Scottish Wildlife Trust

PRESS RELEASE

Scottish Wildlife Trust

WILDLIFE WEEK 2008 (7 - 15 June)

Scotland's National Week for Wildlife

Over 200 wildlife events organised in Scotland

Wildlife Week 2008 - Scotland's National Week for Wildlife co-ordinated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and supported by Galloway® Cheddar, takes places from Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 June 2008 with over 200 events planned throughout Scotland.

From rockpool rambles to wildlife safaris, there is something of interest for everyone. Every level of wildlife knowledge is catered for and there are also special activities planned for families. As Elly Douglas-Hamilton, SWT's Wildlife Week Co-ordinator said, "Scotland's National Week for Wildlife is growing in popularity and is designed to give people the opportunity to try a range of wildlife-based activities across Scotland. There's plenty on offer and help on hand to make sure you learn more about the wildlife. You don't have to be an expert to join in, just have an interest in finding out more."

Wildlife Week 2008 is supported by the producers of Scotland's favourite family cheddar, Galloway® Cheddar. Renee Milkop-Kerr from Lactalis McLelland, makers of Galloway® Cheddar said: "We are delighted to support Wildlife Week and the Scottish Wildlife Trust as Scotland's favourite cheddar. This is a great week to get the whole family involved to learn more about the beautiful Scottish wildlife and of course enjoy a family day out with a picnic!"

This year's programme is packed full of interesting activities. Why don't you become a butterfly and insect explorer at the Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect world or take a trip to Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch Wildlife Reserve, the wildlife haven in the centre of Edinburgh. Wildlife Week is also a perfect time to join SWT as there are some great admission offers on entry to top attractions and discounts on events during the week-long programme.

Events happening in the Edinburgh and Lothians area:

Saturday 7 June

A walk on the wild side

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

11 am - 1 pm

Take a walk with our guides and explore the seashore and local glen in the hunt for what makes a happy habitat.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Places are limited, sign up on the day. Please wear waterproof footwear and suitable outdoor clothes

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

Johnston Terrace reserve open day

Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh (NT254735)

10 am - 4 pm

Open day at SWT's Johnston Terrace reserve.

Julian Warman 0131 312 4775 or jwarman@swt.org.uk

Sunday 8 June

Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch Wildlife Reserve Open Day

Meet at wicket gate of reserve on Duddingston Road west (NT284725).

11 am - 4 pm

Visit this fantastic haven for wildlife in the city centre.

Waterproof clothing and wellies essential

Colin McLean 0131 440 2371

Monday 9 June

Survey for large red damselfly at Red Moss

Meet at PHRP HQ, Boghall Farm, Biggar Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7DX (NT247660)

10.15 am - 1 pm

Waterproof clothing, stout footwear essential

Nigel Franklin 0131 445 3383 or pentlands.enquiry@edinburgh.gov.uk

Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 June

Evening stroll in Hermand Birchwood

Meet in Hermand carpark (NT031618)

8 pm - 9 pm

A guided walk through birch and beech woodland, heath and meadow.

Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Fiona Hewlett 01501 785206 or jim.hewlett@virgin.net

Saturday 14 June

Cool Seas Scotland

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

11 am - 5 pm

Ever wondered what creatures really live in our seas? Join the Marine Conservation Society and find out what makes our fantastic seas so special at the Cool Seas Scotland day. Join in with our mini beach clean and meet the star of our seas - Talullah the Leatherback Turtle!

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

Sunday 15 June

Guided walk at Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch Wildlife Reserve

Meet at wicket gate of reserve on Duddingston Road west (NT284725).

11 am - 1 pm

Guided walk at this fantastic wildlife haven in the city. Waterproof clothing and wellies essential

Colin McLean 0131 440 2371

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June

East Lothian schools wildlife art competition

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

10 am - 5.45 pm

See the winners and selected shortlisted entries from the East Lothian Schools Wildlife Art Competition

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

Edinburgh treefest & woodmarket

Inverleith Park, Edinburgh EH3

11 am onwards

Great event for all ages. Waterproof clothing, stout footwear essential

The Manager 0131 332 2229 or info@edinburghtreefest.org.uk

Wildlife weekend!

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

10 am - 6 pm

A festival to celebrate wildlife and nature. There's something for everyone - boat safaris, beach walks, talks, displays and fun activities bring you closer to nature.  An enjoyable day out for families, as well as the more dedicated wildlife enthusiast.  Some events have limited spaces, sign up on the day.  For full programme check our website

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 June

Butterfly & insect explorers

Located just off the Edinburgh City Bypass at the Gilmerton exit or at the Sheriffhall roundabout at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian EH18 1AZ

9 am - 5.30 pm

It's Creepy- It's Crawly- It's a JUNGLE in here! Visit one of Europe's largest exotic butterfly exhibitions with hundreds of free flying butterflies in a large indoor rainforest.

Andrew McDonald 0131 663 4932 or managerbutterflyworld@dobbies.com

Derek Robertson exhibition

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

10 am - 6 pm

Internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Derek Robertson exhibits original watercolours and fine art limited prints of his time spent on the Forth islands.

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

Fantastic birds by Brutus Ostling

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

10 am - 5.45 pm

Award-winning bird photographer Brutus Ostling captures the awesome beauty of birds.

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

Wildlife live!

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

10 am - 5.45 pm

Get up close and personal with some of Scotland's most amazing wildlife live on camera and find out more about the unique behaviours in our daily presentations.

Anna Pugh 01620 890202 or info@seabird.org

**ENDS***

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1.       The images attached are available for free use in conjunction with this press release but must be credited to "Juliet Govier" for the image of the child and "Darin Smith" for the images of the fern and puffins.

2.       Wildlife Week 2008 - Scotland's National Week for Wildlife is supported by Galloway® Scottish Cheddar - Scotland's favourite family cheddar.

3.       Wildlife Week runs from Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 June 2008 inclusive. The programme leaflet is available to download at www.swt.org.uk or send for our FREE leaflet to Wildlife Week, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Cramond House, Cramond, Edinburgh, EH4 6NS enclosing a SAE.

4.       The majority of Wildlife Week events are open to non-members but SWT members can take advantage of special rates on some events during this week. Membership starts at just £18.00 for concessions (£30.00 adults) or £48.00 for a family.

5.       Many of the events require booking as numbers are limited and for some children must be accompanied by an adult. For some events suitable clothing, such as sturdy footwear is recommended. Please check with the organiser.

6.       Wildlife Week is part of a UK-wide initiative, for a programme of events planned outside of Scotland visit www.wildlifetrusts.org

7.       SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 30,000 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Major Events Co-ordinator, SWT

email: edhamilton@swt.org.uk

Clara Govier, Communications Manager, SWT

email: cgovier@swt.org.uk

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247) having its registered office at Cramond House, Cramond Glebe Road, Edinburgh EH4 6NS. It is also a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792).