea Life Surveys; Otter, Richard Wells; Puffins, Tim Dawson; Peacock butterfly, Georgia O'Neill

 

Baby dolphin:  Sea Life Surveys

Painted lady butterfly: Tony Ashling

Sea eagle:  Iain Erskine

Red deer stag: Alby Wilson

Limpets & mussels, Baby barn owl, Staffa rocks, Peacock butterfly, Swallows: Georgia O'Neill

Mull & Iona Wild Life Week 8th - 14th May 2010

Your guide to wildlife tour operators across the islands
 

 

EVENTS

SATSUNMONTUEWEDTHUFRI

DAILY EVENTS


Saturday 8th May 2010

Wildlife watching from the Oban Ferry - from 10.30 onwards - courtesy of Caledonian MacBrayne
HWDT and MCS staff will be there on the observation deck (level 4) 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 - Taigh Solais, Tobermory 14.00 - 15.00
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

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Sunday 9th May 2010

 

Take your bike for a hike! – Aros Park, Tobermory 11am – 1.00pm

As part of Wildlife Week, Ewan Baxter of Mull Cycling Club is joining forces with local Ranger, Jan Dunlop to run a fun event for all the family. Cycling skills and wildlife together – please bring your own bikes and helmets.  Suitable for 7 yr olds & upwards.
For further details, contact Jan Dunlop on 01680300640.


Sea Life Surveys – Taigh Solais, Tobermory                                 14.00 – 15.00   
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


Confessions of a Wildlife Crime Officer, Finlay Christine at Taigh Solais, Tobermory, starts 7.30pm
Mull’s very own award winning and newly retired police officer, Finlay, will regale you with stories of how to protect the local wildlife – from eagles to caterpillars - in his own inimitable way.  Not to be missed.

Charge £4 adults £2 children

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Monday 10th May 2010

 

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust – A unique introduction into cetacean research.  A full day (9.30am to 5.00pm) will be spent at sea onboard HWDT’s fully equipped research yacht, The Silurian, learning basic survey techniques and what results studies undertaken have revealed. All food included.  A fantastic opportunity!   
Contact Morven Summers at volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org or call m01688 302620 for more information.      Maximum of 9 people – please book early to avoid disappointment. £70 each.


Trip to the Top – Ardmore Forest (meet at car park)  2 – 4.30pm

Come and join a ranger led walk around the northern most tip of Mull.  The circular walk takes you through the forests of Ardmore and along the rugged coastline. The walk offers the chance to view eagles, seals and coastal and woodland birds and to learn about the local flowers and archaeology.  Please wear sturdy footwear, bring binoculars and waterproof clothing. Numbers are limited to 20 so please book on 01680812377

Grid Reference: NM485 558     Charge: Donations to the Ranger Service.


Supper with the Puffins, Turus Mara - Starts from Ulva Ferry at 5.30pm and returns about 10.00pm.

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.


Sunset Photogrpahy Session, Sam Jones – Leave Tobermory at 7.00pm/ optional pick up at Salen 

An evening of photography at Loch na Keal.  Sam Jones will pick you up in her landrover and take you to Alltna h-Uamha where the sun will be setting behind Eorsa (approx 9.00pm). Numbers are limited to 6, so book early to avoid disappointment.  Back in Tobermory by 10.00pm.

Charge £25 per head.


"Tobermory and the Otter" – 7.30pm for 8.00pm start at An Tobar

Film Preview of a one hour long film by Angus Stewart. The film follows the life of the Tobermory otter during 2009. If you didn't manage to see this remarkable creature last year, this film will show you what all the talk was about. Angus says this is a one off test screening intended for visitors who have come to Mull for the Wildlife Week. He is also keen to get feedback after the showing.

There will be a preview for Mull residents at a later date. A DVD will be available later in the year.

Event sponsored by Sea Life Surveys – call 01688 302916 to book. Entry costs £4 - proceeds to local projects

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Tuesday 11th May 2010

 

Searching for Corncrakes on Iona – Start 10.50 and 1.20 at 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 at 01688 400 415 or 07780 600 367               max 12 people


Seabird Searcher – 9.30am  Full day (up to 7hrs)

Help us search for as many seabirds as we can find, Skuas, Gannets, Eagles, Puffins, Shearwaters, and so many more – Also we will look for whales, dolphins, seals, and many other beasties! Includes island landing (weather permitting, or anchoring if more suitable)

Price £50 adults & £25 children  Book at Sea Life Surveys


Mussel Farm tour and boat trip - Start 5.00pm from Inverlussa Mussels, Inverlussa

The Wilson family run a very successful mussel farm on Loch Spelve and were recently voted “Producer of the best Scottish mussels 2009”.   This boat trip will take you through Loch Spelve and head west along the dramatic and rugged cliff line.  On board, you will find out all about how mussels are harvested in the area and depending on the weather, bring in some lines.  Look out for eagles, seals and dolphins.

Free, but any donations made are welcome.  Book at ticket office - 01680 812 377


Sunset and Standing Stones – Starts at 7.45pm from the coffee shop car park, GlengormSample the 'Mull Magic' experience during a 2-hour guided walk to the Standing Stones at Glengorm, while enjoying exhilarating sunset views over the Isle of Coll from atop the ancient castle at Dun Ara

Free, but numbers limited to 12 - limited free transport available from Tobermory

To book, contact 'Mull Magic' directly by telephoning 01688 301213   


Mull Rocks! - Start 7.30pm, Western Isles Hotel, Tobermory

A talk by Mull geologist James Westland about the many and varied rocks to be found here on Mull.  To be followed by a field trip tomorrow (Weds).

Charge £4 adults £2 children

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Wednesday 12th May

 

The Geology of Mull – From 10.00am to 3.00pm.  Meet at Fionnphort                

A field trip to discover and examine as many rocky outcrops on Mull as you can manage in the time available. With James Westland our island geologist.  Please bring a packed lunch and stout shoes.

Charge £6 adults £3 children             Book at ticket office - 01680 812 377               max 12


A Walk on the Edge (Sound of Mull) – Meet at Fishnish car park 2.00 – 4.00pm

Join the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust  and Jan Dunlop and Abi Wylde of the Ranger Service for a guided walk along the coast from Fishnish to Garmony.  The walk offers fine opportunities to learn about and to see the fine mosaic of wildlife found along the coastline.

Please wear sturdy footwear, bring binoculars and waterproof clothing.

Numbers are limited to 20 so please book at ticket office - 01680812377

Grid Reference: NM640423    Charge: Donations to the Ranger Service


Corncrake Walk – With the RSPB.  Meet 2pm on the slipway Iona. £2 donation

Take a walk around Iona with the RSPB in search of the elusive Corncrake.


Birds of Prey on Mull - An Tobar, Tobermory 7.30 pm
An illustrated talk about the birds of prey on Mull in the company of some of our feathered friends.

With Sue Dewar, Seasonal Countryside Ranger

No charge - donations to the Ranger Service welcome

The Great Mull Bird Race! The Isle of Mull Bird Club - Starts at 10.00am and finishes at 4.00pm

Get your team together and start from wherever you are on the Island at 10.00am and spend the day counting and charting the amount of different bird species that you can find.  Finish at the Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure in time for tea.  Last year we exceeded 100 species.  Can you do better?

Charge £3 for tea and cakes     


Seascapes and Waterfalls Photography Workshop, Sam Jones - Pick up Tobermory at 1.00pm

Sam will commence the afternoon by taking you to her studio at Taigh Solais where you will receive a short tutorial on photographing water.  Thenits off in the landrover to photograph your own seascapes and waterfalls.

Charge - £45 per person. Maximum numbers, 6.

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Thursday 13th May 2010

 

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 at 01 688 400 415 or 07780 600 367               max 12 people


Whales & Dolphins of the Hebrides – HWDT  11am.  Meet at HWDTs visitor centre and shop, no booking required. A walk with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust tryng to spot some of the different cetacean species to be found in the seas around Mull.

Charge £4 adult £2 child - book with HWDT on 01 688 302620


Observing Otters near Craignure – 11.00am – 1.00pm.  Meet at the mini railway at Torosay or Craignure (meeting place dependant on wind direction on the day).  TIC will confirm location on the day.

A guided walk along the coast with Nic Davies, photographer and naturalist.  Nic will show you how to look for otters.  Any money raised will go towards the fund to build a memorial to Elvis the Otter in Tobermory.

Charge £4 adult and £2 child.     Book at the ticket office in Craignure 01680 812377  Max 10 people


Sunset Photography Session, Sam Jones – Leave Tobermory at 7.00pm/ optional pick up at Salen 

An evening of photography at Loch na Keal.  Sam Jones will pick you up in her landrover and take you to Alltna h-Uamha where the sun will be setting behind Eorsa (approx 9.00pm). Numbers are limited to 6, so book early to avoid disappointment.  Back in Tobermory by 10.00pm.

Charge £25 per head.


Stargazing – Starts at 10.00pm.  Meet at the carpark, 3 miles south of Tobermory.

A look at the night sky with James Westland, local Geologist and amateur astronomer.  The focus will be on learning to navigate around the night sky, getting to know the main constellations and planets and things like nebulae, star clusters and galaxies.

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Friday 14th May 2010

 

Full Day Photography Tour – 9.45am start at the Islandscape Studio at Taigh Solais. 
The day will start with a tutorial and then we head out in the Land Rover to visit some photogenic locations around the island. Come and experience some superb views whilst improving your photographic skills. Bring a packed lunch and outdoor gear. We have a small number of tripods and digital SLRs available. £85 per person - only two spaces left.  Call 07747 601900 to book.


An Island Apart – Ulva – Meet at Ulva ferry 10.00am – 1.00pm

The walk starts with a short boat trip to the Isle of Ulva. From there Jan, the Ranger will lead 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. The trip offers the chance admire the wonderful scenery and to learn about the resident wildlife. The walk will end at the Boathouse where you may wish to taste a rewarding strupak (cup of tea and a snack)! Please wear sturdy footwear, bring binoculars and waterproof clothing.

Numbers are limited to 20 so please book on 01680812377. Grid Reference: NM398446


Songbirds and Standing Stones – 1.30pm Meet at the entrance to the Harbour Building, Ledaig car park, Tobermor (finishing time, approx. 4.00pm)

Travel back in time on a journey through Tobermory's past with 'Mull Magic', to the musical accompaniment of bird song.  Enjoy stunning views of the island's principal town and the Sound of Mull from Aros Park, while learning about the park's varied assortment of wildlife. This walk will conclude with a visit to the Bronze Age Standing Stones at Baliscate. Walking boots essential, as paths may be muddy in places.

Free, but numbers limited to 12.  To book, contact 'Mull Magic' directly by telephoning 01688 301213 


Birds of Prey on Mull – Creich Hall, Fionnphort  7.30pm
An illustrated talk about the birds of prey on Mull in the company of some of our feathered friends.
With Sue Dewar, Seasonal Countryside Ranger

No charge - donations to the Ranger Service welcome

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Events taking place every day

             

White-tailed Sea Eagle Viewing Hide - Loch Frisa  Ranger led visits at 10am and 1pm Sunday to Friday.
The first and only White-tailed Sea Eagle viewing hide in the world.  Costs: adult £5, child £2, family discount available.  Booking is essential on 01680 812556.  Please ask for directions to the meeting point when booking.


Cruise on a sailing ship from Tobermory harbour - Start 2.00pm for 3 hrs (not Sun)          

Hebridean Adventure – as seen on 'Coast’.  Enjoy the experience of sailing with no engine sound at all.

Charge  £35 adults £28 children Book direct at 01688 302 916


Organic Farm Tours – Ardalanish farm                                      start 14.00   

Free leaflets guide you around the farm trail weaving its way across the busy organic farm or taking you down to the beach to view the incredible birdlife.  The beach is an area of special scientific interest.  Ardalanish also has its own weaving mill attached with shop and cafe for you to visit.

Free.

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For a printable list of events, just text - no pictures, please click here