New 10KM Walking Route In Forest

Woodland gem invites more visitors  

A ‘little gem’ of forest and ancient woodland near Loch Ness is being billed as an even more perfect spot for a bit of quiet recreation and relaxation thanks to a new 10km walking route.

Craigmonie and Balmacaan woods near Drumnadrochit have been the focus of a partnership project involving Forestry Commission Scotland (which owns Craigmonie), Woodland Trust Scotland (which owns Balmacaan) and the Craigmonie Woodland Association.Together they have created a leaflet guide to the woodlands and have installed way-markers and interpretation boards to help people get the most out of their visit.

Eleanor Garty, Woodland Trust Officer for Balmacaan, said: “These amazing woods are hidden away next to Drumnadrochit, just 15 miles south of Inverness, and they are well known and well used by local walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They really are a wonderful resource for tourists, too! It’s a fantastic location with 5 different way-marked walks that should offer something for everyone – from amazing broadleaf woodland to the marvellous views across Loch Ness from the top of the hill. You can also keep your eyes open for red squirrels, bats, badgers and a host of other wildlife or if you prefer, visit the Victorian ‘ice-house or what its thought to be the remains of an Iron Age fort."

The site features a range of trails to suit all levels and that are easily accessible on foot from either end of the woodland. The newly signposted 'Glen Coiltie loop' is 10km of moderate walking which starts in Craigmonie woodland, follows forest tracks onto Cnoc a Bhuachaille and returns through Glen Coiltie.

For the less strenuous visit you can also choose from:
• Craigmonie Trail: 1.6km, fairly strenuous, steep sections, goes to viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness.
• Milton Trail: 2.5km, moderate, has Milton viewpoint with interpretation board
• Oakwood Trail: 1km, easy, loops round a 'kettlehole' in oak woods
• Balmacaan Trail: 2.5km, moderate, through oak woods.

The woods and the series of way-marked trails are signposted from the main car park at the Tourist Information Centre in Drumnadrochit, where there is also a new information panel.
To find out more about the Craigmonie Woodland Association and how you can help out, visit www.drumnadrochit.info/craigmonie-woodland-association.html

Wildlife Watching Holidays On Isle Of Mull

Mull Charters

www.mullcharters.com

In 2012 you can enjoy an amazing 3 hour Sea Eagle Adventure trip for just £35!

Mull Charters aim to provide you with the ultimate wildlife watching experience. They take small groups of people (up to 12 max) to see the magnificent White Tailed Sea Eagle in it's natural environment around the coast of stunning Mull.


Every trip is a different adventure and often result in amazing views of these spectacular birds taking fish from the surface of the sea as close as 7 metres away.

You can also look out for other species at different times of the year eg Great Northern Diver, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier etc. Sometimes you can encounter the local pod of Bottlenose Dolphins or harbour Porpoise en route.

Every trip has stunning scenery, a helpful crew and a taste of the wild, usually a hot drink and a biscuit as well.

They also offer specialist trips for photographers, sea angling trips and visits to the historical Isle of Inch Kenneth.

Please take the time to visit Trip Advisor and see what previous guests have said about their trips.

Check out their youtube link for more wildlife watching experiences www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKVp6l0-99g

Find more wildlife watching holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Art In The Countryside - Connecting Light On Hadrians Wall

If you're lucky enough to be anywhere near Hadrians Wall this coming weekend (Fri 31 Aug & Sat 1 Sep) then keep a look out for an impressive and very unique art installation which will be taking place all along the wall as part of the London 2012 Festival.

On the Friday and Saturday nights, between 8pm and 11pm, some 400 tethered weather balloons - each 6ft in diameter - will be lit by internal LED lights creating a spectacular new art installation called Connecting Light, which will become 'a line of pulsating colours as messages are sent to and along Hadrians Wall.'

Apparently some of the best places to enjoy this spectacle are at the recommended viewing locations between Wallsend and Bowness on Solway.

If you can't see it in person then head online to view it digitally, for more details go to www.hadrian-wall.org/london2012 or  go to Twitter and follow @ConnectingLight

Eco Luxury B&B IN Scottish Highlands

Huntingtower Lodge, Druimarbin, Fort William

www.huntingtowerlodge.com

Chris and Jackie Clifford would like to welcome you into their West Highland home. Come to relax and enjoy 21st Century comfort at Huntingtower Lodge, a contemporary boutique B&B offering a "haven of tranquillity" overlooking Loch Linnhe.

The Lodge, with its stunning and ever changing views of Loch Linnhe, is 2 miles south west of Fort William, the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK.' All accommodation has extensive views across the loch towards the Ardgour peninsula and offers the opportunity to spot some of the varied wildlife around the Lodge.

The Lodge is light, bright and modern with double glazing and central heating throughout and is run as a green establishment (GTBS Gold Award). They provide free wi-fi access and the use of a lap-top if required. There is ample off-road parking, a secure garage for bikes and drying facilities for outdoor gear. They are happy to collect guests arriving in Fort William by public transport and can also transport guests who are walking the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way or travelling on the Jacobite Express. All lifts are by prior arrangement - a donation for this service to their preferred charity, The John Muir Trust, is always appreciated.

Find eco friendly holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Wildlife Watching Holidays on Isle of Skye

Seaprobe Atlantis - Glass Bottom Boat Trips, Isle of Skye
 www.seaprobeatlantis.com

Seaprobe Atlantis is Scotland's only semi-submersible glass bottom boat, operating from the Marine Conservation area at Kyle of Lochalsh and recently voted 'Best UK Wildlife Experience' by the Daily Telegraph June 2010.

The boat operates 4 trips per day from March to 31st October and visits the local common seal colony with 25 - 45 seals, the local seabird nesting islands, with 16 different species spotted, and you can look for otters along the coast with an average one otter sighting per day.

Lochalsh is probably the best place in the UK for otter spotting. The unique feature of the boat is the large underwater viewing gallery with 26 underwater windows. The boat explores the shallow coastal waters, amongst the kelp beds and egg wrack, where you  can see a number of different fish species as well as star fish, jellyfish, sea urchins and crabs.

All trips are guided, binoculars, refreshments and toilets are available.
Find wildlife watching holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Late Summer Special Offers - Burnbrae Cottages, Scotland

Begrum Cottage
Available
Aug 20-24, 4 nights £337
Aug 25-Sept 1, 7 nights £391, shorter stays available.
Sept 1-4, 3 nights £320

Thairn Cottage
Available
Aug 25- Sept 1, 7 nights £391,6 nights £373,4 nights £337
Sept 15th 7 nights, £400,6 nights £380, 5 nights £360, 3 nights £320.

Mungos Well cottage
Available Aug 28-Sept 1, 4 nights £340
Sept 8-15, 7 nights £400 shorter stays available

Burnbrae Holidays, Burnbrae Mill, Nenthorn, Kelso , Scottish Borders
www.burnbraehol.co.uk



Burnbrae says:
"We offer eco friendly cottages in a peaceful spot in the heart of the Scottish Borders. The site is surrounded by agricultural land but is no longer a working farm. We have 3, four star cottages which were converted from a stone barn. The south facing conservatory in each cottage has views across the secluded garden, Eden Water and across the border between Scotland and England to the Cheviot Hills.

It is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts to relax and view a wide variety of native wildlife. The fields and banks of the Eden Water can be explored directly from your cottage. Cycling is a particular pleasure on the network of quiet lanes around Burnbrae and for mountain bikers the world renowned Glen Tress is short drive away. At Burnbrae, we have a lockable cycle store and we can provide you with a key for the duration of your stay.

Each cottage has a heated drying cupboard. A washing machine and a tumble-drier are available on-site. Each light and airy one bedroomed cottage is generously equipped for 2-4 people for self-catering. The cottages are on one level and have level access from the car park.

PV solar panels on site provide electricity. We grow our own wood for the wood burning stove in each living room. We aim to ensure that the overall effect of our business activities enhances the local environment, and has minimal detrimental impact on the wider environment, including impact on the availability of resources in the future. As evidence of our success in this we hold the gold award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme."

Please call Yvette on 01573 225570  for details or to book

Eco Holidays In Wales - Trallwm Forest Cottages

Trallwm Forest Cottages, Abergwesyn, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
www.forestcottages.co.uk


With 8 Cottages set in 400 acres of woodland there is something for everyone at Trallwm Forest Cottages.
The cottages are only 10 miles from Llyn Brianne Resevoir where you drive through the famous Devil's Staircase, visit Elan Valley and walk through acres of open land to the Drygan (641m).

The cottages are set in a beautiful unspoilt Welsh valley and woodland where you will find open land to explore, three mountain bike trails, a landscaped lake, many walking routes and complete peace and tranquilty.

For over 25 years these traditional Welsh slate and stone cottages have provided a warm and comfortable base to explore the beauty and attractions of Mid Wales.

Key Features :- outstanding birdwatching, on-site mountain bike trails, on-site cafe, no traffic, streetlights or noise pollution, wood burning stoves and fantastic walking routes.


Find eco friendly holidays on Wild & Green Escapes

Bushcraft Skills Events - National Forest Wood Fair

The National Forest Wood Fair

Five of the best exponents in the UK from The Association of Pole Lathe Turners and Greenwood Workers will take part in the first ever UK Log to Leg Championships at the National Forest Wood Fair over the August Bank Holiday.

A Log to Leg race involves highly skilled green wood workers, traditionally called ‘bodgers’, who start with a log of wood, split it, shave it, shape it and turn it into a matching pair of chair legs – all against the clock and using only self-powered tools: axe, shaving horse, draw knife and foot-operated pole lathe.

The races will be interspersed with green wood craft demonstrations: stool making, steam bending, Scottish spurtel making, a turned baby’s rattle, green wood rounders bats, and Windsor chair construction.  Visitors to the Wood Fair will have ample opportunity to watch all these green wood skills at close quarters and talk to the craftsmen while they are working.

The National Forest Wood Fair is organised by the National Forest Company and Leicestershire County Council, and will see awe-inspiring lumberjacks, horse logging, chainsaw carving, pole lathe turning, forest machinery, falconry and lots of children’s activities from eco art to greenwood crafts, making pizzas to scaling the climbing wall. For more information on the Wood Fair visit the website http://www.nationalforestwoodfair.co.uk/

|

Fragile Yorkshire Upland Reaches Major Milestone

North York Moors bog gains more liquid assets 

An ambitious Forestry Commission project to restore one of England’s fragile upland bogs has passed a major milestone.

May Moss in Langdale Forest, near Fylingdales on the North York Moors, is thought to be nearly 9,000 years old and experts say it is a key habitat for plants, birds and insects.

Now work to remove 170,000 conifers from the site has been completed using a £170,000 grant from the SITA Trust along with backing from the North York Moors National Park Authority.

The trees were planted in the 20th century to bolster the nation’s timber reserves depleted by two world wars, but they were sucking moisture from the ground and slowly drying out the ancient habitat.  But the tide has turned and the bog has been given a new lease of life, boosting plants like sphagnum moss, cotton grass and bog rosemary, along with dragonflies.

Brian Hicks, Forestry Commission Ecologist, said:  “We have restored 150 hectares of the bog, twice as much as originally planned, by removing trees and blocking drainage channels to help the site retain rain water. The signs are encouraging with the return of vegetation to areas cleared of trees. Despite appearances this is a living habitat with about a metre of new peat being laid down every 1,000 years. Bogs may not have the profile of rainforests or ancient woods, but ecologically they are just as important."

Specialist equipment which can mulch a tree in a few seconds was deployed in some parts of May Moss, whilst conventional mechanised harvesters were also used. 

Further ditch blocking work is being done by the Yorkshire Peat Partnership and vegetation surveys undertaken by North York Moors National Park volunteers under the guidance of the York-based PLACE Education and Research Centre. Sensors are also monitoring water flows allowing experts at Liverpool University to gauge the success of the project.

Brian Hicks added:"Another major gain from restoring May Moss is that it is acting like a giant sponge, retaining water for longer and alleviating the severity of flooding downstream in vulnerable areas by reducing surging run-offs during storms or very wet periods." 

Jools Granville of SITA Trust added: “We are delighted to be the funding partner on such a necessary project. May Moss is part of England’s biggest moorland Site of Special Scientific Interest and we’d like to ensure that it is given every assistance possible.”

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. More details visit www.forestry.gov.uk/yorkshireandthehumber

Nature In August

This month look out for:

• Grey & common seals basking in the sun on sandbanks - look out for common seal pups this month too!
• Whales, dolphins & porpoise
• Butterflies, dragonflies & damselflies

Birds In August

• Sea bird colonies - great time to visit, there's still plenty going on
• Ospreys

Flora In August

• Heather in bloom
• At the coast - sea holly, sea campion, sea lavender, thrift
• Acorns appearing on oak trees
• Wild thyme
• Thistles
• Common butterwort
• Berries - blackberries, rowan berries, elderberries
• Wild flowers - campions, orchids, scabious, thistle, ox eye daisies and many others

Find eco friendly holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Luxury Eco B&B in Forest

Horseshoe Cottage Farm, Cropston, Leicestershire
www.horseshoecottagefarm.com

Horseshoe Cottage Farm is home to a luxury, sustainable Bed and Breakfast located in the Charnwood Forest area of the National Forest.

Three en-suite bedrooms are all beautifully decorated with natural features and exposed beams. All have showers and two have baths as well. The highest quality bed linen is used and large fluffy towels and bath robes along with locally produced, organic toiletries.

Local and homegrown produce is served at breakfast and dinner along with home made bread, jams and cakes.

The B&B is gold accredited by Green Tourism Business Scheme, welcomes walkers and cyclists and is rurally located for a peaceful stay although, only 7 miles from Loughborough and Leicester. The owners are happy to collect guests from the nearest bus stop if you wish!

There are excellent pubs and restaurants locally or you can dine in-house at Horseshoe Cottage Farm by arrangement.

Find eco friendly B&Bs on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Eco Friendly Cottages

Keld Head Farm Cottages, Keld Head, Pickering, N. Yorkshire

www.keldheadcottages.com

These eco friendly cottages rest in open countryside on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park but only twenty minutes walk from the centre of the picturesque market town of Pickering famous for its medieval castle and the North York Moors Steam railway.

The cottages are individually designed and created with the emphasis on comfort and relaxation from a group of traditional stone built barns set around a secluded courtyard. Much of the original character and features have been retained including beamed ceilings, traditional stone fireplaces and pan tile roofs. 

During your stay visit Yorkshires scenic heritage coast of Filey, Scarborough, Whitby, and the Historic City of York or relax on spectacular rolling hills with heather clad moorland, woodland and forest and visit some of the finest stately homes, castles, museums.

Keld Head's credentials include the Green Tourism “Silver Award”, EnjoyEngland “Gold Award” for exceptional quality of accommodation & customer service and VisitEngland 4 Star grading.

Find eco friendly holidays on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Rare Find In Scottish Glen

Rare Hybrid Birch Found In Glen Affric  

A plant thought to be a hybrid between a tree Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and a dwarf shrub, Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) has been discovered in Glen Affric by Forestry Commission Scotland. 

Downy birch is relatively common across the UK but dwarf birch is uncommon and, within the UK is largely restricted to the Scottish Highlands.

The find - a single small tree of less than 3m in height – is a very rare occurrence. Plants are mapped on a 10km square basis by the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) and, since records began, the hybrid has only been recorded in twenty 10km squares in the Highlands, with no records since 1999.

The discovery was made by Giles Brockman, Environment Manager at Inverness, Ross & Skye Forest District during a site visit. 

Jeff Waddel, Forestry Commission Scotland’s Ecologist, said: “This is quite an amazing find! This hybrid has only ever been recorded a handful of times – and mostly in Scotland – and despite having done a lot of botanical work across the Highlands in my career, I have never seen it before.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the area to restored blanket bog from unproductive plantation. This has really helped habitat diversity and will benefit species like Black Grouse. It has also proven to be of benefit to one of the hybrid parents, Dwarf Birch, which is an uncommon species in its own right but is present in abundance on this site.”

The hybrid - a natural sort of ‘bonsai’ birch - is extremely novel and the Forestry Commission has cordoned off’ the area to ensure that this single specimen is not disturbed by any work being done in the vicinity. 

Although there is a chance that it may hybridise with one of its ‘parents’ to form a backcross hybrid – the likelihood is that it will probably live out it’s life and die off.

Both Giles and Jeff hope that this news encourages people to get more interested in plants. 

Giles said: “It is exciting that there are still new plant discoveries to be made and that you don’t have to go to the Amazon to do it. Anyone who is interested in learning more about plants in the wild should get in touch with the Botanical Society of the British Isles, or an organization like Plantlife, or the local Wildlife Trust. 

“All of these organizations run a variety of events to help people get involved with wild plants. Next time you are outdoors on the national forest estate, keep your eyes peeled for plants, you never know what you may find!”

Wildlife Watching Events - Wilderness Gathering

Wilderness Gathering
August 16th - August 19th


Billed as 'the original bushcraft show', the Wilderness Gathering takes place in Wiltshire and there's something for all the family.

The show is a major social event for all those interested in bushcraft, survival and wilderness living skills - all in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

From workshops to masterclasses, there's plenty to see and get involved in.

For more details go to http://www.wildernessgathering.co.uk/index.html

Find more eco friendly, wildlife watching and bushcraft events on www.wildandgreenescapes.co.uk

Keep Track Of Nature

Part of The Woodland Trust's Visit Woods website has a new look with with the Keep Track of Nature pages where you can:

* find out what to look out for in nature each month
*download free fact packs on everything from birds and flowers to fungi and berries
*record your own nature sightings


Find out more by heading to the Keep Track of Nature website:
http://visitwoods.org.uk/en/visit-woods/for-nature/Pages/nature.aspx

You can also check out Wild & Green's Nature Watch pages to see what to look for in nature each month

Eco Friendly Cornish Cottages

Higher and Lower Clamland, Trebullett, Launceston, Cornwall
www.clamland-holiday-cottages.co.uk

Clamland is a Cornish small-holding centrally situated within the east of the county some three miles south of the ancient capital of Cornwall - Launceston. The cottages and farmhouse are set within fields and woods and approached via a private road.

In 2009 the owners converted two lovely Victorian stone and slate barns to create two eco-friendly holiday homes, a one bedroom and a two bedroom cottage.

Dogs are welcome.

Clamland has been in the family for 35 years and during that time the owners have worked to make the small holding as wildlife friendly as posssible, to that end they have planted woodlands, created ponds and planted thousands of trees.

None of the three houses on site use any oil or gas, the two holiday cottages have air source heat pumps and PV panels while the farmhouse has a biomass boiler with PV panels and wet solar panels.

Find eco friendly cottages on the Wild & Green Escapes website

Osprey Update

Weather takes its toll on birds of prey – but ospreys pull through

Rare English ospreys may have defied the dismal summer weather, but cold conditions and record rainfall have still taken their toll.

Two osprey chicks which hatched just before the Jubilee weekend – and dubbed Jubilee Jack and Queenie - were ringed by Forestry Commission experts in 62,000 hectare (155,000 acre) Kielder Water & Forest Park.  The sole surviving chick on the other nest in the Northumbrian wilderness – given the name of Olympia - has also been ringed.

A record breaking six chicks hatched in Kielder this year, however, three succumbed to the elements, which also blighted the breeding season for other rare birds, including goshawks.

But Rangers remain upbeat. Forestry Commission Wildlife Ranger Philip Spottiswood explained: “We have maintained our record of producing three osprey chicks each year since 2009 when the bird began to breed again in Northumberland for the first time in at least 200 years. Despite the conditions, the chicks ringed this year are very healthy and we expect them all to fledge (fly) in the next few weeks. Given the dreadful weather that is a tremendous result."

Ringing the birds is the best way of monitoring their fortunes in the wild. After being carefully lowered from their treetop nest by tree climbing rangers, each was fitted with a harmless metal leg ring and unique colour tag to help identify the bird.  These can be read over a distance using a telescope.  Gathering data on ospreys is vital to chart what experts hope will be a gradual re-population of other areas.

Duncan Hutt, from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, added: "The species was extinct in England until recently, but Kielder together with the Lake District has been naturally re-colonised.  A big factor has been the expanding Scottish population and also the erection of special nesting platforms near Northumbrian Water’s Kielder Water, which offers perfect hunting grounds for trout."

Kielder Osprey Watch 2012 is organised by the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. The partners are working hard to ensure that the ospreys are here to stay by maintaining a high quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and safeguarding and monitoring the nest site. 

Nature fans can watch the action unfold on CCTV at Kielder Castle and also at Leaplish Waterside Park, where the Kielder Osprey Watch 2012 is being operated by volunteers on weekends and Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Regular updates on the ospreys are being posted by volunteers at http://kielderospreys.wordpress.comand/ at the VisitKielder Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kielder. You can also get Twitter updates @KielderOspreys