On Friday 6 August from 8.45 pm to 10 pm, the Scottish Wildlife Trust will lead visitors on a guided walk to search for creatures of the night living on Spey Bay Wildlife Reserve, near Elgin
Suitable for all people aged eight and over who would like a chance to spot secretive nocturnal animals and learn more about them, this walking event starts at the WDCS Wildlife Centre in Spey Bay and follows the riverside path, exploring wetland and woodland habitats.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Spey Bay Ranger, Laura Smith, said: “The night is full of creatures such as bats, owls and deer which usually go unseen; the night walk is a fantastic opportunity to discover more about the amazing wildlife out there.
“Participants in the event will be able to see and hear bats using bat detectors, listen out for owls and lay in wait for other creatures of the night.
Spey Bay wildlife reserve, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, is home to an amazing variety of animals. The Scottish Wildlife Trust works to conserve and re-build nature on its reserves and promote enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors.
For people who are unable to attend the evening walk, or are visiting for the whole day, short guided walks on the reserve are available every day from the WDCS Wildlife Centre at 3.15 pm where a shop, exhibition and café are also available.
This event is free, but booking is essential. To book a place, please contact the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Spey Bay Ranger, Laura Smith, on 01343 820339 or email lsmith@swt.org.uk. Please arrive promptly at 7 pm, dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Laura Smith, Spey Bay Ranger, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01343 820339 or email: lsmith@swt.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Photographers are welcomed at Spey Bay reserve. Please call in advance of your visit
2. Directions: The main A96 road runs between Inverness and Aberdeen, and Spey Bay lies about halfway along! You need to turn off the A96 between MOSSTODLOCH and FOCHABERS onto the B9014, which branches off along the River Spey. Turn where you see the brown Tourist Information sign for Spey Bay. Follow this road for 5 MILES until you reach The Spey Bay Hotel, where the road bears left. Follow it all the way to the end where it forks, and the RIGHT fork will lead you to the WDCS Wildlife Centre car park.
3. SWT’s work at Spey Bay is supported by LEADER
4. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
5. SWT receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.