Does anyone else feel a little bemused with the weather? With things running three weeks to a month late it has been a tough spring out here on the moss but not an uneventful one. Sixth year students at TarbertAcademy joined us for a mini condition assessment as part of their managing environmental resources class. Getting right down into the moss itself, identifying some of the different sphagnum’s that can be found as well as other plants. The students gained a real understanding of how the moss was made up and could see the true extent of the sphagnum cover on the surface of the moss. They also gained practical experience in the skills required for assessing the quality of the land following an adapted condition assessment that SNH use for the site.
Bog ID
Our wildlife walks also kicked of this May to a very wet start! Our walk starts at the top of Dunadd fortress with its impressive view across the Moine Mhor. However, although the view was spectacular even in the heavy rain it was somewhat hampered by the gale that was trying desperately hard to whip us off our feet! Down on the moss conditions were not much better. The persistent rain meant that anything with any sense was not out in such conditions. The challenges faced with such continuous wet weather were highlighted in episode two of the Hebrides series currently showing on BBC One Scotland. The short eared owls that are featured made their home on the Moine Mhor and were bombarded with wet weather to the extent that they had to abandon their chicks or starve themselves. This unfortunately is the harsh reality of life the west coast of Scotland some years, but it is also vital for the moss itself – ensuring a high water table.
So far providing training and tours on the moss has been a wet and windy affair but on good days it is common to see and hear a symphony of different birds and insects. The moss also plays host to some of Scottish Natural Heritage’s “Big Five” even if it is just passing through. My first sighting of the iconic golden eagle was made at the edge of this great moss this week. I hope that it is the first of many sightings and that clear warm days will opens up the moss to visitors allowing them to experience its hidden secrets
A very wet nature walk, but still enjoyable!
The Forest Schools Initiative training day hosted by Stramash this was a great opportunity to introduce the reserve and Kilmartin museum to local teachers, develop skills and discuss ideas and experiences. I also had the opportunity to learn how to make rope a skill that I am going to put to good use as I try to puzzle out how to make traditional heather rope to add to my props bag for the Dunadd tours.
Our fab wee stall hlighting the Moine Mhor and Kilmartin Glen
So what now? Solar dyeing, collaboration and surveying is the order of the day for June so watch this space!