Aigas NewsWildlife update: Spring is getting here at last!
06 April 2008
Well its all starting to happen here at last! Finally signs of spring are showing and the longer days are giving us much greater wildlife-watching opportunities. The first of the seasons groups did well, pushing our first beaver-sighting of the year back by a full month to mid-march! They also did well with the birds, seeing a beautiful black-throated diver in full breeding plumage, both crested tits and crossbills, and huge rafts of sea ducks like long-tails and scoters too. The pine martens and badgers have been performing well for us, and there is evidence that the otters are in on the loch. A recently purchased "stealth-cam" should help us unravel even more about the wildlife around the grounds. Stay tuned to Phil's wildlife diary for more news. |
Eagles and Otters galore!
21 February 2008
The Aigas ranger team has just returned from an action-packed 3-day tour of the West coast and Skye. The weather was absolutely glorious and the scenery breathtaking. But for us wildlife-enthusiasts the unrivalled highlights were the close encounters with otters, golden eagles and sea eagles. During the trip we spotted no less than 5 different otters in 3 different locations on the west coast and on the misty isle itself. Not to be outdone the eagles put in a good showing too. We spotted a fine sea eagle over on the west coast and even managed to make out its wing tag number. This was followed by no less than 8 golden eagle sightings the next day, including one very close and a pair copulating on a distant rocky perch. Add in all the Great Northern, black-throated and red-throated divers and it proved to to be one of the best trips ever. Stay tuned to Phil's wildlife diary for further updates on local wildlife sightings! |
More Aigas Wildlife Dates Added!
01 February 2008
We are really pleased to now offer even more of the famous Aigas Wildlife Weeks. The new wildlife weeks will run during June 7th - 14th, June 14th - 21st, July 5th - 12th, July 12th - 19th, September 13th - 20th and September 20th - 27th. In addition we will be running "The Aigas Experience" during the weeks of August 9th - 16th, August 16th - 23rd, August 23rd - 30th, August 30th - September 6th. This is a programme ideal for the all-rounder. Join us in 2008 for an action-packed week of wildlife watching, stunning scenery, gentle walks and good company! |
Big Garden Birdwatch Results
30 January 2008
Did you manage to count your garden birds for the RSPB over the weekend? Our Staff Naturalist, Phil Knott was out counting the birds in the Aigas grounds and here's what he found:
Greenfinch 18, Chaffinch 31, Blackbird 4, Mistle thrush 1, Treecreeper 1, Coal tit 9, Blue tit 8, Great tit 5, Siskin 14, Goldfinch 6, Buzzard 1, Rook 19, Robin 3, Dunnock 2, Wren 2, Redwing 3, Crossbill 3. How does this compare to the results you got for your garden? The results of the survey provide the RSPB with valuable data about the state of our garden birds. Don't forget to submit your results to the RSPB by following the link below. |
Join RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch!
17 January 2008
Its January and its time for RSPB's annual garden bird survey - the Big Garden Birdwatch. This year the survey will be conducted over the weekend of 26th and 27th January and you can do it from the comfort of your own home, it only takes an hour! Visit the website below for full instructions and then take your seats for the action...how many birds will you count? Check out Phil's wildlife diary for the results from Aigas. |
New 2008 Aigas Wildlife Dates Added!
17 January 2008
Due to the popularity of our famous Aigas Wildlife Weeks we've squeezed a few more dates into the 2008 calendar. We will now be running Aigas Wildlife Weeks from 5th - 12th April 2008 and from 19th - 26th April 2008. In addition we've managed to open up a few more spaces on the Wild Animals week 31st May - 7th June. Finally we are offering an extension to our Monarchs of the Glen 2 programme 11th - 15th October to include another three wildlife watching days departing 18th October, the total cost for this extended programme will be £630 per person. Follow the link below to go to the ready-made holidays calendar to check for latest availibility on all our holidays. |
 Aigas on Christmas TV!
14 December 2007
We've finally received confirmation that Johnny Kingdom's Christmas special will air on BBC2 on Friday 28th December at 8pm. The programme will feature Johnny helping us build our beaver hide and will showcase some of our finest wildlife including otters, ospreys, beavers, red deer and pine martens. Also look out for the Lister-Kayes travelling to Exmoor to spend time with Johnny on his own patch! You can read more about this programme in the Christmas Edition of the Radio Times. |
Shetland 4th best Island!
09 November 2007
Shetland has been voted the fourth most desirable island destination in the world in a survey by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine, beating Hawaii and Bali! The survey was conducted by a panel of 522 experts in the field of sustainable tourism. Here is what one of the experts had to say about Shetland:
"These islands have got everything 'with bells on': spectacular sea cliffs; pristine beaches; fascinating geology; over a million breeding seabirds; the highest density of otters in Europe; regular sightings of killer whales; and superb displays of rare sub-Arctic flora." Why not join our Shetland trip in 2008 to see for yourself! The Isle of Skye also scored highly on the list, coming in just two places below Shetland at 6. One panellist noted that it "Combines dramatic mountain and coastal scenery with a vibrant cultural and social scene, and the resurgence of the Gaelic language is a beacon of hope for threatened languages and cultures." You can read some of the article on-line by following the link below.
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Jobs at Aigas
08 November 2007
Yes its that time of year again, already! Our recruitment campaign for the 2008 season is officially underway and the search for our 2008 ranger team has begun. In 2007, Michael, Rosalind, Ian and Donald went through the rigours of the ranger training programme and came out on top. Who will emerge to take on the challenge in 2008? If you are interested in working as a ranger or education officer at Aigas visit the Job opportunities page now to see how you can become part of the team next year. Good luck! |
BBC Autumnwatch returns
05 November 2007
Yes its that time of year again when Bill Oddie, Kate Humble, Simon King and the rest of the Autumnwatch team return to grace our screens with fascinating insights into the worlds of our animals and plants. This years Autumnwatch will be based at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trusts Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Lancashire. The programme will be broadcast from November 5th to 15th, Monday to Thursday at 8pm on BBC2. Look out for some of our favourite Scottish wildlife such as red deer, red squirrels and pine marten! |
See Aigas on TV again!
16 October 2007
If you would like to learn more about Aigas and what we do, you can see us on Horse & Country TV (Sky Channel 280) on Sunday 21st October 2007 at 20:30. The hour-long programme entitled "Aigas - A Highland Wonder" includes a discussion with Sir John about his work and follows Aigas groups out in the field. |
Aigas Telegraph Article!
23 August 2007
Look out for a feature article about Aigas Field Centre in the Telegraph Travel Supplement this Saturday 25th August. The article was researched and written by celebrated wildlife/travel journalist Brian Jackman and is the result of a visit Brian made to the centre in April. If you can't make it to the newsagent on Saturday then dont worry you'll also be able to read the article on-line by following the link below. The on-line version will be accompanied by a library of stunning wildlife images. |
 Aigas Friend Gets RSPB Medal
23 August 2007
We are delighted to announce that Aigas friend and world Golden Eagle expert, Dr Jeff Watson was today honoured with the highly prestigious RSPB Medal for his outstanding contribution to conservation ornithology. Field Centre Director, Sir John Lister-Kaye who represented the RSPB at the award ceremony today said “A whole generation of wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists hold Jeff’s definitive work The Golden Eagle published by Poyser in 1997 to be a milestone in Highland natural history. Following in the footsteps of H.B. Macpherson, Seton Gordon, Leslie Brown and Adam Watson, Jeff Watson is the recognized authority on golden eagles across the world. This medal is richly deserved.” In response to the RSPB citation Jeff Watson said, “It is an extraordinary honour and a privilege to receive such profound appreciation from the RSPB. As a conservation ornithologist I owe a huge debt to the way the Society has expanded global knowledge of bird conservation. RSPB must never underestimate the importance of its leadership to us honest foot soldiers beavering away in the woods.”
In addition to being Regional Director of Scottish Natural Heritage for the Highlands, Jeff has also been a regular lecturer at Aigas Field Centre and has led many golden eagle expeditions in the field. He is a regular and very popular contributor to the annual Aigas Ranger Training Scheme. Field Centre staff are delighted that Jeff has received this recognition for his work and join with Sir John in extending their warmest congratulations to Jeff.
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 2008 Aigas Brochure Launched
21 August 2007
We are delighted to announce the publication of our new 2008 brochure. Following on from the success of the 2007 brochure, the new brochure contains feature articles including "The return of the red kite" by Roy Dennis MBE, "Watching Golden Eagles" by Dr Jeff Watson, "The Wildcat" by Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE and more! The brochure is full of beautiful photographs by Laurie Campbell, Chris Gomersall and Aigas staff and guests. Also included is a tribute to Aigas friend the late Magnus Magnusson as well as profiles of staff and colleagues. In 2008 we are once again offering the Scottish Islands Cruises which sail to some of the most remote islands in Britain, including St Kilda. We will again be visiting Orkney and Shetland and will be delivering six more of our popular Aigas Wildlife weeks. In 2008 we are running an all-new generalist programme called "Highland House Party" which includes wildlife, history, archaeology, geology and much more! If you are already on our mailing list you should receive your new brochure in the next few days...if not simply click on the link below! |
2008 dates revealed!
07 August 2007
Dates for 2008 Aigas holidays have just been released so you can now start booking next years holiday! In 2008 we will be running 6 more of the Aigas Wildlife weeks which have proved so popular this year. We have added another Spring Birds week and are running an all-new programme entitled "Highland House Party" which includes some of the best bits from our wildlife and history programmes. The launch of these dates on our website will be followed shortly by the publication of our 2008 brochure which we'll start mailing out to you during the next few weeks. |
Visit Aigas at the Bird Fair 17-19th August 2007
06 August 2007
Aigas will once again be exhibiting at the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water this year from Friday August 17th to Sunday August 19th. Sir John and the team will be there with our all new 2008 brochure, books and prize draws so come and visit us in our usual place - Marquee 1, stands 43 & 44. If you're interested in wildlife watching this is one event not to be missed - see you there! |
Watch Aigas on H & C TV!
07 July 2007
At 19:30 on Sunday 8th July, Aigas will be broadcast on Horse & Country TV, Sky channel 295. The one hour programme entitled "Aigas: A Highland Wonder" will focus on Sir John Lister-Kaye and will feature Aigas and all its staff in action. The programme which was shot over the last few months will also feature some of our best wildlife sights. Aigas: A Highland wonder will be repeated during the week of July 9th - 15th so if you miss it on Sunday you'' have another opportunity to tune in. |
Kingdom Comes Back!
07 July 2007
This week we will be welcoming back TV star and Aigas friend Johnny Kingdom. Johnny and his production team from Available Light are returning to try out the fantastic beavre hide which they helped us build back in February. They'll also be hoping to capture our beavers on camera. Stay tuned to Johnny Kingdom's diary page for the latest updates on his progress |
 Sea Eagle podcast launched!
25 June 2007
Have you heard the exciting news that the East Scotland Sea Eagle Project has just received its first shipment of sea eagle chicks destined for release on the East coast of Scotland this summer? You can now listen to the latest Aigas podcast by Senior Education Officer Morag Smart on the biology and ecology of the White-tailed Sea Eagle by visiting the Aigas podcast page. These magnificent birds, sometimes described as flying barn doors are certainly one of the highlights of wildlife watching in the Highlands of Scotland. Stay tuned to Phil's Wildlife diary for the latest news on eagle sightings in the Highlands.Click here to listen |
 BBC's Springwatch Returns!
21 May 2007
On Monday 28th May BBC's huge wildlife bonanza returns to our screens in the form of Springwatch 2007. Presenters Bill Oddie & Kate Humble will report from The Devon Farm with stories of kingfishers, great spotted woodpeckers, pied flycatchers, badgers and more!Simon King will report from the west coast island of Islay where he'll be watching golden eagles, choughs, corncrakes and grey seals. Who'll be the star of this years show? Aigas will be joining in the party with Springwatch features on beavers and pine martens appearing on Cbeebies and CBBC. Stay tuned! |
Hear the Osprey song!
17 May 2007
You can now listen to the life history of the osprey in the form of a tuneful song by Aigas ranger Donald Shields. In the second of our wildlife-based podcasts, local boy Donald has really raised the stakes by picking up his guitar and taking to the recording studio to present interesting facts about this iconic bird in a melodious, self-penned song complete with Osprey sound effects. You can listen to the song by visiting the Aigas podcast page. Follow the link below then search for "Aigas" for the latest podcasts. Stay tuned for the next episode!! |
 Bill Oddie visits Aigas!
17 May 2007
Its been all go here at Aigas over the past few weeks with great wildlife sightings all over the Highlands. We've also been playing host to TV wildlife presenter Bill Oddie and his film crew who have been working at Aigas for the past week. They have filmed seals, dolphins, pine martens, dippers, dragonflies and many other exciting wildlife species during their stay. On Friday 11th May Bill Oddie planted a rowan tree to mark the Centre’s 30th birthday. Bill said “lovely scenery, lovely wildlife, lovely food & lovely people. Aigas is literally another – and better! – world. A place to celebrate life.” The footage will feature as part of Bill's new series "The Seriously Wild Show". |
 Aigas podcasts launched!
29 April 2007
We are pleased to announce that visitors can now learn more about the biology and ecology of some of Scotland's iconic species by listening to a series of podcasts produced by the Aigas ranger team. The very first podcast, bottlenose dolphins by Ian Sargent, has been released to coincide with our first sightings of dolphins in the Moray Firth this season. You can download this podcast to your computer, ipod or MP3 player by visiting the site below and searching for Aigas. The podcast should appear on iTunes soon too. Stay tuned for further podcasts covering more of our favourite wildlife such as badgers, osprey, otters, golden eagle, capercaillie and pine marten. |
A perfect morning?
27 April 2007
I (Ieuan) awoke early this morning, it must have been about 4.30am, so I decided to take a walk up to the loch to listen to the dawn chorus. It was a beautiful morning and the loch was shrouded in a swirling mist. The chorus was wonderful - song thrush, blackbird, willow warbler, chiff chaff, chaffinch, robin...all the regulars were there. Then at 5.30am I spotted a beaver swimming across the loch towards me - it was Willow our beaver kit. He came within 20 feet of the hide and started diving then resurfacing with water lilly rhizomes. For nearly 20 minutes in the growing light I sat and enjoyed fantastic close views of the beaver as it breakfasted on the tasty snacks. Finally at about 5.50am it swam back across the loch to its lodge and I made my way down to the house to meet JLK and journalist Brian Jackman and wife Annabelle. We headed straight down to the Beauly Firth where on this beautiful still morning at 6.30am we were rewarded with breath-taking views of three otters catching eels and flatfish just off the shore. We even witnessed an encounter between the otters and a rather territorial mute swan cobb. We watched for 45 minutes as the otters produced what seemed to be an endless supply of eels. At 7.15am we decided to try our luck at Chanonry Point and on reaching there Brian immediately spotted a dolphin off-shore which soon joined the bow-wave of a passing ship. Three red-throated divers later and we were heading home - I got back at 8.30am having seen a beaver, three otters and a bottlenose dolphin - not a bad start to the day eh!? |
Highland Wildlife News Bulletin!
18 April 2007
With our Spring Birdwatching programme over and this season's first Aigas Wildlife Week at half-way point its time for a wildlife update. Its been non-stop over the last two weeks as spring has sprung in the Highlands. So far we've had some absolutely fantastic views of returning, nest-building and even mating ospreys, breath-taking golden eagle display flights, a peregrine falcon snatching a redshank at very close quarters at RSPB Nigg Bay, and superb views of lekking black grouse at RSPB Corrimony. Slavonian Grebes at RSPB Loch Ruthven and on the Cromarty Firth are in their full splendid breeding plumage, we've seen great northern divers in winter, spring and summer plumage and had some great views of wild capercaillie at RSPB Abernethy. Stoats have turned up in both semi-ermine and full summer coats, the red deer stags are either antler-less or already growing their next set and roe bucks are in full velvet. Dolphins have been seen at Chanonry Point, salmon have started their spring run and otters have been spotted on the Moray Firth. Swallows, house martins and sand martins are back and lesser celandines, wood anemones and dog violets are in full bloom - its all happening here at last! |
The Ospreys are back!
14 April 2007
After a very long winter, the ospreys have finally returned to the Highlands of Scotland. We recorded our first views during the past week, 9th - 13th April. This is one of the first signs of spring for us and the local opsreys have already formed a pair and have been seen mating over the past few days. Morag Smart, our Senior Education Officer was rewarded on an early morning visit to the loch with a fishing osprey. Stay tuned to Phil's wildlife diary for the latest Opsrey sightings and news. |
Osprey sightings reported!
31 March 2007
Today we received the first reports that Ospreys are on the move North into the Highlands. At last they are nearing the end of their mammoth journey from their wintering grounds in North and West Africa to Scotland. We are expecting the first of our Ospreys to return to their breeding sites in the next few days and start the process of pairing up and nest building. We have received reports that Ospreys have been spotted on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st March in the Inverness area. This is a true sign that spring is on its way and we'll be paying regular visits to our new loch-side beaver hide, hoping for our first glimpses of fishing ospreys. The weather is glorious at the moment and this will surely speed their arrival. Stay tuned to the Aigas website for the very latest news on Osprey arrivals. |
 Otters on the Aigas loch!
27 March 2007
Over the past few days we have been witnessing the annual toad massacre on the Aigas loch. Our local otters have been visiting daily to capitalize on the toad gathering which is currently underway. The otters seem to love eating toads and the evidence is scattered all around the loch. The otters tend to eat the rear legs but discard the front end which contains poison glands located just behind the eyes. During the toad feast, otter scats look very different, being full of tiny toad bones. So if you come across a mass of half-eaten toads over the next few weeks you may well have happened upon an otter feeding place – look out for them at dawn and dusk, and stay tuned to our wildlife diary for the latest sightings from Aigas. |
 First beaver sightings of 2007!
26 March 2007
At last, the clocks have gone forward, the days are lengthening and things are stirring at the Aigas loch! Over the past week we have experienced our very first natural light beaver sightings of 2007. On recent beaver watches we have seen last years kit Willow swimming across to a feeding station on the far edge of the loch and sitting on the shore feeding. Beaver diarist Jenny Grant said "It is so exciting to see the beavers again after so long! Over the next few weeks we'll be watching carefully to try to work out whether or not to expect more new arrivals this year." Stay tuned to Jenny's 2007 beaver diary for the very latest beaver news. |
 More superb wildlife sightings for the new Aigas Ranger team
23 March 2007
Our new staff team have been continuing to unearth some of the finest wildlife the Highlands have to offer. Notable recent excurions to the west coast have turned up otter, white-tailed eagle (sea eagle), black-throated diver, great northern diver & slavonian grebe, whilst closer to home we've had great success with pine marten, badger, beaver, peregrine & displaying red kites. There's no sign of our ospreys yet but todays warmer weather should help them on their way here. Stay tuned to Phil's Wildlife Diary and Jenny's beaver diary for the latest wildlife news. |
 2007 Ranger Training off to a flying start!
03 March 2007
The Aigas Ranger Training Scheme has got off to a great start with visits from guest leaders/lecturers Dr Kevin Jones (beavers), Dr. Jeff Watson (Golden Eagles), Tim Clifford (woodland), Charlie Philips (Dolphins), Robin Noble (Archaeology & History, Geology & Geomorphology) & Elaine Rainey (Badgers) as well as modules from Sir John Lister-Kaye and our own core staff team. Despite the changeable weather, a recent visit to Skye proved particularly productive yielding beautiful views of otters on the West Coast and on Skye itself, great views of white-tailed or sea eagles and several good Golden Eagle sightings too. In the week ahead rangers will begin training for delivering environmental education to school groups, delve deeper into the archaeology & history of the Highlands with Robin Noble and brush up on their botanical knowledge with Jonathan Willet. Stay tuned to the Aigas Wildlife diary for further updates on recent wildlife sightings! |
 1986 rangers reunite!
03 March 2007
Last weekend we were delighted to welcome back Aigas rangers from the class of 1986. The field staff from that year came back to Aigas for a reunion weekend of walking and reminiscing. Their time at Aigas certainly seems to have given this group a firm step up on the career ladder. The team that year consisted of Robin Noble (Manager) now a freelance lecturer, group leader, consultant and author; Colin McLeod (seasonal Ranger), now Data Custodian for Scottish Natural Heritage; Mike Pollard (Seasonal Ranger) now Reserves Manager (Midlands) for RSPB; Dave Sexton (Field Officer) now RSPB Officer for Mull; and Sue Mackenzie (seasonal Ranger) now Education Officer for the Highlands and Islands for the National Trust for Scotland. |
Scottish Badgers Training Day at Aigas
03 March 2007
On Saturday 3rd March Aigas opened its doors to volunteers for the Scottish Badgers Distribution Survey. The training session, led by Survey Coordinator Elaine Rainey, was well attended with more than 25 people from across the Highlands and Islands participating. Volunteers were given a comprehensive overview of badger biology and ecology before going out to look at tracks and signs of badger activity. This training session was aimed at preparing volunteers for participating in the Scottish Badger Distribution Survey which will begin later this year. Dr Ieuan Evans, Aigas Field Officer said that “we are delighted to be collaborating with Scottish Badgers on this project which involves the local community and will give us a deeper insight into the Scottish badger population”.
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 National Nest Box Week - Think about the birds this Valentine's day!
08 February 2007
February 14th – February 21st is National Nest Box week in the UK and to celebrate, we at Aigas will be busy building and erecting more nest boxes than ever before. National nest box week is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and aims to encourage everybody to put up nest boxes to help British birds. The field centre has an active programme of conservation which includes installing and monitoring more than 100 different nest boxes around the estate. Staff Naturalist Philip Knott has been busy making boxes for all kinds of birds from blue tits to barn owls. To complement our nest box scheme we have just launched a new section on our website which will provide ideas on how to encourage birds and other wildlife in your garden. |
 Kingdom come! BBC wildlife star Johnny Kingdom at Aigas.
05 February 2007
Aigas has once again been playing host to a BBC wildlife presenter and their film crew. Johnny Kingdom has been here helping centre staff to build a new beaver watching hide and filming local wildlife. The week-long visit has been organised by Mr Kingdom’s producer Wendy McLean from production company Available Light. The team will return to Aigas to film in the summer and autumn and the finished sequences will form part of Mr Kingdom’s hour-long Christmas special on BBC TWO to be screened this December. Sir John Lister-Kaye, Aigas director described the visit as “…an outstanding success, Johnny Kingdom and his team are consummate professionals and such fun to have around, we are already looking forward to their return". You can read a diary of Johnny's visit by following the link below, and we'll be giving away signed copies of his book - stay tuned for more details! |
 Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Staff Visit Aigas
29 January 2007
Aigas was delighted to welcome the staff of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) for a tour of the estate today, Monday 29th January 2007. 12 WDCS staff were treated to an introductory talk on the Aigas beaver project by Director Sir John Lister-Kaye before going on a guided walk with beaver diarist Jenny Grant. Staff Naturalist Phil Knott then took over and showed the group our capercaillie who is coming into strong breeding condition. At Aigas we strive to build strong working relationships with similar-minded conservation organisations from the local area and the WDCS Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay certainly fits the bill. The staff were extremely inquisitive and enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. |
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Aigas Results
29 January 2007
Did you get involved with the RSPBs Big Garden Birdwatch over the weekend? As promised here are the results from the Loch Cottage garden at Aigas:Coal tit 1
Great tit 1
Robin 1
Chaffinch 50
Yellowhammer 4 Meanwhile, over on the Black Isle, Kay recorded the following in her garden: Great tit 6
Bullfinch 2
Blue tit 1
Dunnock 1 How does this compare to your results? Don’t forget to submit your record to the RSPB by February 19th! |
RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend!
22 January 2007
This weekend why not take part in the world's biggest bird survey and help British birds. The RSPB is running its annual Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday 27th January and Sunday 28th January. Everyone can take part, all it takes is one hour and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Click on the link below to visit the excellent website where you can read the instructions, learn how to identify common birds and download a recording sheet. Last year a record 470,000 people took part. The records provide the RSPB with a vital snapshot of how Britain's birds are doing each winter. Even Kate Humble is getting involved. So go on, give it a go. We'll be doing a survey here at Aigas and we'll post our results here on the website so you can compare your findings. |
 Aigas Pine Martens still going strong!
15 January 2007
Did you read the recent BBC Wildlife article about Pine Martens by Johnny Brinks and John Messenger? If so you may have seen the link to Aigas in the “where to watch pine martens” section. We have a family of three pine martens regularly visiting the feeding station at our hide and several more patrolling the grounds around our cabins. As reported in the excellent article, during December and January, activity levels of the pine martens drop right down as they try to conserve their energy for keeping warm. Nevertheless, we still keep an eye on them. We now have an infra-red camera trained on the feeding station which allows us to monitor the activity of both the badgers and pine martens during the short days of the Highland winter. We keep a daily record and are pleased to report that all are well, probably helped considerably by the unseasonable mild (and wet!) weather. We are currently building and erecting new pine marten nest boxes around the estate in an effort to encourage them to breed nearby. To visit the pine marten page where you can watch some video footage of these charming mammals simply follow the link below. |
Autumnwatch and Springwatch at Aigas.
04 October 2006
If you've been watching the BBC's fantastic new wildlife programmes and wondering how you can see some of the wonderful wildlife Kate Humble and co have been reporting on then you've come to the right place. During spring of 2006, we had otters and ospreys regularly visiting our loch, peregrine falcons and golden eagles nesting locally, sea eagles on the coast, badgers and pine martens visiting our hide...and of course the beavers! In the aumtumn, you don't have to go all the way to Rum to see red deer stags rutting - they can be seen all over the Highlands and our Monarchs of the Glen programme focuses on this fascintaing phenomenon. There are ducks and geese too - in their thousands as they arrive to winter on the nearby Moray Firth. And the bagder and pine martens have been particularly busy of late - building up fat deposits and finding mates before the winter. Join us in spring, summer or autumn for your very own wildlife encounters! |
 BBC's Autumnwatch begins!
04 October 2006
Following the huge success of BBC's Springwatch, the trusty trio of Bill Oddie, Kate Humble and Simon King have returned to our screens for a new programme which charts the arrival of autumn. On Rum, Simon King will be reporting on the Red deer rut which must surely rank as one of the most spectacular wildlife sights in Europe. Gordon Buchanan has found somewhere even remoter and is bringing us footage of grey seals pupping on the Monarch Isles while Bill and Kate keep us entertained with other fabulous wildlife sightings from closer to home. We have been doing our very own Autumnwatch, with guests on our recent Monarchs of the Glen programme hearing their first roaring stag on Monday 25th September. |
New Aigas 2007 Brochure Launched!
21 August 2006
Aigas is delighted to announce the launch of our special 30th birthday 2007 brochure. As well as details of all our fantastic holidays in the Highlands of Scotland, the anniversary brochure contains articles and features on some of the Highlands most iconic wildlife. There is even a natural history crossword to test your general knowledge! For your copy of the brochure everyone is talking about simply complete an enquiry form online, email us at info@aigas.co.uk, or call our brochure hotline (01463) 782443. |
Aigas beavers star with Kate Humble on BBC1!
21 August 2006
The Aigas beavers featured prominently on BBC1's new programme "The One Show" on Wednesday 16th August. The programme showed John Lister-Kaye helping wildlife presenter Kate Humble get to grips with the ecology of the beaver before setting off in search of the beaver family on the loch. The skilled BBC crew were able to get some great footage of the beavers swimming and feeding. At the end of the feature Kate is heard saying "I just can’t tear myself away"! Read more about the One Show feature here: |
 Legend Magnus Magnusson visits Aigas.
04 August 2006
We were lucky enough to have the company of legendary broadcaster, author and conservationist, Magnus Magnusson KBE at Aigas on 28th & 29th July. Magnus was here to help us host a large party of Icelandic Forest Farmers who were visiting the Highlands to learn about ecological restoration. Magnus, whose wonderful book The Nature of Scotland is standard reading for our new rangers, left a message of congratulations for us...“Congratulations to Aigas – 30 years old and going stronger than ever. I always think of it as an enchanting and enchanted earthly blend of the Buddhist Shangri-La and the Celtic Tir-nan-Og, the Land of the Ever Young.”
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 Aigas joins forces with Swarovski Optik UK.
04 August 2006
We are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with the formidable force of Swarovski Optik UK to deliver the very best in wildlife viewing opportunities. Thanks to a very generous donation from Swarovski UK, Aigas staff will be carrying the finest binoculars and telescopes during all of our excursions. John Brinkley,
Managing Director Swarovski Optik UK said: “The very best wildlife encounters need the very best optics. Swarovski is delighted to work with Aigas, Scotland’s celebrated nature centre, in your 30th year. We are collaborating to help you deliver outstanding wildlife experiences to all your guests.”
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 Kate Humble and BBC crew film Aigas beavers!
23 July 2006
John and the rest of the Aigas team were delighted to welcome Kate Humble, her producer/director Ingrid Kvale and their flim crew to Aigas on Friday 21st July 2006 to try to capture our beaver family on film. After a whistle-stop tour led by John the crew set up camp on the pond-dipping platform, just metres from one of the beavers’ favourite feeding sites. With beaver diary keeper Jenny Grant strategically placed in the hide with Staff Naturalist Glen Campbell, armed with telescopes and mobile phones the crew waited with baited breath to see if their audacious camera location would work. Read about how the filming went in Jenny’s beaver diary. |
 Joanna Lumley and John Lister-Kaye all smiles at joint graduation!
01 July 2006
Sir John Lister-Kaye and Joanna Lumley were all smiles on Thursday June 22nd as they both collected honorary doctorates from St. Andrews University. Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE received an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his personal and professional achievements as a naturalist and author. His books include “The White Island”, an account of working with Gavin Maxwell and “Song of the Rolling Earth”, a memoir of 25 years as a Highland naturalist that was short-listed for Scottish Book of the year. In 1996 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Stirling University, in 2003 he received an OBE for nature conservation, and in 2006 he was made a Vice President of RSPB. Joanna Lumley was rewarded for her support for conservation work. |
Beaver expert - "I'd like to be a beaver at Aigas"
12 May 2006
On Wednesday 17th May we were delighted to welcome leading Eurasian beaver expert Gerhard Schwab to the Field Centre. Gerhard has been working with and studying Eurasian beavers from his base in Bavaria for more than 20 years. During his stay, Gerhard visited the loch with our ranger team and helped them to interpret what the beavers had been doing. Despite having spent thousands of hours watching beavers throughout Europe, Gerhard was clearly excited by the Aigas project. During a thorough examination of the loch and the beaver lodges, Gerhard concluded that the habitat was so good that he "would like to be a beaver at Aigas"! During the evening we returned to the hide with eager anticipation and watched as both beavers climbed ashore to groom and feed. |
Aigas beavers continue to delight!
08 May 2006
The Aigas beavers are settling in nicely and continuing to give our guests delightful views. After abandoning our beautiful artificial lodge the pair have set about building themselves a wooden palace under one of the loch banks. They have been beavering away and their new lodge is expanding rapidly. They have felled a number of small birch and willow trees as well as a single rowan. Fortunately, they have chosen a very convenient spot for their grooming which has allowed us excellent viewing opportunities from our loch side hide. They have been emerging at dusk and spending a long time on the bank scratching and grooming. During these periods we have been able to watch them closely enough to tell the sexes apart. We will be updating the beaver diary throughout the summer to keep you abreast of any new developments - stay tuned! |
 The Beavers make their mark on Aigas territory..
21 April 2006
Hot news for beaver enthusiasts. The first tree to be felled in the Highlands by beavers for 450 years! The Aigas beavers have felled a birch tree right across the entrance to their lodge. It took them exactly one week to settle in to their new home and get to work.Then, three nights ago this munched tree was the first sign of their intentions. On the morning of April 21st Aigas Staff Naturalist Glen Campbell saw the completely felled tree accross the lodge entrance. Please see the Beaver diary for more pictures and further beaver information. |
Double Pine Marten Magic at Aigas Hides
10 April 2006
Last week 4 guests and our Staff Naturalist set out eagerly to visit the badger and pine marten hides. Within half an hour they were treated with exceptional views of two pine martens at once. Staff Naturalist Glen Campbell explained that the Pine Marten that stayed the longest to clean up the jam sandwiches was not the same Pine Marten as we watched daily from the hide last year. One of the best things about our new hide is the opportunity it creates to learn about animal ecology and the questions the animals' behaviour leads us to ask. |
Aigas Rangers hit home with tales of Falklands archipelago wildlife adventure...
07 April 2006
Aigas Head Ranger Lindsey Duncan and Environmental Education Officer Morag Smart have been keeping the press busy lately with their exotic news from Sea Lion Island. Here are some of the extracts:The Scots girls were on the five-mile long strip of land to take up their roles as the first paid conservation wardens for the island's profusion of animals, including 47 varieties of birds, during the breeding season. "It's the only island where the elephant seals breed, and it's an impressive sight," says Morag (27)."The pups stay on land for the first couple of days then get so hungry they go out to sea. That's when the orcas - the killer whales - arrive. At one point we saw nine orcas swimming towards the beach, their dorsal fins all in a row. They pick off the seal pups. Not many of them survive."
However, it wasn't part of Morag & Lindsey's job to intervene to save the seals from being a mobile buffet.
The animals ran the gamut from the lovable - the five species of penguins - to the alarming, aggressive sea lions whose tempers weren't improved by being postnatal! Their roles involved monitoring the wildlife on the island, writing reports and ensuring visitors kept at least six metres distance between themselves and the wildlife. Lindsey said "I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of wildlife on Sea Lion Island. I was constantly amazed by the close encounters I had with all the wildlife, from the rare and inquisitive striated caracara bird to the tiny wee Cobb's wren. All the wildlife was so amazing but I really enjoyed seeing killer whales coming right into the beach". During their time on the island 550 female southern elephant seals came ashore to breed. Back in Scotland, the pair work at the Aigas Field Centre, Sir John Lister Kaye's wildlife education base at Beauly. They found out about the Sea Lion Island job through a visiting tour guide last summer. |
Pylon Pressure
01 March 2006
Ieuan Evans, Melanie and Amelia Lister-Kaye attend community meeting with SSE in Kilmorack hall where it was conceded that a public inquiry into its controversial plans for the Beauly to Denny pylon line is now a foregone conclusion. |
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