Wildlife – up close and personal
Thousands of television viewers have been tuning in to watch a cast of wildlife characters on the show, Springwatch. From this weekend, there’s a chance for everyone to get involved as Scotland’s National Week for Wildlife gets under way. From dolphin-spotting to peregrine-watching, there’s something to interest all the family, writes Susan Welsh
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FROM rockpool rambles to wildlife safaris, there is something of interest for everyone during this year’s Wildlife Week which springs into life on Saturday.
Every level of wildlife knowledge is catered for and there are special activities planned for families.
As Elly Douglas-Hamilton, of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, explained: “Scotland’s National Week for Wildlife is growing in popularity and is designed to give people the opportunity to try a range of wildlife-based activities across Scotland.
“There’s plenty on offer and help on hand to make sure you learn more about the wildlife.
“You don’t have to be an expert to join in, just have an interest in finding out more.”
This year’s programme is packed full of interesting things to do and many organisations are involved, from the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, near Aviemore, to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.
Among those taking part is Sarah Pern, who offers wildlife boat trips out of Cromarty harbour on the Black Isle.
Sarah, who has a degree in naval architecture and is a small-craft engineer, has years of wildlife watching experience under her belt.
She can remember vividly the moment she spotted her first dolphin in the Cromarty Firth.
“My dad was a fisherman, so I was introduced to boats at a very early age. Being around boats definitely helped develop my interest in wildlife .
“I was about nine when I saw my first dolphin up close,” said Sarah, 32.
“I was scared initially, because I thought it was a shark. Once I realised it was a dolphin, I relaxed and really enjoyed watching it swim.”
After completing her degree, Sarah decided she was happier on the water than in the office, so chose to work seasonally as a skipper and guide for Highland firm, Dolphin Ecosse. During the closed season, she explored wilder waters.
“I spent several winters crewing yachts to places such as Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falklands, Brazil, and Tierra del Fuego,” said Sarah, who now runs EcoVentures, a company which offers wildlife boat trips in the Moray and Cromarty Firths.
“People are always amazed by the size of the dolphins who live in the Moray Firth, as some seem to have the impression that a dolphin is a small, cute creature,” said Sarah.
“The dolphins here are pretty big, anything from three and a half to four metres long, and when you see a creature that big dramatically leaping 20ft in the air, it’s a pretty spectacular sight.
“They are very powerful creatures who jump for a variety of reasons; the best time to see them is when the sea is flat calm.
“Some days, I get the impression they’re jumping purely for fun, but they can also put on quite a display as part of a courtship ritual, when they are chasing fish or after a big feed when they are full of beans.
“The reaction from those on board is interesting because one minute the dolphins can be surfacing alongside the boat very quietly and the next they are literally throwing themselves 20ft in the air.
“One poor woman on the boat recently got such a fright that she screamed.”
While everyone clambers on board hoping to catch a glimpse of the pod of dolphins, there’s no guarantee they’ll be out to play.
“There is just a fantastic array of wildlife on the doorstep here, including a super bird colony near Cromarty, while there’s always a good chance you’ll see seals, porpoises and the minke whales which arrive here each summer – I’m expecting to see my first minke whale of the season any day now.”
Television is often blamed for a host of society’s ills but, in the last few weeks, it has been a force for good as Bill Oddie, Katie Humble and Simon King inspire viewers to leave the comfort of their armchairs and get out and learn more about their local wildlife.
It’s a message Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, agrees with fully: “People are realising there’s a wealth of wildlife on their doorstep and, with the help of their local Wildlife Trust, they can find out more about how to help improve their neighbourhood environment and protect the UK’s wildlife.
“People are fascinated by wildlife, as demonstrated by the incredible popularity of programmes like Springwatch.
“Wildlife Week, which begins on Saturday, provides an ideal opportunity for everyone who feels inspired by the show to get out and involved with nature on their own patch.”
There are more than 200 Scottish Wildlife Trust events taking place in Scotland and, in addition, as part of Springwatch 2008, the BBC has organised two nature reserve makeovers, and is looking for volunteers to take part.
This weekend, special Swat teams (Springwatch Action Teams) will tackle the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve in Aberdeen and Lochgore Meadows Country Park in Fife. Each site has been chosen because the Swat team feels they are neglected and have potential for a real transformation to be made.
Those willing to help out the Swat teams in Aberdeen should call 01224 897400 while for Fife it’s 01592 583343.
Getting involved in Wildlife Week couldn’t be easier. A brochure listing all events can be downloaded from the website www.swt.org.uk.
The majority of events are open to non-members, but SWT members can take advantage of special rates on some events during this week. Many of the events require booking as numbers are limited and for some children must be accompanied by an adult. Some events need suitable clothing, such as sturdy footwear, so it is always advisable to check with the organiser.
To book a wildlife-watching boat trip with EcoVentures, call 01381 600 323 or visit www.ecoventures.co.uk
