Countryside Rangers Upcoming Events 2024
We are now using Eventbrite for some of our event bookings – check out our listings and follow us here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/high-life-highland-countryside-rangers-33097164665
All other bookings can be found on the High Life Highland booking site: https://booking.highlifehighland.com/
HLH Membership options can be found here: Join High Life Highland – High Life Highland
Explore the heart of the Scottish Highlands, with the eleven naturalists from the High Life Highland Ranger service. Our articles bring you news stories about wildlife and history; our events and conservation efforts.
Nature Unveiled | High Life Highland Ranger | Substack
Date: Monday 7th October
Area: Lochaber
Celebrate Green Libraries Week! Autumn Crafts
After school fun for 7-12yrs old at Caol Library. Join us to celebrate Green Libraries Week where we will make nature inspired autumn crafts.
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm Booking ref: ACT 002253
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: High Life Highland Activities
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 8th October
Area: Sutherland
Green Libraries Week – Create Wildflower art – Lairg Library
Join the countryside ranger, Donald, and Sanaa McLeod the librarian, in the Lairg Library to learn about flowers and then make some splendid artwork using fresh flowers and leaves.
Time: 4pm Drop in event – Booking not required
Contact: Donald.mitchell@highlifehighland.com 07766475338
Tuesday 8th October at 4pm
Lairg Library
Date: Tuesday 8th October
Area: East Caithness
Green Libraries Week – Plant a mini wildflower meadow!
Come and meet Patti the Countryside Ranger in Wick library this Tuesday (8th Oct) between 2pm and 4pm, where you can plant a mini wildflower meadow to place in your garden at home using recycled materials.
Time: 2pm – 4pm Drop in event – Booking not required
Contact: [email protected] 07551 525 719
Date: Tuesday 8th October
Area: Easter Ross
Get to Know Fungi, Hands-on Workshop at Dingwall Library
Get to know some locally found fungi as we delve in to this group of organism’s extraordinary world.
Learn how to identify them and their role in ecology. There will be many examples of fungi on the day but please bring any in you would like to share. This activity is suitable for ages 7 and up, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is part of Green Libraries Week.
Drop-in any time. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Suggested donation to support our work is £2.50. Donations can be made in cash or using a QR code at the event.
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected] 07789084236
Date: Wednesday 9th October
Area: Wester Ross
Get to Know Seaweed, Hands-on Workshop, Ullapool Library
Seaweed is a fascinating group of plants, essential to everything else that lives in the marine world. Come along to the library to learn about the seaweeds we get on our coastline.
There will be lots of seaweed for you to look at and touch. You can also draw your own guide to take away with you.
This is part of Green Libraries Week.
Drop-in any time. All ages welcome adults on their own and families. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Suggested donation to support our education and conservation work is £2.50. Donations can be made in cash or using a QR code at the event.
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Booking: not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Wednesday 9th October
Area: Wester Ross
Get to Know Fungi, Hands-on Workshop, Ullapool Library
Get to know some locally found fungi as we delve in to this group of organism’s extraordinary world. Learn how to identify them and their role in ecology. There will be many examples of fungi on the day but please bring any in you would like to share.
This is part of Green Libraries Week.
Drop-in any time. All ages welcome. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Suggested donation to support our work is £2.50. Donations can be made in cash or using a QR code at the event.
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
Booking: not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Thursday 10th October
BettyHill – Sutherland
Parent and Toddler /Pre-school bulb planting.
Inside in pots – decorating and planting bulbs for next spring. This is part of Green Libraries Week.
Time: 10.30am – 11:30am
Booking: not required
Contact: Donald Mitchell [email protected]
Date: Thursday 10th October
Area: Wester Ross
Ullapool Nature Club for Kids, Mysterious Living Things! Ullapool Library
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate and experience nature. It is open to all.
This month, our session is part of Green Libraries Week. we will be playing games and looking and learning all about some unusual groups of living things, that live locally. As always there will be apples!
Children 5 and over can stay without parents and younger children can attend with parents or carers.
Booking is not required, just turn up. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please give what you feel you can afford. Suggested donation is £2.50 per child. Please only donate what you can afford, £2.50 is a guide only. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Time: 6pm – 7.15pm
Booking: not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Thursday 10th October
Area: Ardnamurchan
Green Libraries Week – Seaweeds
Come along to Ardnamurchan Library to take a closer look at seaweeds – what are they called and what are they used for? There will be a treasure hunt, a quiz and lots of seaweed to identify!
Time: 7pm – 8pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: No need to book, just drop in to Ardnamurchan Library
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 10th October
Area: Lochaber
From Books to Bags – Come celebrate Green Library Week
Join us at Fort William Library for Libraries Green Week and learn how to turn an old hardback book into a stylish evening bag.
Tea and Coffee and all materials along with full tuition provided, no prior experience necessary.
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Cost: Entry by donation
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 11th October
Area: Easter Ross
Fungi Foray Kildary
Fun guy or foe? Join us to look at some of the spectacular mushrooms to be found in the woods and learn what you need to look for to identify them. This is designed as an identification workshop and not a foraging session. We will look at a variety of different species both edible and inedible. This event is not suitable for children.
Time: 10 – 12pm
Booking: Please click here to book
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected] 07788387634
Date: Saturday 12th October
Area: Wester Ross
Where are all the fruit trees? Pocket Orchard Village Walk, Ullapool
During Lockdown ‘Get Ullapool Growing’ planted out numerous fruit trees in Ullapool village for community members. They are getting to the fruiting stage now so let’s find out where they are!
Join the ranger for a guided walk (3km/ 1.9 miles) to find where they all are and get a map for future reference. We will use the opportunity to look for other signs of autumn.
During the Tattie holidays, some trees will have an activity or something other than fruit to collect from them.
There may be some other apple-related events in conjunction with this walk so watch this space….
Booking for the guided walk is required via Eventbrite or by contacting Jenny. Please book by Friday 11th October 4pm. Meeting place given out on booking.
This walk’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please give what you feel you can afford. We suggest a donation of £5 per person to cover our costs or £10 per person to further support our work.
You can follow the trail yourself by collecting a map from the library from the 14th of October. Donations of £1 per map.
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/high-life-highland-countryside-rangers-33097164665
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Area: Wester Ross
School’s Out – Autumn Activities, Ullapool Library
Come and find Jenny in the library where she will be leading on some autumn activities from making homes for animals, to autumn crafts and games.
There will be something for all ages of child. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is not required, just turn up. The cost is £5 per child for those not members of High Life Highland and £2.50 for those who are.
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
Booking: Not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Area: Lochaber
Seashore safari
Discover the hidden treasures of the seashore, from colourful seashells to curious crabs, this safari offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with nature’s wonders.
Grab your coat, put on your wellies, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure by the sea!
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Adults free
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: £3.75 for full HLH members £7.50 Pay as you Go
Booking Code: SOO000240
Booking: High Life Highland Activities
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 17th October Area: Lochaber
Autumn Felt garlands – Share some You Time
Want to try something new while giving yourself some You Time, come along and join the Highland Heritage Ranger on this relaxed workshop where we will use felt sheets and simple sewing to create an autumn themed garland decoration for the house.
This 2-hour workshop is part of the monthly You Time traditional craft series where you can try new crafts and learn new skills in an informal, relaxed setting over a cup of tea and biscuits.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided along with full tuition and equipment.
Time: 1pm – 3pm :
Cost: Free for full HLH Members, £6 for pay as you go members
Booking: Details coming soon!
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 18th October
Area: Wester Ross
School’s Out – Dinosaur Detectives, Lael Forest
There has been another sighting of Westerossaurus! Palaeontologists (scientists who study dinosaurs) need some new recruits to help research this rare and secretive species that has survived in Lael Forest for millions of years.
If you are brave enough, sign up and come with the ranger this October holidays to be part of the dinosaur training. Those who find the dinosaur nest will be given a special award for passing the training. Suitable for families with children aged between 4 and 8 but older and younger children are welcome to join their younger siblings if they dare.
The training in the woodland involves walking 2km on good woodland paths.
Numbers are limited and booking essential by 4pm on 17th of October. Please book adults on in addition to children.
The cost is £5 per child for those not members of High Life Highland and £2.50 for those who are.
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Booking: School’s Out website or contact Jenny directly Booking ref: TBC
Contact: [email protected] 01854 613526
Date: Friday 18th October
Area: Lochaber
Book Art
Ever wondered what to do with your old, damaged books?
Join us for this fun family event at Fort William Library and transform an old book into an
enchanting art case, mesmerizing 3D picture or whatever your
creativity can conjure up!
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. adults free
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Cost: £3.75 for full HLH members £7.50 Pay as you Go
Booking Code: SOO000241
Booking: https://booking.highlifehighland.com/
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 18th October Area: Badenoch & Strathspey
Healthy Minds Group
Join your local countryside ranger for a day of calm in the woods or our Wildlife Garden. We make a cosy camp to connect and engage with nature in our perfect spot! Contact Saranne if you are interested. Runs every fortnight to ensure a regular dose of natures’ medicine. Drop in so no booking necessary but contact must be made with Saranne beforehand.
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Contact: [email protected] 07818 588 222
Date: Wednesday 23rd October
Area: Easter Ross
Autumn Crafts at the Muir Hub
Join the Ranger for some crafts at the Muir Hub using natural materials. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own finds. This is a drop in event so no need to book. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 10am – 12:30pm
Booking: No booking required
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected] 07788387634
Date: Wednesday 23rd October Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Friday 25th October
Area: Caithness
Family volunteer nurdle expedition! – at Dunnet beach.
Drop into the Seadrift Centre by Dunnet beach where we will arm you with all the information and tools you need to take part in the Great Nurdle Hunt. Help planet earth by collecting some microplastics to clean our beautiful beach. Explore the beach with your family and bring your finds back to the ranger centre to find out more. This is a self guided activity, drop in any time between 10am and 1pm, please dress for the weather.
Time: 10am – 1pm Booking ref: SOO000266
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Booking not required
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
01847 821531/07920182658
Date: Tuesday 29th October
Area: Wester Ross
Ullapool Nature Tots for Pre-schoolers – Hibernating Hoglets, Ullapool Library
Nature Tots is aimed at children under 5 and their carers. It includes nature stories and activities. This month our topic is all about hedgehogs and hibernation. This is (hopefully) part inside and part outside so please come prepared for going out.
Part of the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival which is running through September.
Booking is not required, just turn up. Please only donate what you can afford. Suggested donation is £2.50. Donations can be made in cash or using a QR code at the event.
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Booking: Not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Wednesday 30th October
Area: Sutherland
Lichen Safari at Big Burn
Do you like Lichen? Have you never heard of it before but interested to know more? Join the Ranger for a short walk to discover a whole new world!
Lichen are a combination of fungi and algae working together to support each other and they come in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and forms. They were one of the first organisms to start colonising the earth and they can tell us a lot about our environment. They are well worth getting to know better.
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Booking: Please click here to book
Contact: marcia.o’[email protected] 07788387634
Date: Wednesday 30th October
Area: Lochaber
Spooktacular Halloween in the Glen
Drop in between 5.30-7.30pm to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to take part in our annual spooky trail and Halloween event. Come dressed up, bring along a carved pumpkin and be prepared for a fun night. Fire with toasted marshmallows, coffin feely box, apple dookin, crafts, tea and coffee and lots more going alongside the trail.
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm Booking: Details coming soon!
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Wednesday 30th October
Area: Wester Ross
Autumn along the River Broom, Lael
We will be looking for tree seeds, studying autumnal sights and enjoying a meander alongside the River Broom in this 4km circular walk for adults.
This sessions price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please give what you feel you can afford. Booking is required. Suggested donation for this event is £5 per person or £10 to further support our work.
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/high-life-highland-countryside-rangers-33097164665
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Friday 1st November Area: Badenoch & Strathspey
Healthy Minds Group
Join your local countryside ranger for a day of calm in the woods or our Wildlife Garden. We make a cosy camp to connect and engage with nature in our perfect spot! Contact Saranne if you are interested. Runs every fortnight to ensure a regular dose of natures’ medicine. Drop in so no booking necessary but contact must be made with Saranne beforehand.
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Contact: [email protected] 07818 588 222
Date: Wednesday 6th November Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 14th November Area: Lochaber
Christmas decorations
Want to try something new while giving yourself some You Time, come along and join the Highland Heritage Ranger on this relaxed workshop where we will make some needle-felted Christmas decorations
This 2-hour workshop is part of the monthly You Time traditional craft series where you can try new crafts and learn new skills in an informal, relaxed setting over a cup of tea and biscuits.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided along with full tuition and equipment.
Time: 1-3pm
Cost: Free for full HLH Members, £6 for pay as you go members
Booking: Details coming soon!
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 14th November
Area: Wester Ross
Ullapool Nature Club for Kids, Owls and their Pellets, Ullapool Library
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate and experience nature. It is open to all children but aimed at primary school age.
This month, our session is part of Wester Ross Dark Skies Festival and we will be playing games and looking and learning about owls and what our local owls have been eating by dissecting their pellets.
Children 5 and over can stay without parents and younger children can attend with parents or carers.
Booking is not required, just turn up. Suggested donation is £2.50 per child. Please only donate what you can afford, £2.50 is a guide only. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Time: 6pm – 7.15pm
Booking: not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Friday 15th November Area: Badenoch & Strathspey
Healthy Minds Group
Join your local countryside ranger for a day of calm in the woods or our Wildlife Garden. We make a cosy camp to connect and engage with nature in our perfect spot! Contact Saranne if you are interested. Runs every fortnight to ensure a regular dose of natures’ medicine. Drop in so no booking necessary but contact must be made with Saranne beforehand.
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Contact: [email protected] 07818 588 222
Date: Friday 15th November
Area: Wester Ross
The Full Moon and the Fire: Wester Ross Dark Skies Festival, location TBC
We are hoping for a clear night lit up by the full moon to enjoy a hot drink around the fire as we tell stories from real life, mystery objects and books. Suitable for families and adults too. This is part of Wester Ross Dark Skies Festival organised by the Wester Ross Biosphere.
Time: 5pm – 6.30pm
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/high-life-highland-countryside-rangers-33097164665
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Wednesday 20th November Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday 26th November
Area: Wester Ross
Ullapool Nature Tots for Pre-schoolers – Nocturnal Animals, Ullapool Library
Nature Tots is aimed at children under 5 and their carers. It includes nature stories and activities. This month our topic is all about hedgehogs and hibernation. This is (hopefully) part inside and part outside so please come prepared for going out.
Part of Wester Ross Dark Skies Festival running through November.
Booking is not required, just turn up. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please only donate what you can afford. Suggested donation is £2.50. Donations can be made in cash or using a QR code at the event.
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Booking: Not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Friday 29th November Area: Badenoch & Strathspey
Healthy Minds Group
Join your local countryside ranger for a day of calm in the woods or our Wildlife Garden. We make a cosy camp to connect and engage with nature in our perfect spot! Contact Saranne if you are interested. Runs every fortnight to ensure a regular dose of natures’ medicine. Drop in so no booking necessary but contact must be made with Saranne beforehand.
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Contact: [email protected] 07818 588 222
Date: Wednesday 4th December Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 5th December Area: Lochaber
Christmas Wreaths – Share some You Time
Want to try something new while giving yourself some You Time, come along and join the Highland Heritage Ranger on this relaxed workshop where we create Christmas wreaths from willow and natural vegetation
This 2-hour workshop is part of the monthly You Time traditional craft series where you can try new crafts and learn new skills in an informal, relaxed setting over a cup of tea and biscuits.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided along with full tuition and equipment.
Time: 1pm – 3pm or 5.30pm – 7.30pm :
Cost: Free for full HLH Members, £6 for pay as you go members
Booking: Details coming soon!
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Wednesday 11th December
Area: Wester Ross
Guided Walk to the Fairy Lochs, Badachro near Gairloch
This 6km circular walk takes in mountain views and a World War 2 plane crash site. We will be looking for wildlife and nature as we go and having a picnic at the lochs.
Please book your place by visiting our Eventbrite page (link below)
This sessions price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please give what you feel you can afford. Booking is required. Suggested donation for this event is £5 per person or £10 to further support our work.
Time: 11am – 2pm
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/high-life-highland-countryside-rangers-33097164665
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Friday 13th December Area: Badenoch & Strathspey
Healthy Minds Group
Join your local countryside ranger for a day of calm in the woods or our Wildlife Garden. We make a cosy camp to connect and engage with nature in our perfect spot! Contact Saranne if you are interested. Runs every fortnight to ensure a regular dose of natures’ medicine. Drop in so no booking necessary but contact must be made with Saranne beforehand.
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Contact: [email protected] 07818 588 222
Date: Tuesday 17th December
Area: Wester Ross
Ullapool Nature Tots for Pre-schoolers – Reindeers and Robins, Ullapool Library
Nature Tots is aimed at children under 5 and their carers. It includes nature stories and activities. This month our topic is all about Christmassy animals. This is (hopefully) part inside and part outside so please come prepared for going out.
Booking is not required, just turn up. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please only donate what you can afford. Suggested donation is £2.50. Donations can be made in cash or using a QR code at the event.
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Booking: Not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
Date: Wednesday 18th December Area: Ardnamurchan
A Short Walk into Nature – Strontian
Join this local green health walk and help reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, friendly company, great views, and fresh air. Following a different theme each week, find out a bit more about the nature on your doorstep. All our ‘short walks into nature’ series are flat, under an hour in length and suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Please disclose to your local ranger any medical or additional support needs you may have prior to the walk.
Time: 11am – 12pm
We make no charge for this event but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Booking: Call or email to book
Contact: [email protected]
Date: Thursday 19th December
Area: Wester Ross
Ullapool Nature Club for Kids, Christmas Presents for Wildlife, Ullapool Library
Nature Club is a gathering in our community library to celebrate and experience nature. It is open to all children but aimed at primary school age.
This month, we are thinking about the animals living through the cold winter and making some gifts for them. We will be making bird feeders and more.
Children 5 and over can stay without parents and younger children can attend with parents or carers.
Booking is not required, just turn up. This event’s price has been set to FREE. We ask for donations to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Suggested donation is £2.50 per child. Please only donate what you can afford, £2.50 is a guide only. Parents are welcome to stay and participate.
Time: 6pm – 7.15pm
Booking: not required
Contact: [email protected] M: 07917307499
