th
th
5 -12 July 2008 * Booking Essential; Limited Numbers Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
# Ferry or Plane. Booking required
If you cannot make these events, why not get out and discover Shetland’s nature for yourself. There are many guides and leaflets to help you. Contact Visit Shetland to find out more.
Saturday 5th 10.00-16.00
RSPB Sumburgh Head Seabird Spectacular; including boat trips from Grutness on the Ruby May*(07796 912237)
9.00 (from Lerwick)
Shetland Field Studies Group Unst walk, Baltasound to Easting * Skerries guided walk,
10.00-15.30 (ferry times) 18.45
Shetland Amenity Trust and RSPB presents *An Evening with Simon King; Garrison Theatre;
Join the RSPB staff and volunteers to experience a day in the life of Sumburgh Head's spectacular seabirds. At Sumburgh Head, guides will help point out the seabirds that breed on the reserve. There will be some fun activities for children. This year, we are delighted that the Ruby May will be running boat trips from Grutness, a great way to experience a seabird colony. Call Stewart Isbister on 07796 912 237 to book your place. Join Shetland Field Studies Group on one of their annual programme of walks. A great opportunity to join other interested people to read the landscape. Shetland Rangers Service will guide you around these amazing islands. We are delighted to have Simon King open our first ever Shetland Nature Festival. He will be telling us some of the reasons why he has become captivated by the nature of Shetland. Jonathan Swale, local naturalist and Area Officer for Scottish Natural Heritage will also give a presentation on the geology of Shetland. Geology forms the foundations for life in Shetland, so this is a great way to start the Festival.
Free, donations welcome
(*Transport available 01595 693434) 01595 694688 to book
Tickets £7 adult, £4 concessions from Islesburgh Community Centre (01595 692114)
Sunday 6th 8.30 (Ulsta) 9.00 (Toft)
*Shetland Nature Cruises & Tours brings you “North Isles Nature Cruise”
All aboard the Yell Sound ferry to circumnavigate the North Isles; This is a first for Shetland. The ferry will take you on a cruise lasting approx 8hrs, from Toft north around the islands of Yell, Unst and Fetlar. If weather permits, she'll cruise the whole way round, as far as Hermaness and Muckle Flugga. The main theme of the trip is to look for marine wildlife thousands of seabirds are to be seen along the way, and with a bit of luck some sea mammals. Guides will help point out the wildlife along the way, and renowned Yell story teller and historian Laurence Tulloch will entertain you with stories. Chris Dyer, archaeologist with Shetland Amenity Trust, will also be aboard pointing out ancient sites that we pass. Also, the Shetland Nature Festival resident artist will be on board to help you create a memento of your trip. A fully-packed fantastic event, not to be missed! A pack lunch will be available, and is included in the price.
tickets £30 adult; £20 concession from Islesburgh Community Centre (01595 692114)
Monday 7th 900-16.35 (flight times)
#Fair Isle Bird Observatory; guided walk and ringing demonstration
10:00-13:00
*Wild about Town with RSPB Hermaness NNR - A walk with the warden (SNH).
12.30 – 17.00
19.30
National Whale and Dolphin Watch
Fair Isle is a nature lover’s paradise. Why not take a trip today to learn about this wonderful island and see what work is done through the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, including ringing demonstrations and a guided walk. Join the RSPB to discover the wild side of Lerwick. Meet in front of Visit Shetland at 10.00, and take a walk around the Knab. Hermaness National Nature Reserve is home to thousands of breeding birds. The warden will walk you across the moorland, where you will hear the skylarks singing whilst watching the bonxies in their breeding territories. After crossing the moor, you will reach fantastic seabird colonies, with thousands of birds such as gannets and puffins. You will surely work up quite an appetite after this walk, so why not book in to a local Unst eatery in the evening? Join SNH staff at the north Sandwick junction viewpoint to scan the sea for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Mousa Sound has had a few records of orca this year, and is one of the best porpoise spotting spots in Shetland. So if sea conditions and good fortune is on our side you will get to spot a fin or two. And even if you don’t see anything you can still learn more about Shetland’s sea mammals from the staff and volunteers there.
FIBO 01595 760258
Free, donations welcome More details 01595 693345
More details 01595 693345
Tuesday 8th 08:30-17:30 (from Lerwick)
09:00
*Otter Watching with Shetland Wildlife & Shetland Nature Cruises & Tours
Shetland is the north European stronghold for this charismatic but elusive species and we're fortunate to have a population in excess of a thousand individuals. Our knowledge of their movements and feeding habits is second to none and we hope to give you some truly outstanding views - our tried and tested field craft of reading tracks and following tides pays dividends! In our quest to find these striking animals other wildlife will include a variety of birds, Common and Grey Seals and Harbour Porpoises.
Join us for the day for the chance to enjoy watching otters in the wild, learn about their fascinating behaviour and search for the tracks and signs which reveal their presence! *On the Trail of Shetland’s Learn about the explosive past of Esha Ness, with expert guide Allen Fraser Volcano; Shetland Geotours (01595 859218) Brae Wick Beach then a guided geowalk from Eshaness Lighthouse to the Grind o da Navir (4 miles/7km return distance)
The Keen of Hamar NNR is Europe's largest expanse of serpentine debris habitat. This barren-looking moonscape, unchanged since the last Ice Age, is dotted with rare plants, including Norwegian sandwort, and the endemic Edmondston's chickweed. The warden, Alistair Wilson, will help you to find and identify the plants that occur here.
Cost: £75 per person. Max. 5 persons. Please bring packed lunch, warm / waterproof clothing. Strong footwear is essential. Trip will depart Lerwick at 0830 and return approx 1730. Call 07786 982773 to book on this fantastic day out. Lunch break at Braewick café (not included in cost). Cost with transport from Lerwick: £37 per person. Min 4 persons Max 8 persons. Cost without transport meet at Braewick Café 1030: £15 per person Call 01595 859218 to book, or Visit Shetland at 01595 693434 01595 693345
12.30‐14.00 & 14.30‐16.00
Keen of Hamar NNR ‐ A walk with the Warden (SNH)
Time TBC
A great opportunity to have a local person guide you around 01595 692633 *The Hams O’ Roe, Numbers limited so SCFWAG guided walk on Muckle Roe.
11.30 on Noss
14.00 – 17.00
19.30
Muckle Roe (01595 692633) *Loop the Noup; Guided walk with SNH warden on Noss NNR
Noss NNR is one of the most famous seabird reserves in the UK. The massive cliffs at the Noup (some 180m high) offer spectacular views of Shetland, not to mention thousands of seabirds. Join the warden to learn more about this magnificent island. The North Atlantic Fisheries College welcome you to see Seas Around Us; NAFC, some of the sea life that is to be found around Shetland. Scalloway Live animals you will see include octopus, sea cucumber, wrasse, sea anemone, sea mouse, sea urchins, lobster and crabs. Shetland ForWirds is the group which promotes the “Hjalta: An evening of Shetland dialect. Many poets and writers have drawn poetry and music” influence from Shetland’s rich and varied natural world. Shetland ForWirds Poetry Come along this evening to enjoy a selection of poetry and evening at The Shetland prose, from Vagaland to Rhoda Bulter. Library
please book (01595 693345)
Wednesday 9th 10.00-17.00
10.00-16.00
13.30
19.15
Anyone who hasn't been to the fascinating island of Mousa is missing out! The Mousa RSPB Open Day will begin with rock pooling and art session at Leebitton, with SNH's marine biologist Karen Hall, and local artist Ana Horn. There will then be guided walks and activities on Mousa throughout the day. Tom Jamieson is offering a discounted fare for today. Ferries depart Leebitton at 12.30 and 2pm, and there will be a special trip departing Leebitton at 11, taking passengers right round the island before dropping off at Mousa. Woodnessday, with Shetland Have you ever heard folk say “There’s no trees in Shetland!”. Well, drop by the Loch of Voe Amenity Trust. Pop along plantation to learn about Shetland’s trees and any time to the Loch of Voe woodlands. Shetland Amenity Trust staff will share plantation (car parking at their experience with you, and direct you to other public toilets). wooded areas nearby, including Voxter and Valayre. “Paparwork” furniture maker Cecil Tait will also be on hand, showing work made from Shetland trees. Join the North Shetland ranger for a guided walk Hermaness NNR, Shetland Rangers Service guided walk around Hermaness NNR, where you will see thousands of seabirds and spectacular views. (01595 694688) Tingwall Valley Flower Foray Join the Shetland Field Studies Group with Jill Slee Blackadder to find as many flowers as you can in with Shetland Field Studies one evening. Where better to do that than the lush Group (01595 693434) Tingwall Valley. Meet at the LawTing interpretation sign, where there is car parking space. #RSPB Mousa Open Day; including family rock pooling and art with Ana Horne & SNH
Ferry booking essential. Mousa Boat Trips are offering a discounted fare for the day (£10 regular return trip; £12 round island trip- call 01950 431367). Numbers are limited for the rock pool and art session (10-lunch), please book by phoning RSPB office 01950 460800. Call James McKenzie at Shetland Amenity Trust for more info 01595 694688
01595 694688
Thursday 10th 11.00
14.00 – 17.00
18.30-20.00
Keen of Hamar, guided walk Shetland Rangers Service (01595 694688) Seas Around Us; NAFC, Scalloway Sumburgh Head Puffin Evening (01950 460800)
Join the North Shetland ranger for a guided walk around Keen of Hamar NNR, where you will learn about this ‘lunar landscape’
The North Atlantic Fisheries College welcome you to see some of the sea life that is to be found around Shetland. Live animals you will see include octopus, sea cucumber, wrasse, sea anemone, sea mouse, sea urchins, lobster and crabs. Call 01950 460800 to The Tammie Norie (puffin) is perhaps the nation’s favourite seabird. Come along to learn more about these amazing little book birds, and the other seabirds which breed at Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve.
Friday 11th 10:15 – 16:45 (flight times)
#Da Foula Monty, Foula’s culture and heritage with Foula Rangers Service
11:00‐12:30 (at airstrip)
*Fantastic Fetlar ‐ Myths, Monsters & Marvels, RSPB (01957 733246)
13.30‐15.00 (Funzie)
*Fantastic Fetlar – The Secret Life of a Phalarope, RSPB (01957 733246) *A walk on the wild side, North Roe to Uyea, Shetland Geotours (01595 859218)
10.30 at North Roe School, or 9.00 from Lerwick
19.30
*Killer Whales in Shetland, Shetland Museum (Scottish Killer Whale Project Team & RSPB)
You must take a trip to "The Edge of the World" - the awe inspiring island of Foula. The Foula Rangers will be your expert guides, and will tailor the day to suit the interest of the visitors. They can give you "Da Foula Monty", revealing all that is known about Foula's culture and heritage, from archaeology to wildlife. A rare opportunity to visit the Bird Sanctuary of Vord Hill with RSPB Warden. Learn about all it's residents - past and present.
Join RSPB warden at the Mires of Funzie RSPB Nature Reserve to look for phalaropes. Learn all we do know and find out what we don't know about these rare and very unusual little waders. One of the remotest corners of Shetland: wild landscapes; Neolithic axe factory; sea cliffs, stacks and skerries; ancient rocks; ice age and pre-ice age features An 11-mile/18km walk: Please be sure that you can undertake a walk of this distance before booking. Since there are no shops, café, or toilet facilities you will have to carry everything you need for the day with you. Cost with transport from Lerwick: £37 per person. Min 4 persons Max 8 persons. Cost without transport meet at North Roe School 1030: £15 per person. If the weather is not suitable for walking an alternative itinerary will be offered Meet the Scottish Killer Whale Project Team who will share their knowledge about killer whales in local waters. You may also watch the BBC natural history film “Killer Whales in the UK?”. Filmed in summer 2007 and broadcast earlier this year, it follows the story of Gordon Buchanan as he tries to catch up with these remarkable animals.
FLIGHTS ARE FULLY BOOKED Rough terrain approx 3.5km. Good footwear and warm outdoor clothing essential. Timing allows visitors to catch the 10.05 ferry from Gutcher into Fetlar and the 16.45 ferry out of Fetlar if desired 12.30 - 13.30 Lunch (bring your own packed lunch or visit the Fetlar Cafe)
Allen Fraser 01595 859218;
[email protected]; Shetland Tourist Centre 01595 693434
Free, donations welcome Call 01950 460800 for more information. Numbers limited in auditorium, so please get your free ticket from Islesburgh Community Centre (01595 692114)
Saturday 12th 12-16.00
Noss NNR Open Day, SNH
18.45
Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Bird Club invites you to Bobby Tulloch evening, Shetland Museum
A courtesy bus can take you from the Bressay ferry to Noss Sound, where you will board a dinghy to take you to Noss. On Noss, there will be a range of walks and activities for you to enjoy. Everyone smiles when they hear of Bobby Tulloch. This lightsome event will be a celebration of his life and work, through music, film, stories and images. “Land of the Simmer Dim” is a BBC film, made about Bobby and his Shetland. Guest speakers include Jonathan Wills and Dennis Coutts, with music from Brian Nicholson, Ian Clark and Alana Thomason.
Call 01595 693345 for more details
Free, donations welcome Call 01950 460800 for more information. Numbers limited in auditorium, so please get your free ticket from Islesburgh Community Centre (01595 692114)
DAILY EVENTS Depart Victoria Pier 10am, 2pm, 6pm
Seabirds and Seals
Shetland Geotours daily guided walks 10.15 from Lerwick
Raingoose Cruise
Daily
RSPB Sumburgh Head
Full adult fare: £40;Over-60s fare (ID required): £35; Disabled person (ID required): £30; Students (ID required): £30;Under-16s: £25; Under-fives - up to two carried free if space permits. The 10% group discount is available on all these ticket prices for groups of four or more booked in advance. We can In addition, we can offer evening sailings to offer a 10% discount if you book in advance with Seabirds and Seals Noss to see the baby guillemots fledging direct, rather than going through the from the cliffs. These excursions have the same content as the daytime trips, including tourist information centre. underwater viewing. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available on board and passengers are welcome to bring a picnic or fish supper with them Join expert guide Allen Fraser to learn more Allen Fraser 01595 859218;
[email protected]; about Shetland's fascinating geology, and Shetland Tourist Centre 01595 see some of the islands' spectacular 693434 scenery. 01595 693434 or 07876 522 292 for Daily trips to the North Isles or tailored to reservations your requirements. All aboard the Ruby May for an unforgettable day exploring the east coast and north isles of Shetland. 01950 460800 Guides will help show you the wildlife of Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. There’s a great opportunity to see Jo Jack’s art exhibition of underwater life, lit by UV lights – magical! By sea is by far the best way to approach a seabird colony, both for the close up view and minimal disturbance, is by boat (except for puffins). We recommend walking around Noss and Hermaness but it is a completely different experience from the boat trip. Full details of this three hour cruise are on our website at www.seabirds-and-seals.com
RSPB will be running “Go Wild With Your Child” activities across mainland Shetland (01950 460800 for more details).
Daily art exhibitions at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse (Jo Jack) and Breiwick Cafe (Spindrift Crafts) and the Shetland Nature Festival Artist in Residence will be on the North Isles Nature Cruise and Noss. There are many tour operators that may be booked daily throughout the year; including Shetland Geotours (01595 859218); Shetland Nature Cruises and Tours (07786 982773); Seabirds and Seals (01595 693343/07831 217042); Thule Charters (01595 693343/07876 522292); Mousa Boat Trips (01950 431367) For more details, contact RSPB Shetland Office 01950 460800 or www.visitshetland.com Shetland Nature Festival organisers greatly appreciate all the support and contributions for this first festival, including funders, tour operators, organisations, speakers and many individuals. Thank you!
