Local Coastal and Marine Events
GOOSEWATCH, October-November
See one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles in Scotland - the dawn flight of thousands of pink-footed geese. The atmosphere created by such a large number of birds taking to the air at once is unforgettable.
The comfort of the Visitor Centre provides a wonderful base for enjoying this sight and the whole experience is well worth the early start! 
Booking essential
Dates
Saturday 11 October
Sunday 12 October
Saturday 18 October
Sunday 19 October
Wednesday 22 October
Saturday 25 October
Sunday 26 October
Sunday 2 November
Wednesday 5 November
Sunday 9 November
Meet at the Visitor Centre car park at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg half an hour before sunrise - check for details. Adult non-members £3 (children £1), members free. For more information please call 01346 532017 or e-mail: david.parnaby@rspb.org.uk
RSPB CHRISTMAS FAIR 30th November RSPB Loch of Strathbeg
The Forth Estuary Forum Annual Conference and AGM,Thursday 4 December, 2008
Inchrya Grange Hotel, Polmont near Grangemouth
This year the theme is 'The Future of the Forth'. With the forthcoming Marine Bill, draft River Basin Management Plans expected in December and several major developments planned for the Forth as part of the National Planning Framework (NPF), the future management of the Forth will be part of a new mechanism for looking after our coastal areas and estuarial waters. The Forum was set up 15 years ago so this is our 15th conference and a suitable time to look forward to what the next 15 years may bring. We will be in Falkirk Council's area where the environment and industrial base has changed significantly over the last few years.
We have speakers from the Scottish Government on the Marine Bill and the National Planning Framework and from Falkirk Council, Sustrans and the Hydrogen Office. More details will follow.
This is a once a year opportunity to find out what is happening around the Firth of Forth.
Please put the date in your diary. To book please visit our website
ABERDEEN CITY BEACH CLEAN, 7th December 2 pm
Come join us at the North end of Aberdeen City Beach for a beach clean. The Adopt a Beach programme is the biggest and most influential project in the fight against marine litter pollution in the UK and takes place on around 400 beaches around the country I hope you can attend what is, as a consequence of your efforts, now one of the UK's most actively adopted coastal areas. We have been doing this quarterly now for 5 years and its one one the best surveyed beaches in the UK, with the best quality data. Please spread the word to friends, family, colleagues, noticeboards. Thanks
FORVIE LOST VILLAGE AND YTHAN ESTUARY Sunday February 15th
Adults and older children (12+), Booking essential, moderate walk (4 miles) over rough tracks, dunes and beach.
12:00 to 15:00
Meet at Waterside car park and enjoy a 4 mile walk over the coastal heath to the lost settlement of Forvie, where we will discover how the sands buried this lost village hundreds of years ago. From there we will walk down the beach and over the dunes to return along the Ythan estuary where we will discover the birds that use this place as an important winter feeding ground.
Bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and stout footware.
Meet at Waterside car park in Newburgh, grid ref: NK003 270 OS map 38. Contact Coastal Ranger on 01358 742396 or coastal.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
MUD GLORIOUS MUD Sunday March 15th
Family event, Children Welcome, Booking essential, easy access.
11:00 to 15:00
Come to the Waulkmill bird hide at 11am or 1pm and find out why the Ythan estuary is so important for wildlife. We will be looking at the life to be found in the mud and identifying some of the birds that use the estuary as an important feeding ground. Please phone to book a place on either the 11am or 1 pm session.
Meet at Waulkmill bird hide, on the Ellon to Collieston road. Car parking space is limited so booking is essential, The bird hide is accessible for wheelchair users. Contact Coastal Ranger on 01358 742396 or coastal.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk