Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
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Laura288

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Laura288

We were impressed by the tranquil beauty of the Aigas property, a carefully restored Victorian estate and gardens. On our arrival, we received a warm greeting by the owners, Sir John and Lady Lucinda Lister-Kaye and their professional team of highly trained, good-humoured rangers. The delicious, plentiful meals and afternoon tea in the Great Hall of their mansion were wonderful; however, what we most appreciated was their commitment to enhance our knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, and the native wildlife and flora. The day trips afforded us a marvellous opportunity to learn about the geology and history of the Highlands. These were enhanced by evening lectures by Sir John and his team; visits to the blinds to see the badgers, re-introduced European beavers, and rare Scottish wildcats. We also enjoyed Sir John's historical house tour, the traditional music, and a magical evening of story telling. Perhaps our best day was spent with Sir John's son, Warwick, who normally devotes his time to managing Aigas. His knowledge of the local wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the nearby lochs and hills was astonishing: we watched golden eagles circling above the mountain summits; we saw the silhouettes of, native red deer stags on the hilltops, and watched peregrine falcon juveniles try their wings by targeting a fleeing kestral. We particularly appreciated the Aigas team's passion and commitment to environmental education, as well as their sensitivity and concern for people and this vulnerable planet. I admire their ethics, generosity and kindness toward their guests. We intend to return to this top calibre facility, which exceeded all of our expectations.
I just wrote a wonderful review on the Aigas Facebook site but lost the connection so here I am. I just visited Aigas Field Center last week. The experience was magical! From the welcoming staff to the wonderful beautiful home and grounds. I came with Road Scholar and loved every minute of the trip to the Scottish Highlands. Sir John and Lady Lucy made us feel welcome and were superb hosts. The grounds were beautiful and so was the home. The garden was breathtaking and the accommodations were cozy and very well kept. The experiences on our road trips to see the sights were enhanced by professional, knowledgeable and personable rangers as well as Academic Placement Students from University.We interacted with the stunning lands of the Highlands on comfortable mini buses. Individual needs were always taken into consideration. On the Aigas grounds we had opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. We learned about the endangered Wildcats and witnessed Badgers and Pinemartens at night in hides( small sheds with windows) I was utterly impressed with Sir John Lister Kaye for creating this environment and found him brilliant and quite funny. The meals were delicious and honored our dietary needs. Compliments to Lady Lucy and her wonderful kitchen staff. If you have the opportunity to travel with Road Scholar or on your own, consider a trip to Aigas Field Center.A perfect educational experience for children and adults. I miss being there and will cherish the time I spent there.Thankfully I have many pictures of this unique experience.
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C8241IGnancyc

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C8241IGnancyc

I just wrote a wonderful review on the Aigas Facebook site but lost the connection so here I am. I just visited Aigas Field Center last week. The experience was magical! From the welcoming staff to the wonderful beautiful home and grounds. I came with Road Scholar and loved every minute of the trip to the Scottish Highlands. Sir John and Lady Lucy made us feel welcome and were superb hosts. The grounds were beautiful and so was the home. The garden was breathtaking and the accommodations were cozy and very well kept. The experiences on our road trips to see the sights were enhanced by professional, knowledgeable and personable rangers as well as Academic Placement Students from University.We interacted with the stunning lands of the Highlands on comfortable mini buses. Individual needs were always taken into consideration. On the Aigas grounds we had opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. We learned about the endangered Wildcats and witnessed Badgers and Pinemartens at night in hides( small sheds with windows) I was utterly impressed with Sir John Lister Kaye for creating this environment and found him brilliant and quite funny. The meals were delicious and honored our dietary needs. Compliments to Lady Lucy and her wonderful kitchen staff. If you have the opportunity to travel with Road Scholar or on your own, consider a trip to Aigas Field Center.A perfect educational experience for children and adults. I miss being there and will cherish the time I spent there.Thankfully I have many pictures of this unique experience.
My early morning walk (06.00hrs) was rewarded with almost every step - seeing the Red Squirrels chasing each other up & down the huge Sequoia Redwoods while the early blackbirds awoke numerous other song birds the list would be more than 25 without trying too hard. The estate grounds are huge with your very own loch to explore. My main objective was to reach the loch-side Beaver Lodge before they all retired for the day after feeding and home building during the early hours. Approaching quietly (nobody else was up yet) I spotted the young male Beaver chewing on his last "bread stick" a freshly cut branch from his favored Aspen tree. What a picture! it sure made my day but then again every day was literally made for us all. I joined my wife and the other birding group members for strong coffee served personally by Lady Lucy as was hot porridge for those wishing to "fill up" before the days adventures. Lord John - an expert naturalist - reminded us to note & report back any "special sightings" during his pre-dinner drinks visit. A Red Throated Diver; Black Throated Diver & Crossbill all on one day possibly impressed me rather more than him - but I am no birder. This mattered not as the fantastic group we accompanied were all very keen to share their knowledge and help us with identifying more than one hundred species during the week. Best of all was our Ranger/guide/driver/map-reader/tee coffee maker & most important qualified nursing "Tick" remover! Namely - Jenny Campbell. She was admired by us all so much that we all wanted to take her home but she would not leave AIGAS - which was no surprise. For a wildlife experience and a chance to see Beavers Badgers & Pine Martens up close in the most tranquil & scenic country side of the Scottish Highlands YOU MUST GO TO "AIGAS FIELD CENTRE" Visit www.aigas.co.uk for all details and dates.
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pickytripers

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pickytripers

My early morning walk (06.00hrs) was rewarded with almost every step - seeing the Red Squirrels chasing each other up & down the huge Sequoia Redwoods while the early blackbirds awoke numerous other song birds the list would be more than 25 without trying too hard. The estate grounds are huge with your very own loch to explore. My main objective was to reach the loch-side Beaver Lodge before they all retired for the day after feeding and home building during the early hours. Approaching quietly (nobody else was up yet) I spotted the young male Beaver chewing on his last "bread stick" a freshly cut branch from his favored Aspen tree. What a picture! it sure made my day but then again every day was literally made for us all. I joined my wife and the other birding group members for strong coffee served personally by Lady Lucy as was hot porridge for those wishing to "fill up" before the days adventures. Lord John - an expert naturalist - reminded us to note & report back any "special sightings" during his pre-dinner drinks visit. A Red Throated Diver; Black Throated Diver & Crossbill all on one day possibly impressed me rather more than him - but I am no birder. This mattered not as the fantastic group we accompanied were all very keen to share their knowledge and help us with identifying more than one hundred species during the week. Best of all was our Ranger/guide/driver/map-reader/tee coffee maker & most important qualified nursing "Tick" remover! Namely - Jenny Campbell. She was admired by us all so much that we all wanted to take her home but she would not leave AIGAS - which was no surprise. For a wildlife experience and a chance to see Beavers Badgers & Pine Martens up close in the most tranquil & scenic country side of the Scottish Highlands YOU MUST GO TO "AIGAS FIELD CENTRE" Visit www.aigas.co.uk for all details and dates.