Holiday fun at Tentsmuir

The first event on 30 July is called ‘Fortress Fife’. There’ll be a World War 2 quiz trail, as well as a ‘Make Do and Mend’ activity and a ‘Top Secret’ game.

The 6 August event, mysteriously called ‘Whodunnit?’ features a big bug extravaganza and the chance to build a bee hotel.

On 13 August, it will be ‘Have a Hoot’ day. There’ll be an owl quiz trail to follow, crafts and an activity intriguingly called ‘Pellet Probe’.

The drop-in events will take place in and around Kinshaldy car park and picnic area between 12.30 and 15.30 on Thursdays 30 July and 6 and 13 August. There is no need book.

Tom Cunningham, SNH reserve manager said, “The events will give children and their parents the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement that nature has to offer at this wonderful reserve. It’s a great place to spend the summer holidays”.

In other news, over 80 children and their families joined the fun at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve’s Open Day last Thursday.

Hosted by SNH, the theme for this year’s event was ‘Top Secret: the War Years’ and featured activities such as ‘Beach Bingo’ a wildlife spotting game and Tentsmuir Takeaway’, where children learned about animals and what they eat. A ‘Top Secret Game’ re-enacted Tentsmuir’s role during the World Wars.

Children and their parents learned about fish and other wild food from Scotland, celebrating the Year of Food and Drink. Through the telescopes set up on the shore, families were able to see seals, gannets and other seabirds. After refreshments, there was a lively storytelling session which involved dressing up as sea creatures, mermaids and pirates.

Tom added:

“This was our 16th open day at Tentsmuir and it was a great success. I think what sums it all up is the big happy smiling faces on the kids, mums and dads. There were a good number of kids who didn’t want to go home and even better, there were a few mums that didn’t want it to end!”

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve (NNR) boasts constantly moving sand at the edge of the sea to the colourful dune heathland. Seals haul themselves out of the water to watch the world go by, while hungry birds fill up on the rich mix of food hidden in the mudflats. Inland, you can discover the hidden gem of Morton Loch and search for birds like the shy teal dabbling at the water's edge and the elusive otter.

ENDS

Media queries - For more information, contact SNH press & public relations officers for Scottish Natural Heritage, Vicki Mowat on 0131 316 2659 or vicki.mowat@snh.gov.uk (Tues-Fri), or the main SNH press office on 01463 725 022.