Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

Just returned from the Wild Animals in a Highland Landscape week. I am delighted to say that the whole experience was so worthwhile. Aigas is like nowhere we have been before. You become totally absorbed in the rhythms and way of life at Aigas, and how Sir John and Lady Lucinda have turned what is essentially their home into a peaceful and welcoming retreat and educational centre, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. My partner was a little apprehensive that the other guests would be dedicated twitchers - there was certainly a lot of knowledge around the table, but people wanted to share their passions which was infectious, and it was a very friendly environment. Must mention the engaging Dr David - never thought bog myrtle and owl pellets could be so fascinating - and the rangers who are dedicated and enthusiastic. We saw all the wildlife we had hoped for, including dolphins, ospreys, red squirrels (outside our cabin) badger, beavers and pine martin, and some very beautiful parts of the Highlands. The programme is full on, but never rushed. The food was wonderful, and Lady Lucinda went out of her way to help when my boots disintegrated! All in all, a much needed chance to 'stand and stare', breath deeply in the clear air, and re-connect with the natural world.
read moreread less

Jilliekins1954

×

Jilliekins1954

Just returned from the Wild Animals in a Highland Landscape week. I am delighted to say that the whole experience was so worthwhile. Aigas is like nowhere we have been before. You become totally absorbed in the rhythms and way of life at Aigas, and how Sir John and Lady Lucinda have turned what is essentially their home into a peaceful and welcoming retreat and educational centre, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. My partner was a little apprehensive that the other guests would be dedicated twitchers - there was certainly a lot of knowledge around the table, but people wanted to share their passions which was infectious, and it was a very friendly environment. Must mention the engaging Dr David - never thought bog myrtle and owl pellets could be so fascinating - and the rangers who are dedicated and enthusiastic. We saw all the wildlife we had hoped for, including dolphins, ospreys, red squirrels (outside our cabin) badger, beavers and pine martin, and some very beautiful parts of the Highlands. The programme is full on, but never rushed. The food was wonderful, and Lady Lucinda went out of her way to help when my boots disintegrated! All in all, a much needed chance to 'stand and stare', breath deeply in the clear air, and re-connect with the natural world.
Our second visit and it was as good as the first. We went on the Highland House Party group and had a great time. Good variety of things to do and the added bonus of something each evening too. Lord John and Lady Lucy are fantastic hosts and all the staff and rangers are extremely professional and helpful. The highlights of the week were the day spent in the Western Isle, especially Hillbillies bookshop and Inverewe Gardens and the day spent on the Black Isle – with the visit to Foulis Castle being the highlight of the day. Don’t forget to take some time out too to walk around the loch and the grounds of Aigas itself. As for the accommodation – we have stayed in the usual cabins but we also paid extra to stay in the Round House this visit and it was fabulous.
read moreread less

kunduku

×

kunduku

Our second visit and it was as good as the first. We went on the Highland House Party group and had a great time. Good variety of things to do and the added bonus of something each evening too. Lord John and Lady Lucy are fantastic hosts and all the staff and rangers are extremely professional and helpful. The highlights of the week were the day spent in the Western Isle, especially Hillbillies bookshop and Inverewe Gardens and the day spent on the Black Isle – with the visit to Foulis Castle being the highlight of the day. Don’t forget to take some time out too to walk around the loch and the grounds of Aigas itself. As for the accommodation – we have stayed in the usual cabins but we also paid extra to stay in the Round House this visit and it was fabulous.
This was an exceptional week of fun, laughter, creativity and wildlife. Tutored by the outstanding Jay Griffiths (wild: an elemental journey; pip,pip etc) with additional teaching and talks from the owner and author John Lister-Kaye (song of the rolling earth, nature child). The wit, patience, knowledge and sheer genius of the tutors made this a fantastic learning experience without feeling a sense of pressure. The wildlife seen was exceptional with pine marten, bottlenose dolphins, red deer, red squirrel, golden eagles, otters, stone chat all seen along with the beavers on the loch which are part of an introduction experiment. They're busy creating habitat patches of fallen birch and adding to the structure of the ecosystem. The group was mixed with couples and singles, male female and a wide mix of ages. Al had one thing in common a desrire to write about the natural world, all succeeded in improving their skills. Brilliant!
read moreread less

Mckeedi

×

Mckeedi

This was an exceptional week of fun, laughter, creativity and wildlife. Tutored by the outstanding Jay Griffiths (wild: an elemental journey; pip,pip etc) with additional teaching and talks from the owner and author John Lister-Kaye (song of the rolling earth, nature child). The wit, patience, knowledge and sheer genius of the tutors made this a fantastic learning experience without feeling a sense of pressure. The wildlife seen was exceptional with pine marten, bottlenose dolphins, red deer, red squirrel, golden eagles, otters, stone chat all seen along with the beavers on the loch which are part of an introduction experiment. They're busy creating habitat patches of fallen birch and adding to the structure of the ecosystem. The group was mixed with couples and singles, male female and a wide mix of ages. Al had one thing in common a desrire to write about the natural world, all succeeded in improving their skills. Brilliant!