OTTERS, WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE OF SKYE AND RAASAY (£390 including accommodation with Bed and Breakfast only and ferry cost)
13 - 18 June 2011 (5 Nights)
8 – 13 August 2011 (5 nights)
Walking about 6-8 miles a day over rough tracks
This trip is designed to introduce you to the wildlife, scenery and archaeology of Skye and Raasay. Specialities include otters, eagles and seals together with some fascinating archaeological remains.
Skye has the densest breeding population of golden eagles in Western Europe and the white-tailed sea eagle is also sometimes seen.
The West Coast of Scotland and the Northern Isles are also the last remaining stronghold of the Eurasian otter in the UK.
Two species of seal are to be found in our coastal waters: the common or harbour seal with its puppy-like face and the much rarer, large grey Atlantic seal, which likes the ruggedness of the coast around the Hebrides.
Skye and Raasay lie at about 58o latitude - the same as Moscow or the Labrador Sea which freezes over every winter. We are, after all, only 5o from the Arctic Circle and yet we have a much milder climate brought about by the influence of the Gulf Stream, that huge ocean current which transports heat from the tropics to our more temperate area. Rainfall is high on the islands averaging 120cm on the coast and 300cm on the hills. The average summer temperature is about 16o and the islands have about 1,200 hours of sunshine per year.
Some Highlights ... Otters, common and grey seals, red deer, porpoises, dolphins, minke whales, northern bottle-nosed whales, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, kestrels, buzzards, ravens, black guillemots, golden plovers, tufted ducks, eider ducks, red- throated and great northern divers ...
Accommodation You will stay in local bed and breakfasts in Broadford, which is 8 miles from the Skye Bridge. There are small restaurants and hotels nearby which provide a variety of different menus, and local seafood is available.
There is a small local store and a supermarket in the village and also a Bank of Scotland. You will also find a takeaway, small restaurants and hotels nearby which provide a variety of different menus. You will need to bring your own packed lunch and drink each morning.
Vegetarian or special diets are available by arrangement - please notify us at the time of booking.
Your Guides
Both Paul and Grace Yoxon graduated in 1979 from Keele University, Paul with an Honours degree in Geology and Grace an Honours degree in Biology and Geology. They moved to Skye in 1980 and in 1984 set up the Skye Environmental Centre, which works in environmental education and runs a wildlife hospital. Both Paul and Grace are particularly interested in mammals, especially otters, and in 1993 they set up the International Otter Survival Fund, which helps otters in the UK and abroad. Paul has also completed a PhD studying the otters on Skye.
Medical Advice Broadford has a Doctor's surgery, small hospital and a pharmacy, but if you require specific medication we suggest that you bring with you what you will need.
Information regarding Ticks while in the field
Ticks
(LymeDiseaseAction.org)
Please be aware that ticks are present in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Lyme Disease may result from tick bites. Therefore, we recommend for your own wellbeing, that you take time to view the following NHS information online at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Field Communication Mobile phone cover does vary but if necessary you may be contacted via the IOSF phone/FAX/email.
Field Supplies
You MUST bring the following items:
* Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
* Wellington Boots or Walking Boots (Wellies are probably better than walking boots but if you are more comfortable in walking boots bring these)
* Binoculars
* Small Rucksack for day use only
* Insect Repellent (may be needed even in May and September) * Personal medication and First Aid Kit
The Weather
The following averages are just to give you an idea:
Month Max Min Rainfall (mm) Wet Snow Gales Temp Temp Days Days Jan 7.0 1.0 159 15 7 3 Feb 6.2 0.4 61 11 3 0 March 10.5 3.8 111 19 0 0 April 11.0 4.4 135 18 0 4 May 14.0 6.7 44 9 0 0 June 15.0 7.0 83 16 0 0 July 19.8 12.2 80 15 0 0 August 17.9 11.6 95 14 0 0 Sept 15.9 8.3 139 15 0 3 Oct 12.1 6.4 163 16 0 4 Nov 9.0 3.8 283 27 0 5 Dec 9.4 3.9 105 15 2 5
Price: £380 includes:
* 5 nights' bed and breakfast only (based on two people sharing a room - please see "Questions" for details of Single Room Supplement)
* All transport from the time the party assembles at the rendezvous until the end of the course.
* All equipment necessary (except as indicated in "Field Supplies" - please do remember your personal binoculars)
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
This programme is weather-dependent and is therefore subject to change. Eagles, otters and seals are all abundant on Skye and it is largely a question of patience, keeping your eyes open and a certain amount of luck.
MONDAY: Arrival at any time to suit yourself – bed and breakfast is arranged for the first night but the course will not start until the following morning. (In the past we have arranged to meet on the first night but as many people do not arrive until late we have since found it better to start properly on the Tuesday morning.)
TUESDAY: Sleat (Distance: 4 miles)
Today we will go down to Sleat, the Garden of Skye, which gives us an opportunity to look for otters, golden eagles and possibly red deer and also visit Dun Scaith Castle – believed to be the oldest on Skye.
WEDNESDAY: Suisnish/Boreraig (Distance: 8 miles)
A walk to the villages of Suisnish and Boreraig, which were cleared in the 19th century. This area is excellent for wildlife including eagles, otters and seals.
THURSDAY: Raasay (Distance: 7 miles)
This beautiful island just off Skye has a very different character to Skye, but it also has wonderful wildlife. We will be visiting the areas of North Fearns and Hallaig and also looking at a prehistoric souterrain.
FRIDAY: North West Skye (Distance: 4 miles)
A visit to North West Skye will give us a further opportunity to look for golden eagles, seals and also the white tailed sea eagle. In addition we will visit the brochs at Dun Iardhart and Dun Beag.
READING LIST
If you would like to get a little background before you join us you may find the following books helpful:
Otters in Britain – IOSF publication £3.75
Wildlife of Skye & Raasay - Skye Environmental Centre publication £3.50
Prehistoric Skye – Skye Environmental Centre publication £3.00
Geology of Skye – Skye Environmental Centre publication £4.50
Botanist in Skye & Adjacent Islands – Murray & Birks £10.00
The History of the Raasay Ironstone Mine £7.50
Highland Bumblebees Atlas – Highland Biological Recording Group £3.50
These prices do not include postage and packing.
All these books and many more are available on our online shop at www.ottershop.co.uk