Get outside and see a bit of nature this winter.
There’s nothing quite like coming back to a warm house and a mulled wine after venturing outside out on a crisp, clear, winter’s day. So if you want to wrap up and get out there despite the nip in the air, there are plenty of festive outdoor events taking place near Stirling and in Perthshire this year.
Want to understand the impact that winter and the darkest days have on nature? Take part in the Winter Solstice family fun days in Dunkeld, Perthshire. There will be children’s activities, nature trails and quizzes from 11 til 3 on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December at Loch of the Lowes Nature Reserve, Dunkeld. The reserve covers 98 hectares of diverse natural habitat near Dunkeld and is well worth a visit throughout winter for the chance to see red squirrels, siskins, otters, geese, woodpeckers and much more from the comfort of their viewing windows. For details of the Loch of the Lowes full winter programme of events, see this Scottish Wildlife Trust booklet.
You can try wreath making from natural materials at the Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle
Queen Elizabeth Forest park encompasses some of Scotland’s best-loved locations, from magnificent Loch Lomond, the Trossachs hills and Loch Katrine to the craggy tops of Strathyre. The Lodge Visitor Centre will be busy every weekend in December with a celebration of the forest in winter. Choose your own Christmas tree, make some decorations for it, try wreath-making, join the festive trail or tuck in to hot drinks and mince pies. There’s a red squirrel viewing camera too. More information.
There are loads of activities going on throughout winter in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. There are ‘Live Active’ walks on easy terrain throughout December with trained guides, as well as Farmers Markets on the 7 and 21 December. And if you want winter wildlife watching, wrap up well and join your guide on 13 December with a gentle walk from RSPB Loch Lomond, Gartocharn. The RSPB guide will tell you all about winter birds and other wildlife. Booking is advised. Details here.
Visit Beecraigs in December for their annual Christmas Deer Walks
There’s no guarantee that you’ll catch a glimpse of reindeer in the skies on Christmas Eve, so it’s perhaps a better idea to head to Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow to get up close to their red deer herd on one of their Christmas Deer Walks. Meet the Ranger at the Sutherland Building, Beecraigs, on 13, 14, 20 and 21 December at 11 am and 2pm (only 11 am on the 13th). Wrap up, and wear sturdy shoes!
And if Christmas is getting on top of you, here’s a way to vent your frustrations! Join Stirling Council Ranger Service and Friends of Plean Country Park in a winter Rhodi Bash on Saturday 13 December at 10am in Plean Country Park. Rangers and volunteers will cut and burn the invasive, non-native species Rhododendron ponticum to try and clear it from the park to let the natural flora re-establish. Definitely a day out with a difference. Tempted? Do book in advance by calling 08452 777 000 or e-mail countryside@stirling.gov.uk For more information: http://my.stirling.gov.uk/events/view/2020?theme=Stirling2014