Barra & Vatersay
Empower
Growth
Bumblebees in the Gàradh
Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath, Barra
Monday 23rd June, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Hosted by Bumblebee Conservation Trust
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Join Katy Malone from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for a gentle stroll around the Gàradh to learn about bumblebees, how to identify the different species, and chat about pollinator-friendly gardening.
Optionally, stay on at the Gàradh cafe afterwards to have more of a blether over lunch (lunch not provided).
Free of charge (donations welcome, to be split between the Gàradh and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust)
No booking required – just turn up on the day.
Suitability & Accessibility:
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Suitable for ages 9–99
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Accessible to those with limited mobility
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Indoor space available in case of bad weather
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Please dress appropriately for the weather
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Empower
Growth
Barra Birdies
UHI Barra Learning Centre, Large Room
Tuesday 24th June, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Hosted by Katy Malone
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Join keen crafter Katy Malone for a fun and hands-on paper clay workshop, where you'll make and decorate your very own Barra Birdie to take home.
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Learn how to create a simple flying bird armature using a toilet roll inner, and build it up using a sculptable type of paper mache called paper clay. Explore why birds have different beaks, wings, and body shapes—and then get creative decorating your bird with vibrant decoupage papers or acrylic paints. Suitable for all experience levels!
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Booking is essential – limited to 12 participants.
To book, please email Katy directly at kjmalone9009@yahoo.com.
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Suggested donation of £25 to cover costs (payable by BACS or cash).
Please pay what you can afford.
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Empower
Growth
Cuairt Cainnt na h-Eoin / The Language of Birds Walk
Cille Bharra, Eoligarry, Barra HS9 5YD
Friday, 27th June, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hosted by Shona MacLellan, RSPB
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Join Shona MacLellan from the RSPB to spot local birds and learn more about the Gaelic names of birds in the Outer Hebrides and what those names can tell us about them.
During this walk participants could see or hear a wide range of species from corncrake, redshank, sedge warbler and terns. This workshop will be delivered bilingually and all Gaelic speaking abilities is welcome.
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Suitable for adults and children eight and over. Stout footwear and waterproof clothing recommended for inclement weather. You may wish to bring water, binoculars and a camera. Although the walk is on even ground mostly, the length of the walk may challenge those with limited mobility.
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Free. No need to book, just turn up.
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Contact details: outerhebrides@rspb.org.uk​
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Image (c) Lorne Gill / NatureScot
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Empower
Growth
Bumblebee Safari on the Machair
Meet next to Vatersay Hall Café carpark, Isle of Vatersay
Friday 27th June 2025, 14:00 – 16:00
Hosted by Barra & Vatersay Outdoor Rangers Service
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Join Barra resident Kirsty Marshall, Seasonal Ranger for the Barra & Vatersay Outdoor Rangers Service, along with visiting expert Katy Malone, Conservation Projects Manager for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, for a guided walk along the machair.
We will explore this unique habitat and look for species of bumblebee – including the rare Great Yellow and Moss Carder bumblebees – learning about their lifecycle, needs, and identifying their favourite wildflowers.
The Great Yellow bumblebee, once widespread across the UK, can now only be found in the north of mainland Scotland, Orkney, and some Hebridean islands.
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Free - Donations Welcome
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Booking not required
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Suitability / Accessibility:
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Slow-paced walk on uneven grassland for up to 1 hour 30 minutes
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Option to shorten the walk for those who prefer
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Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult
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Supportive footwear recommended
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Beach Clean for Nature
Bagh nan Clach, below Dun Scurrival, Eoligarry, Isle of Barra, HS9 5YE
Saturday 28th June 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hosted by Barra & Vatersay Outdoor Rangers Service
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Please join Kirsty, Seasonal Ranger for the Barra & Vatersay Outdoor Rangers Service, to help our wildlife by removing debris from the shoreline.
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Ask Kirsty if you would like to learn more about how this helps.
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Free. No need to book, just turn up.
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What to Bring:
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Warm and waterproof clothing
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Any personal medication (attendees are responsible for their own needs)
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Optional: personal protective gloves
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Refuse bags and litter pickers will be provided
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The beach consists mainly of slippery boulders – sturdy, supportive footwear is essential
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Contact details: ​
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Website: www.barravatersayranger.com
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Telephone: +44 (0)1871 817948
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