There’s a reason that the BBC Springwatch team are basing themselves here in the Cairngorms National Park in 2019 – it is the most amazing place for wildlife.  Come and experience it for yourself at the Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend 10-13 May.

There are over 80 activities taking place across the Cairngorms National Park, with rangers and experts on-hand all weekend it is the perfect opportunity to come and have your very own nature encounter.

Experience the wonders of the forest in Rothiemurchus and find out how to create light from tree sap and sip pine needle tea.   Take the Capercaillie Challenge at Carrbridge, or head to Blair Atholl for a kids’ wildlife photography session.  There is a family bushcraft experience at Glen Tanar, walks and talks in Glen Doll and a hub in Braemar with a mini-programme of activities from hide-building to ‘Mud Pies’ crafty sessions.

The weekend kicks off with a dynamic talk from Cairngorms Connect the UK’s biggest and most ambitious ecological restoration project, come and hear from a panel of speakers about their 200 year vision for the Cairngorms.   There will also be opportunities to get close to some amazing species and meet the people who live and work in the Cairngorms National Park.  Including ‘behind the scenes’ tours on estates and Lynbreck Croft – currently featuring on BBC’s This Farming Life.

Maybe you have the time to give something back to the Cairngorms as you get involved with a volunteering event. It’s immensely satisfying to offer your time to vital conservation work and know you have made a real difference.

Lucy Ford, the Cairngorms National Park Authority Conservation Engagement Officer who has been working on the BIG Weekend said, “I am very excited about the programme of events we have this year, every event provider has put a tremendous amount of work into offering the best BIG Weekend possible.  The Cairngorms National Park is a ‘Park for All’ and the line-up of events this year is designed to have something for all ages and abilities.  There are so many experiences waiting to be had, check out the programme and find yours.”

This is just a taste of what will be on offer you can keep up to date with all the news at facebook.co.uk/cairngormsnature or see the programme and book events at www.cairngormsnaturebigweekend.com