Festival celebrates nature in the Borders

Organised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and partners, the May 22-31 festival boasts a huge array of community events, taking place from the Highlands to Angus, the Central Belt, and the Scottish Borders.

There are events to appeal to all interests in the Borders, including a rocky shore safari at Coldingham Bay, foraging walks at Abbotsford House and Kailzie Gardens, an expert otter talk in Harestane Countryside Visitor Centre, bat watching at Paxton Country Park, birdwatching with expert help at Hirsel Estate, butterfly surveys and pond-dipping at Lindean Loch, the dawn chorus at Wilton Lodge Park, evening birdsong with the RSPB at Woodside Garden Centre, and guided walks and family activities for all at Bowhill House & Country Park.

Scotland’s Nature Festival organiser, Zeshan Akhter, said:

“We have teamed up with local people and organisations to bring you plenty of fun events this year. I hope people in the Borders will come out and enjoy all that’s on offer. With quite a few events in the Borders, it’s easy to find an event nearby.”

For more information on these and many other events across Scotland, see www.list.co.uk and search for ‘Scotland’s Nature Festival’. Most events are free; a few events will have a minimal charge. Events are being held by all kinds of organisations, including ranger services, countryside parks, NGOs, faith organisations, nature reserves, community groups, and gardens.

Scotland’s Nature Festival (formerly Scottish Biodiversity Week) has been held every year since 2001, starting as a local initiative in Fife in 2000 and growing into a national event. The festival is about celebrating Scotland's precious wildlife and landscapes and offers the chance for everyone to get out and about and experience it for themselves. For more information and event listings, see www.list.co.uk and search for ‘Scottish Nature Festival’.

This year’s theme is Love Life, Love Nature. We need nature. Nature produces air for us to breathe, food to eat, water to drink and medicines to cure our ills. It is where we go to re-charge our batteries, relax and get away from the stresses and strains of our daily lives. Nature inspires and comforts us and we make it our playground.