Local Coastal and Marine Events
DEEPER THAN LIGHT 29th March - 2nd August
An international exhibition of life on the mid-Atlantic Ridge at Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Prepare to meet Creatures of the Deep eye to eye in this exciting series of displays. Photographs, specimens and audiovisuals recreate the life and habitation of the volcanic mountain range in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean known as the mid-Atlantic Ridge. The exhibition is based on the work of the intern
ational research project, MAR-ECO, in which scientists from 16 nations, including Aberdeen’s Marine Laboratory, took part.
Produced by the Bergen Museum in collaboration with MAR-ECO
For more information and opening hours telephone 01224 337700
BEN BOATS 10th May - 16th August
Watercolours of George Wiseman at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
George Wiseman was a pierhead artist who painted many of the trawlers of the 1950s and 60s built in Aberdeen for the Richard Irvin trawler fleet. Irvin named most of their vessels after Scottish Mountains, hence the familiar name given the fleet as “Ben Boats”. Often using the shipyard plans to ensure the accuracy of the vessel, Wiseman was able to create images of an important period in Aberdeen’s fishing heritage. The display includes two newly acquired watercolours of the Ben Loyal and Ben Lui.
For more information and opening hours telephone 01224 337700
COASTAL TRAINING COURSES
NESBReC has organised a series of four coastal training courses with funding from the East Grampian Coastal Partnership. These 1 day courses focus on particular wildlife groups and offer expert tuition in the identification of species to be found on our coastline. All courses are available free of charge to anyone who may be interested. However, booking is essential. If you are interested in a course please book a place by contacting NESBReC on:
glenn.roberts@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone 01224 273633
Sat 21st June 10am-4pm Coastal plants at Cairnbulg, Fraserburgh
Sat 5th July 9:30am-3:30pm Introduction to Species of the Intertidal Zone, Stonehaven
Sat. 9th Aug 10am-4pm, Coastal Plants, Sands of Forvie
Sat. 30th Aug 8:30am-3pm, Seaweeds, Torry, Aberdeen
NATIONAL WHALE AND DOLPHIN WEEK, 21st June 1-4pm
Join local experts for a whale and dolphin watch at Balmedie Country Park (just north of the visitor centre - look for the dolphin windsock) as part of National Whale and Dokphin Watch.
EAST GRAMPIAN SEAWATCH SURVEY 28th June- Bullars of Buchan
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts to find out more and see our local wildlife. For more information please see the seawatch page
FIN SPOTTING AT ST CYRUS, Saturday 28th June
Take part in the National Whale and Dolphin Watch Week and help St Cyrus reserve staff scan the bay for whales, dolphins, porpoises and learn more about these marine mammals. Bring binoculars and dress warmly. Meet at the top of the cliff path at the end of Beach Road, St Cyrus. Two seesions 7-10 am and 4-7 pm. All under 18's must be accompanied. For more information please call 01674 830736
EAST GRAMPIAN SEAWATCH SURVEY 29th June-Muchalls
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts to find out more and see our local wildlife. For more information please see the seawatch page
SEAWATCHING AT BULLERS Sunday 29 June
1:00 – 5:00pm
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts at this fantastic vantage point to find out more about our local wildlife. Binoculars are provided so just bring warm clothes, waterproofs, stout shoes and something to sit on. You can also learn about the other great opportunities to enjoy watching our local wildlife including the boat trip from Stonehaven and Norcet Surveys to the Northern Isles with North Link ferries. You will also have the opportunity to join the Ranger on a walk short walk along the cliff tops to check on the puffins and other nesting birds. This event is a joint event with the East Grampian Coastal Partnership and is part of their Seawatching Project.
NOTE: Great care must be taken on the rough cliff paths at all times
MEET: Bullers of Buchan
CONTACT: the Buchan Ranger on 01771 622857
GONE WITH THE WIND, Saturday 5th July
Join the Aberdeenshire Rangers to make the most of the north east breezes and have a go at making a kite out of recycled materials. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Meet at the Fraserburgh Seashore Centre 10 am -12 noon. Booking essential on 07786021786
BALMEDIE GALA, Saturday 5th July
FORVIE NNR FUN DAY, Sunday 6th July
12 noon- 4pm. Come and join in the family fun at the SNH Stevenson Forvie Centre, near Collieston. For more details please call 01358 742396
Rock Pooling at Cove 8th July
Join ranger Rob Rowe at the rockpools near Cove Harbour for an opportunity to explore the rock pools and meet some of plants and animals which make them their home. Meet Colsea Road car park 11 am -12.
30 pm. Booking essential 01224 897400
Beautiful Botany, Saturday 12th July
The fantastic displays of flowers at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve change with the seasons and the dunes are carpeted with pinks, purples and yellows throughout the summer. Join botany expert David Welch and Scottish Natural Heritage staff on a guided walk through the flower rich grasslands of the reserve and discover some of the hidden beauties beneath your feet. Remember to find a hand lens and flower ID book if you have them!
Booking – Essential only 15 places!
All under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Contact Andrew Turner on 01674 830736 for more information and booking
Rattray Head Walk, Sunday 13th July
We will start at the southern end of the largest dune loch in the UK, once the site of a fishing village and castle. From the Loch of Strathbeg, we’ll then head to the secluded and beautiful Rattray Head to enjoy spectacular sand dune scenery, before descending onto the beach to look for seals, seabirds and shipwrecks.
MEET: at the St Mary’s Chapel car park, Old Rattray
CONTACT: the Buchan Ranger on 01771 622857
ST CYRUS FUN DAY, Sunday 13th July
Join in the fun at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve (NNR) this Sunday at the annual St Cyrus NNR Fun Day.
This year Scottish Natural Heritage staff will be joined by Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service who'll be leading arts and crafts activities; The Mill of Benholm with wildflowers to give away; the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit will be performing a demonstration rescue on a life-sized model seal; and a professional story teller will telling stories to enthral kids of all ages! There's a treasure hunt, bird and bat box making, games, guided walk, refreshments and prizes galore!
Best of all it doesn’t cost a penny as it’s all FREE!
Free entry and all of the activities are free to take part. Why not bring the family and then take a visit to the beautiful St Cyrus beach?
Call 01674 830736 for more information or just turn up at the reserve off the A92 south of St Cyrus village.
All children under eighteen must be accompanied by an adult.
The event will run from 12noon – 4pm at the St Cyrus NNR Visitor Centre.
Family Fun Day - Donmouth Thursday 24 11am - 3pm
Join the Countryside Rangers for family activities including making sand sculptures, searching for hidden beasties on or close to the beach, mask making and natural art. Meet at the bird hide close to the Esplanade Road. This is a drop in event, so booking is not required.
ROCKPOOL RUMMAGE, Thursday 24th July 10.00am – 12.00noon
Search for some of Muchalls shiftiest and slipperiest inhabitants. Will we be able to find crabs, starfishes, anemones, sea hares and more hiding and scuttling around the fascinating worlds within rock pools – come and find out while the tide’s out? Wellies recommended.
MEET: at the car park at Muchalls (by new houses near railway)
CONTACT: the Kincardine and Mearns Ranger on 01569 768292
EAST GRAMPIAN SEAWATCH SURVEY 27th July-Stonehaven
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts to find out more and see our local wildlife. For more information please see the seawatch page
COLLIESTON GALA, Saturday 2nd August
BENEATH THE WAVES (without getting wet!, Sunday 3rd August 9.15 – 11.00am
This is the day of the lowest tide of the year; unfortunately it is at 09.39, so sorry for the early start! If we are quick we can catch a
glimpse of life in the rockpools that is rarely visible to visitors to the shore. Come and see the fascinating world of life in this amazing habitat between land and sea.
MEET: at the Leisure Centre car park, Stonehaven
CONTACT: the Coastal Ranger on 01358 742396
FRASERBURGH FUN DAY, Friday 8th August
12noon – 4.00pm
An afternoon of fun for all the family as we dip into a range of marine activities – from arts and crafts in the Seashore Centre to scavenger hunts along the beach. Who knows what coastal treasures you’ll discover!
MEET: at the Fraserburgh Seashore Centre
CONTACT: the Banff and Buchan Ranger on
01261 813299
KITE SURFING FREESTYLE EVENT 22ND - 24th August
Aberdeen Beach
EAST GRAMPIAN SEAWATCH SURVEY 30th August-Collieston
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts to find out more and see our local wildlife. For more information please see the seawatch page
SALLY STARFISH, YOU REALLY ARE A STAR! Saturday 30th August
10.00am – 12 noon
Hear how Sally Starfish helps to find the perfect surprise birthday present for Harry the Hermit Crab. Then join in the seaside fun as we explore the beach to see what we can find. If you are preschool age, Sally would love to see you there. Bring your bucket and spade to make a sea creature in the sand!
MEET: at Peterhead Lido – in front of the Maritime Museum
CONTACT: the Buchan Ranger on 01771 622857
BEACHWATCH Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September
On the weekend when beach litter surveys are happening all over the world, why not come along and do your bit for your local beach. Organised by the Marine Conservation Society in Britain, this annual event monitors the litter found on beaches and uses the information collected to improve the state of our beaches for people and wildlife. Join us in the UK’s biggest beach clean and help to remove and record the rubbish from a beach near you. A fun and rewarding day for all the family. Gloves and rubbish bags will be
provided.
Sunday 21st September 10.00am start
STONEHAVEN
MEET: at the Beach Pavilion next to Molly Gunnings
CONTACT: the Kincardine and Mearns Ranger on
01569 768292
Sunday 21st September 10.00am start
DON-YTHAN COAST
MEET: at the Balmedie Country Park Visitor Centre (car park
charges apply)
CONTACT: the Coastal Ranger on 01358 742396
EAST GRAMPIAN SEAWATCH SURVEY 28th September-Muchalls
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts to find out more and see our local wildlife. For more information please see the seawatch page
RSPB LOCH OF Strathbeg Open Day Last weekend in September
Times to be confirmed nearer the time
MEET: at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg
CONTACT: the Buchan Ranger 01771 622857
EAST GRAMPIAN SEAWATCH SURVEY 8th November-Torry Battery
The East Grampian coast is one of the best areas in Britain to spot whales and dolphins from the land, so why not come and join the experts to find out more and see our local wildlife. For more information please see the seawatch page