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Ross & Cromarty East Local Biodiversity Action Group
Workshops for 2009
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Wildlife in Scotland |
| Home to over 90,000 species, Scotland is well known as a country of outstanding scenery with hills, lochs, an extensive and varied coastline and numerous islands. Scotland is home to a wonderfully diverse range of species, from the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth to the capercaillie of the Central Highlands and the thousands of seals and puffins inhabiting our beautiful coastline. |
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The roe deer is primarily found in areas of mixed woodland but is capable of adapting to a wide variety of habitats. It is a small deer and is reddish-brown in summer, while greyer in winter months. The roe deer is generally more solitary than its larger red cousin, and is to be found at lower altitudes. They are distinguishable facially by a black 'moustache' stripe and white chin, and also by a cream coloured rump patch. Male roe deer are larger than females and have short antlers bearing no more than three points.
One of the hardest Scottish mammals to spot in the wild (primarily due to its nocturnal habits), this sleek woodland predator is nevertheless expanding its range throughout Scotland. Once persecuted for its highly-prized fur, the pine marten is now becoming an ever more regular visitor to gardens across the Highland mainland and Eastern Lowlands. The plight of pine martens has been aided by the spread of new forestry.
Without doubt one of Scotland's most recognisable and popular mammals, the red squirrel has sadly been forced from much of its original habitat since the introduction of its larger grey cousin. The forests of Dumfries and Galloway, the Central Highlands and elsewhere nevertheless remain strongholds. More difficult to observe than greys, these woodland characters with their tufted ears and bushy tails can often be lured into gardens with the promise of food.
A unique species in its own right, the status of the Scottish wildcat is threatened by increased interbreeding with formerly domestic cats living feral. Probably the most difficult Scottish mammal to observe in the wild, signs of this predator's whereabouts (such as bone and feather-laden droppings) are inevitably easier to come across. New woodland plantations have encouraged growth of the wildcat's range to the southern fringes of the Highlands.
The badger is a large and instantly recognisable member of the weasel family. A secretive and nocturnal animal, with a distinctive black and white-striped face, the badger breeds in winter and gives birth to cubs in the shelter of its sett in February. In spring and summer, the possibility exists in many localities to join organised sett watches, and to enjoy the quirky behaviour of badger families foraging for food.
Perhaps the most celebrated of all Scottish mammals, the red deer is also the largest and one of the most populous. The current population stands at roughly 300,000, double what it was as recently as 1965. Most of these animals live in the Highlands and Islands, though large numbers can be found in the Galloway hills. Stags and hinds live in separate herds for much of the year but come together rather vocally each autumn in the breeding season, or rut. A stag may mate with up to twenty hinds in a given year. Calves are born in June.
Red Kites are a common sight gliding above the fields around Big Sky Lodges. This magnificently graceful bird of prey is unmistakable with its reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail. It was saved from national extinction by one of the world's longest running protection programmes, and has now been successfully re-introduced to Scotland, initially in the Black Isle though the population has now spread. Kites like deciduous woodland with farmland and grassland nearby. They feed on Carrion, worms and small mammals.
The golden eagle is a huge bird of prey, with only the white-tailed eagle larger in the UK. With its long broad wings and longish tail, it has a different outline to the smaller buzzard. It likes to soar and glide on air currents, holding its wings in a shallow 'V'. Eagles have traditional territories and nesting places which may be used by generations. They have been persecuted in the past and are still occasionally poisoned, or have their nests robbed. The species inhabits high moorland, mountains and remote islands where there are plenty of open areas to feed over.
Dolphin
The Moray Firth is home to the most renowned colony of bottlenose dolphins
around the coast of Scotland. The dolphin's body is beautifully streamlined
and extremely well suited to its life in the marine environment. A single
nostril or blowhole allows the dolphin to take in air when it comes to the
surface. Their bulging forehead contains an organ called the melon, which
holds a mass of fat and oily tissue. The melon is important as it allows
dolphins to echolocate food and to communicate with each other in schools.
Common Seal
While the Moray Firth colony is perhaps the most renowned, bottlenose
dolphins may be seen all around the coast of Scotland. The dolphin's body is
beautifully streamlined and extremely well suited to its life in the marine
environment. A single nostril or blowhole allows the dolphin to take in air
when it comes to the surface. Their bulging forehead contains an organ
called the melon, which holds a mass of fat and oily tissue. The melon is
important as it allows dolphins to echolocate food and to communicate with
each other in schools.
Ross & Cromarty East Local Biodiversity Action Group Workshops for 2009
As part of the R&C LBAP Greenspace Community Wildlife Audit Project the Highland Council Countryside Ranger for Easter Ross is running a series of workshops to help members of the general public to get involved in recording the wildlife on their doorstep. Over the last two years hundreds of sightings and signs of badgers, red squirrels and other species have been added to the knowledge of the local area including many new records for setts and new sites for rarer species including the great crested newt by people like you have come along to previous workshops so come along and get involved. If you are interested and live in Easter Ross or the Black Isle and want to take part get in touch with Martin Hind by e-mail or telephone to book a place on one of the following workshops. Better still why not set up a local group or join one of the existing groups who are already taking part in the project. For information on local groups contact Martin Hind
To register as booking is essential e-mail martin.hind@highland.gov.uk or telephone 01349 868563.
April 16th Thursday evening 6.30 till about 9.30pm
Amphibian Survey workshop at Ferintosh Village Hall, Ferintosh, Black Isle
Led by Dr David OBrien, Amphibian specialist
This workshop shows you how to survey for the amphibians including frogs, toads and the three newts we have in the Highlands and help contribute to the biological records for the area followed by a field visit to local ponds for practical surveying techniques. Attendees are expected to take part in the National Amphibian & Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS). Limited 15 places
April 18th Saturday daytime 10 till about 2pm depending on field visits arranged.
Reptile Survey Workshop at Crannach Field Centre, Garve
Led by Dr Martin Gaywood, Reptile specialist.
This workshop shows you how to survey for the reptiles including slow worms, adders and lizards in the Highlands and help contribute to the biological records for the area followed by a field visit to local sites for practical surveying techniques. Attendees are expected to take part in the National Amphibian & Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS). Limited 15 places
May 16th Saturday evening
Moth trapping Setting up traps for Sunday workshop from about 8 till 9pm
Led by Tony Mainwood Butterfly Conservation Trust Scotland
Learn how to set up traps and other methods for luring moths for identification. Some trapping and ID work this evening. Priority given to those attending on Sunday. Limited 20 places
May 17th Sunday daytime 9.30 am till about 3.30pm
Moth trapping and Butterfly Surveying techniques
Led by Tony Mainwood Butterfly Conservation Trust Scotland
Look at the moths trapped over night and learn ID techniques followed by Butterfly survey techniques. Help contribute to local biological records and monitor the effects of climate change on our butterflies. Field visit to local Pearl Bordered Fritillary site. Limited 20 places
July 4th Saturday daytime Time to be confimed
Butterflies Survey Workshop at Findon Hall
Led by Tony Mainwood Butterfly Conservation Trust Scotland.
Learn ID and survey techniques for butterflies. Help contribute to local biological records and monitor the effects of climate change on our butterflies. Field visit to woodland sites for some practice. Limited 20 places
July 18th Saturday daytime - 10am till 4pm
Dragonfly ID & Survey Techniques at Strathpeffer Community Centre
Led by Jonathan Willet BDS and HC Biodiversity Officer
Class room work looking at Dragonflies and their habitats followed by field visit to local sites. Limited 20 places
Booking essential so please book through the Easter Ross Countryside Ranger.