Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

Staying a week at Aigas - with its grounds, rangers, and Sir John and Lady Lucy - is among the most exceptional of my many travel experiences. Think wildlife refuge and rewilding programs rolled into a refurbished Victorian estate led by Sir John Lister-Kaye, well known in the naturalist and conservation circles for his pioneering work. I stayed as part of an educational tour group, and enjoyed each day fully. Through field trips, hikes, and events, I learned a great deal about Scotland's rich history and current efforts to restore biodiversity to the country. The rangers who led our trips were knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic. The modest accommodations adjacent to the estate house were clean and comfortable, with big windows for spotting red squirrels and bird life. The food was creative and fabulous, served in a spectacular dining hall. The garden and grounds were breathtaking. Sir John and Lady Lucy and Hermione were gracious hosts, eager that their guests enjoyed their stay. Make sure to look closely at the center's website, because Aigas is not open to the public. Only to guests who have signed up for its various programs. I'm eyeing the list now for another adventure. Highly recommended.
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Karen Watson

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Karen Watson

Staying a week at Aigas - with its grounds, rangers, and Sir John and Lady Lucy - is among the most exceptional of my many travel experiences. Think wildlife refuge and rewilding programs rolled into a refurbished Victorian estate led by Sir John Lister-Kaye, well known in the naturalist and conservation circles for his pioneering work. I stayed as part of an educational tour group, and enjoyed each day fully. Through field trips, hikes, and events, I learned a great deal about Scotland's rich history and current efforts to restore biodiversity to the country. The rangers who led our trips were knowledgeable, energetic, and enthusiastic. The modest accommodations adjacent to the estate house were clean and comfortable, with big windows for spotting red squirrels and bird life. The food was creative and fabulous, served in a spectacular dining hall. The garden and grounds were breathtaking. Sir John and Lady Lucy and Hermione were gracious hosts, eager that their guests enjoyed their stay. Make sure to look closely at the center's website, because Aigas is not open to the public. Only to guests who have signed up for its various programs. I'm eyeing the list now for another adventure. Highly recommended.
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!
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Mckeedi

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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!
Absolutely fantastic week - saw everything on my wish list and more! Accommodation, food, rangers - all first class. I went on my own and met with a very nice mixed group of people and was very pleased to find that I was in a lovely cosy log cabin on my own. I was expecting to share but it was very nice to have some me time. All the trips out were very well planned and explained beforehand. The rangers were all very knowledgeable and answered our questions fully. The minibus was comfortable for our outings. Lord and Lady Lister Kaye and son were very welcoming and sat with us for pre dinner drinks. Food was exceptional on every occasion. I honestly cannot think of any negative comment - even the Scottish weather was kind to us! I would highly recommend this holiday for anyone interested in birds and wildlife and beautiful scenery.
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helen s

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helen s

Absolutely fantastic week - saw everything on my wish list and more! Accommodation, food, rangers - all first class. I went on my own and met with a very nice mixed group of people and was very pleased to find that I was in a lovely cosy log cabin on my own. I was expecting to share but it was very nice to have some me time. All the trips out were very well planned and explained beforehand. The rangers were all very knowledgeable and answered our questions fully. The minibus was comfortable for our outings. Lord and Lady Lister Kaye and son were very welcoming and sat with us for pre dinner drinks. Food was exceptional on every occasion. I honestly cannot think of any negative comment - even the Scottish weather was kind to us! I would highly recommend this holiday for anyone interested in birds and wildlife and beautiful scenery.