Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I tried a Naturedays Open House recently and it's *exactly* what I've been trying to create out of the wooded spaces near where I live. But someone's already done it (Fin, as far as I can tell - based on my own experience and from what other home-edding parents have told me about them). Its pedagogy is something I've been trying to find for years (both in the Highlands and Central Belt) and I'm so happy that it exists here - if Fin ran this programme more regularly (essentially a forest school for older kids, not just nursery), we'd be scrambling to sign up.
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E De Saussure

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E De Saussure

I tried a Naturedays Open House recently and it's *exactly* what I've been trying to create out of the wooded spaces near where I live. But someone's already done it (Fin, as far as I can tell - based on my own experience and from what other home-edding parents have told me about them). Its pedagogy is something I've been trying to find for years (both in the Highlands and Central Belt) and I'm so happy that it exists here - if Fin ran this programme more regularly (essentially a forest school for older kids, not just nursery), we'd be scrambling to sign up.
We had a brilliant 4 days at Aigas Field Centre in September. We had booked via the tailormade option, and enjoyed having some time to ourselves to explore the estate and spend hours in the hides (the Pinewood was particularly good for red squirrels, and we took some great photos) but also had excellent safaris with Aigas's rangers. We went in search of raft spiders and feral goats on one trip, with great photographic opportunities at a waterfall with plenty of fungi and wood ant nests to macro, and another afternoon did a slow walk around the Aigas lake, looking at insects and fungi. The rangers' knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and made our stay very enjoyable. Our thanks also to Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, for some lovely rhino-related conversations and great care with my complicated dietary restrictions. The rooms are simple but exactly what's needed - warm, clean and comfortable - after long days out in search of otters and pine martens. We'll visit again, I am sure.
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CathyRhino

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CathyRhino

We had a brilliant 4 days at Aigas Field Centre in September. We had booked via the tailormade option, and enjoyed having some time to ourselves to explore the estate and spend hours in the hides (the Pinewood was particularly good for red squirrels, and we took some great photos) but also had excellent safaris with Aigas's rangers. We went in search of raft spiders and feral goats on one trip, with great photographic opportunities at a waterfall with plenty of fungi and wood ant nests to macro, and another afternoon did a slow walk around the Aigas lake, looking at insects and fungi. The rangers' knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and made our stay very enjoyable. Our thanks also to Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, for some lovely rhino-related conversations and great care with my complicated dietary restrictions. The rooms are simple but exactly what's needed - warm, clean and comfortable - after long days out in search of otters and pine martens. We'll visit again, I am sure.
I booked the walking with wildlife week in early June. I stayed in rustic,comfortable en suite log cabin in the grounds of the estate, you really felt close to nature. All the meals were served in the main family home a short walk from the cabins. The food is outstanding, breakfast is porridge, fruits cereal and toast. A packed lunch is supplied for the field trips and hot beverages are taken in the mini buses. The evening meal is a set meal and changed daily, there are alternatives and flexabilityfor those who have dietary needs. The house also has a common room for daily meetings coffee and tea, where most information can be obtained. There is also a natural history library and gift shop. The programme was flexible and allowed the group to stretch our legs on the hills and in the valleys around the locality. All walks were escorted by one or two rangers who had a keen eye for spotting wildlife and were very knowledgeable on local history, geology and the various branches of ecology they had studied. The wildlife we spotted was outstanding, well worth the visit. The local wild flowers were in bloom and several rare species were pointed out. A small lake is situated in the grounds along with hides in several locations, about 10 minutes walk from the cabins. We sat here and watch a Beaver for 30 minutes, something I never thought I would see in the UK. Also Pine martins and Red Squirrels. A great holiday with a lot packed in. It is well worth looking at the extensive programme on the web site to see which weeks activity best suits. The hosts and staff are wonderful, they cannot do enough to make your stay such a memorable experience.
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Gavin P

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Gavin P

I booked the walking with wildlife week in early June. I stayed in rustic,comfortable en suite log cabin in the grounds of the estate, you really felt close to nature. All the meals were served in the main family home a short walk from the cabins. The food is outstanding, breakfast is porridge, fruits cereal and toast. A packed lunch is supplied for the field trips and hot beverages are taken in the mini buses. The evening meal is a set meal and changed daily, there are alternatives and flexabilityfor those who have dietary needs. The house also has a common room for daily meetings coffee and tea, where most information can be obtained. There is also a natural history library and gift shop. The programme was flexible and allowed the group to stretch our legs on the hills and in the valleys around the locality. All walks were escorted by one or two rangers who had a keen eye for spotting wildlife and were very knowledgeable on local history, geology and the various branches of ecology they had studied. The wildlife we spotted was outstanding, well worth the visit. The local wild flowers were in bloom and several rare species were pointed out. A small lake is situated in the grounds along with hides in several locations, about 10 minutes walk from the cabins. We sat here and watch a Beaver for 30 minutes, something I never thought I would see in the UK. Also Pine martins and Red Squirrels. A great holiday with a lot packed in. It is well worth looking at the extensive programme on the web site to see which weeks activity best suits. The hosts and staff are wonderful, they cannot do enough to make your stay such a memorable experience.