Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I returned to Aigas for the fourth time for the Monarchs of the Glen programme and it was a wonderful experience in the true sense of the word. I have previously been on the Wildlife Weeks in three different seasons and thoroughly enjoyed them, so thought a programme with a more specific focus would be interesting. Our tour leader, Dr David Dixon, was a pleasure to be with: full of fascinating information about a huge variety of wildlife, well beyond the deer we had gone to see. We had excellent talks from David, Sir John and Jeff Dymond, an experienced deer stalker, that enhanced the sightings we had of red and roe deer enormously. Supporting this was the brilliant Aigas experience: the welcome, the food and the baronial hall in which it's eaten, the comfortable and warm (even when it dropped to minus 4) lodges, the spectacular highland scenery and wildlife on the estate and, of course, the people. They are what really make Aigas the place I go back to again and again. Guests temporarily become part of an extended family and every effort is made to deal with special requests. The rangers are incredibly knowledgable and a pleasure to spend time with; their enthusiasm for what they are showing you is infectious. Anyone who watched Autumnwatch will be aware of the variety of wildlife on the estate - beavers, pine martens, badgers, red squirrels and probably thousands of birds - and the days out cover a variety of different habitats and their inhabitants. A couple of people I've recommended Aigas too have said it looks expensive. It's not a bargain break but once you've paid there's no need (and few opportunities) to spend any more money: all food and drinks with dinner is included. Add to this the expertise of the rangers all day and on several evenings and I think it's worth every penny. On the long train journey back to London, we were trying to think of one thing that would make an Aigas holiday better. The only idea we came up with was more hours in the day so that you could see more - and find some time to sleep!
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LondonRuby

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LondonRuby

I returned to Aigas for the fourth time for the Monarchs of the Glen programme and it was a wonderful experience in the true sense of the word. I have previously been on the Wildlife Weeks in three different seasons and thoroughly enjoyed them, so thought a programme with a more specific focus would be interesting. Our tour leader, Dr David Dixon, was a pleasure to be with: full of fascinating information about a huge variety of wildlife, well beyond the deer we had gone to see. We had excellent talks from David, Sir John and Jeff Dymond, an experienced deer stalker, that enhanced the sightings we had of red and roe deer enormously. Supporting this was the brilliant Aigas experience: the welcome, the food and the baronial hall in which it's eaten, the comfortable and warm (even when it dropped to minus 4) lodges, the spectacular highland scenery and wildlife on the estate and, of course, the people. They are what really make Aigas the place I go back to again and again. Guests temporarily become part of an extended family and every effort is made to deal with special requests. The rangers are incredibly knowledgable and a pleasure to spend time with; their enthusiasm for what they are showing you is infectious. Anyone who watched Autumnwatch will be aware of the variety of wildlife on the estate - beavers, pine martens, badgers, red squirrels and probably thousands of birds - and the days out cover a variety of different habitats and their inhabitants. A couple of people I've recommended Aigas too have said it looks expensive. It's not a bargain break but once you've paid there's no need (and few opportunities) to spend any more money: all food and drinks with dinner is included. Add to this the expertise of the rangers all day and on several evenings and I think it's worth every penny. On the long train journey back to London, we were trying to think of one thing that would make an Aigas holiday better. The only idea we came up with was more hours in the day so that you could see more - and find some time to sleep!
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.
Wonderful place to visit. Their vision and work carried out to cause less damage to the environment inspirational.
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Fe W

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Fe W

Wonderful place to visit. Their vision and work carried out to cause less damage to the environment inspirational.