Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Wildlife programme we'd booked on - the weather didn't look good and much of the wildlife we wanted to see was known to be elusive at the best of times. But thanks to the expertise, diligence and sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the rangers - and I'd pick out Imogen and George as the ones who found us otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and a merlin - we saw everything we hoped for and more. The trips out to the west coast, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and up a number of the straths all bought new sightings but also new insights as the wildlife and flora were pointed out and explained. We rode next to leaping dolphins and diving sdeabirds in the Cromarty Firth. And there was no pretending to know things they didn't - if they didn't know they looked it up and told us later. From the hides at Aigas we saw pine marten, badger and beavers, as well as woodpeckers, owls, voles and many other species. But Aigas isn't just about the wildlife - it's about the hospitality in the comfortable lodges and then the house, with its stunning dining room and food that matches the surroundings. We didn't have a disappointing meal, Lucy provided great buffet lunches and superb dinners, from which I'd pick out the home-made soups as just outstanding, especially the spinach and lemon. To add to it all we have a great introductory talk by John Lister-Kaye, studded with jewels of poetry and prose to explain his love of nature and why he started Aigas. Even better was the finale on Friday night, when he read to the groups from his own and others' writings on the natural world - a great speaker and reader who imbues each word with meaning and feeling. If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot to do and perhaps too little time to explore the grounds at Aigas - but everything we did was worth doing. If you like your hide visits to be quiet and studious, as do I, perhaps you might want to check to see that you are there when there isn't a large American group around. They were lovely people but apt to talk constantly in the hides.. But this did not detract seriously from a fantastic week, though.
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Keith S

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Keith S

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Wildlife programme we'd booked on - the weather didn't look good and much of the wildlife we wanted to see was known to be elusive at the best of times. But thanks to the expertise, diligence and sheer overwhelming enthusiasm of the rangers - and I'd pick out Imogen and George as the ones who found us otters, sea eagles, golden eagles and a merlin - we saw everything we hoped for and more. The trips out to the west coast, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and up a number of the straths all bought new sightings but also new insights as the wildlife and flora were pointed out and explained. We rode next to leaping dolphins and diving sdeabirds in the Cromarty Firth. And there was no pretending to know things they didn't - if they didn't know they looked it up and told us later. From the hides at Aigas we saw pine marten, badger and beavers, as well as woodpeckers, owls, voles and many other species. But Aigas isn't just about the wildlife - it's about the hospitality in the comfortable lodges and then the house, with its stunning dining room and food that matches the surroundings. We didn't have a disappointing meal, Lucy provided great buffet lunches and superb dinners, from which I'd pick out the home-made soups as just outstanding, especially the spinach and lemon. To add to it all we have a great introductory talk by John Lister-Kaye, studded with jewels of poetry and prose to explain his love of nature and why he started Aigas. Even better was the finale on Friday night, when he read to the groups from his own and others' writings on the natural world - a great speaker and reader who imbues each word with meaning and feeling. If there is a criticism it is that there is a lot to do and perhaps too little time to explore the grounds at Aigas - but everything we did was worth doing. If you like your hide visits to be quiet and studious, as do I, perhaps you might want to check to see that you are there when there isn't a large American group around. They were lovely people but apt to talk constantly in the hides.. But this did not detract seriously from a fantastic week, though.
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.
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Jilliekins1954

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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.
Once again I have had a wonderful week in the company of great people The field centre is a great place to learn about nature and relax with nature. The animal sightings are with out doubt exceptional. The ranger staffs knowledge of the country , its history and its geology are unrivalled. Their understanding of the animals and there habitats is exceptional. The accommodation and the food is very good. A real family atmosphere. Time spent with like minded people.
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Harold B

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Harold B

Once again I have had a wonderful week in the company of great people The field centre is a great place to learn about nature and relax with nature. The animal sightings are with out doubt exceptional. The ranger staffs knowledge of the country , its history and its geology are unrivalled. Their understanding of the animals and there habitats is exceptional. The accommodation and the food is very good. A real family atmosphere. Time spent with like minded people.