2020 EVENTS PROGRAMME © Crown Copywrite Join Us This Year As We Celebrate the Bennachie Visitor Centre’S 25Th Anniversary

Bennachie Visitor Centre

YEARS 2020 EVENTS PROGRAMME © Crown Copywrite Join us this year as we celebrate the Bennachie Visitor Centre’s 25th anniversary. We’ve put together a special programme of events – from guided walks to star gazing there’s something for everyone. Learn how to save a life at our CPR sessions, make a dragonfly from straw or just enjoy the exhibitions.

How do I book? You’ll find booking information with each event along with who the event is suitable for.

Where does the event start from? Unless stated otherwise all events start from the Bennachie Visitor Centre, Pitcaple, Inverurie AB51 5HY (FLS car park charges apply)

Where do I get further information about an event? Details are given with each event or you can always contact us at the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470, bennachie.warden@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk or just ask a member of staff.

Is there a cost? Most events are free. Donations on the day would be much appreciated. Where there is a cost details are included.

Bennachie Visitor Centre Open April to October, daily from 10am Hot and cold drinks Snacks and Ice-Cream Maps and Guide Books Gifts Toilets Events and Exhibitions

Bennachie Visitor Centre, Pitcaple, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 5HY Tel: 01467 681470 Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/bennachievisitorcentre www.bennachievisitorcentre.org.uk

The Bennachie Centre Trust is a registered charity SCIO 25431. Working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, Forestry and Land Scotland and the Bailies of Bennachie. For more information please visit: Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/ranger-service/ Forestry and Land Scotland www.forestryandland.gov.scot Bailies of Bennachie www.bailiesofbennachie.co.uk A VERY BIG THANK YOU to everyone putting on an event to celebrate our special year! we hope you enjoy them! Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd April:10.00am – 5.00pm BRONZE NATIONAL NAVIGATION AWARD SCHEME

We are pleased to offer this two day course in association with the National Navigation Award Scheme. NNAS approach is to steadily build the levels of understanding to ensure the training is embedded and candidates can confidently progress through the stages to become excellent navigators.

Aimed at novice level, the Bronze course will train you to plan and confidently follow routes in the countryside using paths and tracks. Successful candidates will receive a nationally recognised navigation award at Bronze level accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.

Day 1: 10am -12noon is in the Bennachie Visitor Centre, then outdoors for the remainder of the day. Day 2: all outside. All welcome, booking essential. Cost: under 18’s £60, adult £100 For further information and booking please contact Hillgoers www.hillgoers.com, [email protected], Tel: 07753 488688

Monday 13th to Sunday 19th April Photo Competition in the Community Room

View a display of photographs of Bennachie and vote your favourites. The 12 winning photographs will be featured in the Bailies of Bennachie 2021 calendar. Public access to the Community Room will be limited on certain days due to other events and activities taking place – you may want to ring and check before you visit.

LEARN LIFE SAVING CPR SKILLS

Join us for an informal hands-on session learning Call, Push, Rescue techniques. Watch the training DVD, enjoy a cup of tea and have a go yourself. Booking essential as places are limited, Contact: the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470, bennachie. [email protected] or call in and speak to a member of staff

Wednesday 29th April 1.00 – 3.00pm Sunday 17th May 1.00 – 3.00pm Tuesday 16th June 1.00 – 3.00pm Saturday 18th July 1.00 – 3.00pm Thursday 27th August 1.00 – 3.00pm Friday 16th October 1.00 – 3.00pm

I Bennachie Sunday 19th April: 2.00 – 4.00pm SPRING FORAGER AT BENNACHIE

What foods can the forest supply and what might our distant ancestors have eaten? Join a short walk with the Forest & Land Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service to look at some of the spring edibles that can be found in the forest. This time of the year is great for fresh salad type leaves. Edible plants that are not yet in season, foraging etiquette and possible uses and recipes will be discussed. This is a family event, no dogs allowed. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Booking essential, Tickets available through Eventbrite: https://aberdeenshire-council-ranger-service.eventbrite.co.uk

Sunday 19th or Saturday 25th April: 10.00am – 5.00pm HILL SKILLS WORKSHOP

An introduction to hill skills. Starts in the classroom, then outside to practice the skills. Aimed at beginners or those who need a refresh. Limited spaces available, aged 12+. Booking essential. Cost: under 18’s £25, adult £38 For further information and to book please contact Hillgoers www.hillgoers.com, [email protected], Tel: 07753 488688

Monday 4th May : 10.30am - 12.30pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm BENNACHIE IN MINIATURE

Drop in today and join members of the Bennachie Centre Trust to see Bennachie like you’ve never seen it before. Discover how to use microscopes to get close up to the plants and animals.All welcome, children must be accompanied.

Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th May : 10.30 – 11.30am OUTDOOR YOGA

Join us for a series of 4 Outdoor Yoga classes suitable for all ages and abilities with time to walk, practice yoga and reflect in the surrounds of the Bennachie Visitor’s Centre. Led by Yoga Teacher, Rona Main we’ll find a spot to be guided in Yoga postures, moving with the breath and simple meditation techniques. Be prepared to dress for all weathers, albeit classes will run in the Community Room at the Centre in bad weather. Yoga mats provided. The class will end with a cup of tea in the Centre provided.

For more info please see our events page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/597724651068890/ All skill levels welcome. Booking essential. Cost: £24 for four weeks to be paid in advance. Contact The Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470 or [email protected] Thursday 14th May : 7.00 – 9.00pm TREES HAVE FEELINGS!

Join the Bailies of Bennachie to learn about the different types of trees growing near the Bennachie Visitor Centre and find out more about their secret lives! There will be some walking so please wear sensible footwear and warm waterproof clothing. No booking required just turn up at least 10 minutes before the event.

Saturday 30th May: 10.30am - 3.00pm STRAW WORKING IN THE WOODS

During this workshop you will be introduced to the traditional craft of straw working. Using a variety of techniques we will make at least 2 items for you to take home. Places are limited so booking is essential. Tea and coffee provided but bring or buy your own lunch. Cost: £25 per person, to be paid in advance. Contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470, [email protected] Or for further information visit www.somethingcorny.co.uk

Saturday 6th June: 10.30am – 1.00pm RECORDING WILDLIFE WITH NESBReC

A workshop for those who are interested in recording the wildlife that they see around them in NE Scotland. Learn how to submit records to the North East Scotland Biological Records Centre (NESBReC) and how to get help with the identification of different species. Aimed at adults and suitable for beginners and improving recorders, as well as those new to the area or to the work of NESBReC. Booking essential.

For further information or to book email: [email protected]

Thursday 11th June: 7.00 – 9.00pm WHAT IS THAT TREE? - BROADLEAVES

With the Bailies of Bennachie learn how to identify different species of broadleaves . Please wear sensible footwear and clothes. This event is aimed at 12 years and over. No booking required just turn up at least 10 minutes before the event. Saturday 13th June: 9.30am - 5.00pm BENNACHIE SIX TOPS AND SIX TALES!

This walk is approximately 11 miles long. Come and join the Bailies of Bennachie on this informative walk across the tops of Bennachie visiting Mither tap, Craigshannoch, Oxen Craig, Hermit Seat and Black Hill and return to the Centre via the Gordon Way. Booking essential. Contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470, [email protected]

Thursday 18th June: 7.00 – 9.00pm WHAT IS THAT TREE? - CONIFERS

Join the Bailies of Bennachie and learn how to identify different species of conifers. Please wear sensible footwear and clothes. This event is aimed at 12 years and over. No booking required just turn up at least 10 minutes before the event.

Saturday 27th June: 11.00am – 4.00pm GRAMPIAN POSTCARD CLUB HERITAGE DAY

To help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bennachie Visitor Centre the Grampian Postcard Club is hosting this special event.

• A rare opportunity to browse members local postcard collections. • Meet postcard club members and find out more about the hobby. • Postcard powerpoint displays running all day • Hundreds of local, Scotland wide and subject cards for sale • Some local history books and ephemera for sale • Aberdeen Family History Society stall • Display of the “mean Aberdonian” comic postcards • Display of royalty in the north east of Scotland • Free no obligation valuation and cash offer for that box of old postcards or granny’s postcard album lurking in the loft. • Your questions answered by the local experts on any aspect of postcard collecting.

So, if you are a casual or serious postcard collector or merely curious about postcard collecting, this date should be in your diary now!! July and August in the Community Room JOCK O BENNACHIE

Step back in time into a world of giants with this special exhibition centred around the infamous long-lost guardian of the mountain.

Discover Bennachie’s legendary side in this storybook-inspired display of the classic Jock o Bennachie tale, by illustrator Charlie Dear. After featuring Jock on her Oor Wullie Big Bucket Trail sculpture last summer, Charlie returns to explore the stories surrounding Jock’s life and legacy. Find out the whereabouts of the giant’s enormous sleeping place - and where he dried his washing! - and remember to look out for the legendary lost key as you retrace Jock’s footsteps and make your own way up Bennachie. www.charliedoodles.com

Public access to the Community Room will be limited on certain days due to other events and activities taking place – you may want to ring and check before you visit

Tuesday 14th July: 6.30 – 9.30pm MITHER TAP WALK

Come along and join the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service on a walk up Mither Tap, one of the North East’s most iconic landmarks. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring along a snack and drink. Dogs welcome but must be kept under close control at all times. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Booking essential. Tickets available through Eventbrite: https://aberdeenshire-council-ranger-service.eventbrite.co.uk Meet: The Rowan Tree car park, Chapel of Garioch AB51 5HZ

Wednesday 15th July: 10.30am - 12 noon WOODLAND WEDNESDAYS

Come along to the Bennachie Visitor Centre and have some fun doing various activities such as pond dipping and woodland activities with the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service Garioch Ranger. All equipment will be supplied by the Ranger. Please bring along wellies for the pond dipping activity. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Please contact ranger.service@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk for further information. Booking essential. Tickets available through Eventbrite: https://aberdeenshire-council- ranger-service.eventbrite.co.uk Sunday 19th July: 1.45 – 3.45pm FEAST OR FAMINE?

An Introduction to a Colonist’s Kailyard The 19th Century Bennachie Colonists each cultivated a kitchen garden close to their house. The Bennachie Landscapes Project is carrying out a 4-year project to record and analyse what it might have been like for these settlers. What were their methods and what problems might they have faced? What did they grow and how successful were they? How reliant were they on their produce? Was it feast or famine?

Come and join the Bailies for a short slideshow on how they have recreated part of a colony kailyard. Learn more about this community project and enjoy a short walk to the kailyard to see how it is progressing. Afterwards its back to the Bennachie Visitor Centre for a blether with tea and scones, plus jam produced from the Kailyard. Please wear comfortable shoes. Booking essential. Contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470, [email protected]

Wednesday 22nd July: 10.30am - 12 noon WOODLAND WEDNESDAYS

Monday 27th July: 10.30am - 12.30pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm BENNACHIE IN MINIATURE

Join members of the Bennachie Centre Trust and see Bennachie like you’ve never seen it before as you discover how to use microscopes to get close up to the plants and animals. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Booking essential as places are limited. Contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre on: 01467 681470, [email protected]

Sunday, 2nd August: 10.00am – 5.00pm HILL SKILLS WORKSHOP

An introduction to hill skills. Starts in the classroom, then outside to practice the skills. Aimed at beginners or those who need a refresh. Limited spaces available, aged 12+. COST: Under 18 £25, Adult £38. Booking essential. Further information and to book please contact Hillgoers www.hillgoers.com, [email protected], Tel: 07753 488688 Monday 3rd August: 10.30am to 12.30pm or 2.00 – 4.00pm BENNACHIE IN MINIATURE

Tuesday 25th August: 6.30 – 8.30pm 2020 Year of Coast and Water WATERFALL WALK

Come along and join the Garioch Ranger from Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service on a gentle walk, we will have a look at several interesting historic features along the way. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring along a snack and drink. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Dogs welcome. The walk is low level and approximately 2 miles in length. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Booking essential. Tickets available through Eventbrite. https://aberdeenshire-council-ranger-service.eventbrite.co.uk

September is: SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY MONTH

Lots going on this month. Watch out for further information including Doors Open Weekend on 19th and 20th September.

Sunday 6th September: 10.30am - 12.30pm BIRD RINGING

Come and get close-up and personal with some of our common garden and woodland birds. Get nipped by a Blue Tit, bitten by a Great Tit or (if we’re really lucky) well and truly pecked by a Woodpecker. Admire their beautiful plumage colours, see their moult limits, feel their weights, learn how to age and sex them. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Event organised by the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Booking essential. Tickets available through Eventbrite. https://aberdeenshire-council-ranger-service.eventbrite.co.uk Saturday 12th September: 9.30am – 4.00pm A RAMBLE ALONG THE RANGE

You are welcome to join the Garioch Ranger from Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service to walk on several tops of the Bennachie Range where there are outstanding views of Aberdeenshire and beyond. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear and bring along food and drink to last the day. This walk is approximately 7 miles in length therefore requires a good degree of fitness. Suitable for adults only. Dogs allowed but must be kept under close control. Please contact ranger.service@aberdeenshire. gov.uk for further information. Booking essential. Tickets available through Eventbrite. https://aberdeenshire-council-ranger-service. eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday 10th October BENNACHIE ULTRA MARATHON

Visit www.bennachiehillultramarathon.co.uk for further information

Sunday 11th October: 10.00am – 5.00pm HILL SKILLS WORKSHOP

An introduction to hill skills. Starts in the classroom, then outside to practice the skills. Aimed at beginners or those who need a refresh. Limited spaces available, aged 12+. COST: under 18’s £25, adult £38. Booking essential. Further information and booking please contact Hillgoers www.hillgoers.com, [email protected] Tel: 07753 488688

Wednesday 21st October: 7.30 – 9.30pm STAR GAZING EVENING

Come star gazing guided by members of the Aberdeen Astronomical Society, we will explore the autumn night sky along with an explanation and commentary as to what we are looking at, with plenty of time to answer your questions. In case of poor weather we will hold an indoor presentation and a question and answer session on both the night sky in autumn and astronomy in general. Event organised by the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Booking essential. Tickets available through Eventbrite. https://aberdeenshire-council-ranger-service.eventbrite.co.uk YEARS 1995 - 2020 Plants around the Bennachie Centre - 1 Plants around the Bennachie Visitor Centre

A guide to plants found around the Bennachie Centre 2017 ADr Patguide Wightman to plants found carpark around

All profitsthe from the Bennachie sale of this leaflet go Visitor to the Bennachie Centre Centre Trust

All profits from the sale of this leaflet go to the Bennachie Centre Trust Registered Charity No SCO25431

1 Plants Around Bennachie Centre Book A5 16pp (18577).indd 1 £2.50

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Bennachie Centre Trust Pull up banner_850mm_x_2150mm (5).indd 1 30/08/2019 09:01:36