We have had a busy few winter months with site visits to crofters and community groups, advising on how they can help bees on their land. And now, with the weather turning, flowers are starting to poke their heads through and the first bumblebees are starting to appear!
In March we attended and ran a number of events, including the Stornoway Science Fair, which was attended by over 400 children and adults. We also recently ran BeeWalk and Bee ID events in Barra, where we talked about the bees that are special to Barra and the Outer Hebrides and how to identify them. We did go out to look for bees, but, with 50m/h winds forecast for the following day, they were sensibly still underground – we don’t blame them! We will be returning to Barra over the summer and will also be running similar events in Uist, Lewis and Harris soon.
Preparations are underway for a busy survey season across the Outer Hebrides, starting with wader surveys in the coming weeks and continuing with bees, bats, terns and Irish ladies tresses over the summer.
We have also been working hard planning for the Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival 2024! We are currently working on an exciting programme of events, activities and exhibitions with local groups and individuals. With plenty of opportunities for the local community to get involved as event organisers and as participants, this is an exciting time for us as every day brings fresh ideas and proposals for us to look at and see how we can best to support.
To find out more about the festival, including how you can get involved, head to: Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival website.
We are also very excited to have a stand at this year’s HEBCELT Festival. If you’re there, do come over and say hi!
We are also currently developing a series of nature writing workshops focused on writing for wellbeing, delivered by local creative writers. More details coming soon!
If you have any questions about Species on the Edge activity in the Outer Hebrides or you’re looking for more details on getting involved, get in touch with the team:
Samantha Stringer, People Engagement Officer: samantha.stringer@rspb.org.uk
Helen Cromarty, Project Officer: helen.cromarty@rspb.org.uk
