Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
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JohnPPhilpott

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JohnPPhilpott

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
Aigas Field Centre is the creation of Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, and what a creation it is. It is a combination of love of the land and love of place, natural habitat restoration, and education. It is done with a passion that is contagious, and it is done well. The week is spent on the grounds of the Field Centre in cabins that are quite comfortable. Many cabins have two bedrooms separated by a common room and kitchen that encourages visiting. Each bedroom has two comfortable beds and a bathroom with tub and shower. Meals are taken at the main Estate House in the large common room. Lucy Lister-Kaye is the consummate hostess who makes everyone feel at home. She is also a superb cook who overseas the kitchen. She also helps to serve and makes certain that everyone's needs are met. That applies to those of us who have special dietary needs. Each day is spent in some sort of activity that took us around the grounds or the countryside, to acquaint us with the flora and fauna, the issues of reforestation and conservation, and return of wildlife species, or the history of human life on the land and in the country. My wife and I had the most amazing and wonderful week. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the others in our group, each one accomplished in some way and each one interesting. Hikes were with experienced ranger guides and at a pace that we all could handle, and were interspersed with stops to observe and talk about what we saw. My wife and I plan to return for another Aigas program.
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Robert G

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Robert G

Aigas Field Centre is the creation of Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, and what a creation it is. It is a combination of love of the land and love of place, natural habitat restoration, and education. It is done with a passion that is contagious, and it is done well. The week is spent on the grounds of the Field Centre in cabins that are quite comfortable. Many cabins have two bedrooms separated by a common room and kitchen that encourages visiting. Each bedroom has two comfortable beds and a bathroom with tub and shower. Meals are taken at the main Estate House in the large common room. Lucy Lister-Kaye is the consummate hostess who makes everyone feel at home. She is also a superb cook who overseas the kitchen. She also helps to serve and makes certain that everyone's needs are met. That applies to those of us who have special dietary needs. Each day is spent in some sort of activity that took us around the grounds or the countryside, to acquaint us with the flora and fauna, the issues of reforestation and conservation, and return of wildlife species, or the history of human life on the land and in the country. My wife and I had the most amazing and wonderful week. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the others in our group, each one accomplished in some way and each one interesting. Hikes were with experienced ranger guides and at a pace that we all could handle, and were interspersed with stops to observe and talk about what we saw. My wife and I plan to return for another Aigas program.
I spent a week here and loved every minute of it. Cabins were spacious, warm and comfortable with a lounge and kitchen attached. Food was outstanding, especially when I have food intolerances. Some meals were made especially for me and this was much appreciated. Covid restrictions were in place and adhered to rigorously making me feel safe. The rangers were full of knowledge, very helpful and cheerful. The various hides for pine martins, badgers and squirrels were particularly good. Being autumn ,the landscape was very colourful with the trees changing colour and the visits out in the minibuses were superb. Sit John and lady Lucy were superb hosts and should be very proud of their place.
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Moira G

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Moira G

I spent a week here and loved every minute of it. Cabins were spacious, warm and comfortable with a lounge and kitchen attached. Food was outstanding, especially when I have food intolerances. Some meals were made especially for me and this was much appreciated. Covid restrictions were in place and adhered to rigorously making me feel safe. The rangers were full of knowledge, very helpful and cheerful. The various hides for pine martins, badgers and squirrels were particularly good. Being autumn ,the landscape was very colourful with the trees changing colour and the visits out in the minibuses were superb. Sit John and lady Lucy were superb hosts and should be very proud of their place.