North Uist
Empower
Growth
Lochmaddy Old School Environmental Exhibition
Old Lochmaddy School, Lochmaddy, HS6 5AA
Thursday - Saturday all summer, 2pm - 5pm
Hosted by North Uist Development Committee
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The Exhibition is entering its second successful year. The exhibition includes information about the Hebridean Machair, marine wildlife, sustainability and environmental protection. It also includes an extensive geological exhibition of Uist rocks throughout the timeline. Several videos are available in English and Gaelic
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Free. No need to book, just drop in.​
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Contact details: exhibition@isleofnorthuist.com
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RSPB Balranald Reserve Guided Walk
RSPB Balranald Visitor Centre, Balranald, North Uist, HS6 5DL
Tuesday 25th June, 10am
Hosted by RSPB
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Join local RSPB staff for a guided walk around the Balranald Nature Reserve to find out about the wildlife and conservation work undertaken on the reserve.
With sweeping sandy beaches, craggy foreshore, wind-sculpted sand dunes and wildflower-rich grassland called machair, Balranald is home to many species of wildlife including corncrakes, lapwings and other waders. This is an easy walk and suitable for all. You may wish to bring water, binoculars and a camera. Suitable weatherproof clothing and footwear is recommended in case of inclement weather.
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As some of the walk is over uneven ground it may not be suitable for 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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Wildlife photography and film workshop
RSPB Balranald Visitor Centre, Balranald, North Uist, HS6 5DL
Monday 24th - Friday 28th June, 1pm - 4pm
Hosted by Eleanor Hamilton
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Join wildlife filmmaker Eleanor Hamilton for an afternoon workshop on her favourite nature reserve in the UK. Throughout this session, Eleanor will guide you through a range of aspects of wildlife photography and filmmaking, tailoring each session to your interests and abilities. All abilities are welcome, so whether you have never picked up a camera before, or you’re looking to improve your skills, Balranald is the perfect place to be immersed in the natural world.
Many species of bird nest on this reserve including Arctic tern, lapwing and the elusive corncrake, which were all featured in Eleanor’s first documentary ‘Life on the Machair’. She has since gone on to work on numerous programmes including BBC Springwatch and David Attenborough’s Wild Isles series.
Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras if they have them, but there will also be the opportunity to use Eleanor’s equipment during the session.
Each workshop will be limited to 4 people, minimising disturbance to wildlife and ensuring all participants benefit from the session.
This event is suitable for adults and children.
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Basic level of physical fitness required - we may be walking 2-3 miles over uneven terrain. Participants must be aged 12 or over, under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring waterproof clothing, snacks and water. Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras if they have them.
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Cost: £40
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To book, please email: ea.hamilton@icloud.com
​Image (c) Eleanor Hamilton
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RSPB Land of Otters Guided Walk
Langass Lodge, Langass, North Uist, HS6 5HA.
Wednesday 26th June, 10am - 1pm
Hosted by Martyn Jamieson, RSPB
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Join Martyn Jamieson from the RSPB on a guided walk around some otter areas. Learn more about these fascinating animals and where they call home.
The walk is 2 miles long over rough and wet ground along a hillside trail. Stout footwear and weatherproof clothing is recommended. Not suitable for those with mobility restrictions. The walk can take between 2-3 hours. You may wish to take water, binoculars or a camera with you.
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Meet at the lodge car park.
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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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Empower
Growth
Listening and Looking (Out) for Whales through Art, Music, and Science
Taigh Chearsabhagh, North Uist
Wednesday 26th June, 7pm - 8:30pm
Hosted by Natalie Sinclair (Marine Biologist), Sam Gare (Artist) and Alex South (Musician/Researcher)
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How do we listen and look(out) for whales? Join us as we dive into this question through Art, Music, and Science.
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Part1: Songs of the Scottish Humpbacks: Unlocking the Secrets of Whale Communication in the Outer Hebrides
Marine Biologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr Natalie Sinclair will share her analysis of humpback whale songs recorded off the coast of the Outer Hebrides – the first such study conducted in Scottish waters in collaboration with Marine Scotland, SAMS and the University of St Andrews. The presentation will delve into the world of whale communication, highlighting the significance of these songs for conservation efforts."
Part 2: Keening; The song of the stranding
Artist Sam Gare, and Musician/Researcher Alex South will introduce their upcoming work responding to the mass stranding of 55 long-finned pilot whales that occurred at North Tolsta in July 2023. Sam will describe how art can be a powerful tool to share stories of our natural world, offer a place to come together and help to process complex emotions. Alex will talk about how his ‘multispecies musicking’ is shaped by the sounds and structures of the vocalisations of other animals, including humpback and pilot whales.
The talks will be followed by a Q&A.
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Suitable for all. Wheelchair accessible venue.
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Free. Booking essential: https://www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org/events/songs-of-the-scottish-humpbacks-unlocking-the-secrets-of-whale-communication-in-the-outer-hebrides/
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