Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I have loved all the organised courses I did at Aigas (Aigas Wildlife Spring & Summer) but found I was kept SO busy visiting other parts of Scotland, that I never really explored the Field Centre itself. I therefore asked to tack 3 days 4 nights onto the end of their wonderful Outer Hebrides trip (summer 2010). I visited the Loch Hide very early one morning and was spoilt to see not only 4 of the EuropeanBeavers out and about, but also an Osprey at the Loch. I had a wonderful encounter with a big group of of lovely birds in the plantation. I saw a family of Wrens with young and Treecreepers with the help of a ranger. I was privilaged to see Roe Deer and have VERY close encounters with other Birds at the hill top hide. If a course is being run at the same time as your customised visit you are able to join the group for certain activities, e.g. Pine Marten and Badger nightime hide visit, etc. As always the food produced under Lady Lucy's guidance was simply scrumptious, and the family and rangers were VERY welcoming. This is an experience not to be missed. At the beginning of April 2011, I am again visiting but this time I am joined by a friend from Ohio.
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HJefferson

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HJefferson

I have loved all the organised courses I did at Aigas (Aigas Wildlife Spring & Summer) but found I was kept SO busy visiting other parts of Scotland, that I never really explored the Field Centre itself. I therefore asked to tack 3 days 4 nights onto the end of their wonderful Outer Hebrides trip (summer 2010). I visited the Loch Hide very early one morning and was spoilt to see not only 4 of the EuropeanBeavers out and about, but also an Osprey at the Loch. I had a wonderful encounter with a big group of of lovely birds in the plantation. I saw a family of Wrens with young and Treecreepers with the help of a ranger. I was privilaged to see Roe Deer and have VERY close encounters with other Birds at the hill top hide. If a course is being run at the same time as your customised visit you are able to join the group for certain activities, e.g. Pine Marten and Badger nightime hide visit, etc. As always the food produced under Lady Lucy's guidance was simply scrumptious, and the family and rangers were VERY welcoming. This is an experience not to be missed. At the beginning of April 2011, I am again visiting but this time I am joined by a friend from Ohio.
I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
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mfhunter

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mfhunter

I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
This was my 4th stay at Aigas. The garden still looked stunning,Lady Lucy must spend loads of time here. My favourite place is the little bench overlooking the pond. This time I had booked a week with Nick Baker. It proved to be an excellent choice, Nick is very enthusiastic, offers a different look on wildlife and is very, very knowledgable. We did some tracking which was very exciting, visited a badger sett and even did some rock pooling. Amazing what you can find and what he can tell you about all the different species! His knowledge about bugs really added to the programme. My favourite bit is always the hide visits, this time I managed to get pine martens on 6 out of 7 nights which was amazing. I watched the sunrise from the loch every morning, heard the owls and buzzards calling, saw the bats go into their roosting place, there is so much this place offers. My lodge was very comfortable, the weather very unlike Scotland, we had 4 dry, warm days! Add the excellent food, the staff, the rangers and the guests and I can really say I had the perfect holiday. And the best part of it? I left knowing I had already booked another week for 2014.
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Cora B

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Cora B

This was my 4th stay at Aigas. The garden still looked stunning,Lady Lucy must spend loads of time here. My favourite place is the little bench overlooking the pond. This time I had booked a week with Nick Baker. It proved to be an excellent choice, Nick is very enthusiastic, offers a different look on wildlife and is very, very knowledgable. We did some tracking which was very exciting, visited a badger sett and even did some rock pooling. Amazing what you can find and what he can tell you about all the different species! His knowledge about bugs really added to the programme. My favourite bit is always the hide visits, this time I managed to get pine martens on 6 out of 7 nights which was amazing. I watched the sunrise from the loch every morning, heard the owls and buzzards calling, saw the bats go into their roosting place, there is so much this place offers. My lodge was very comfortable, the weather very unlike Scotland, we had 4 dry, warm days! Add the excellent food, the staff, the rangers and the guests and I can really say I had the perfect holiday. And the best part of it? I left knowing I had already booked another week for 2014.