Explorers wanted to track wildlife in castle grounds

Wildlife watchers are being encouraged to head to an Aberdeenshire castle next week to count up the species at a bioblitz event.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle is holding the event on Friday, 20 July, and provides a chance for the public to help the conservation charity’s North East Ranger Service capture as many records as possible of their unique wildlife and species in a single day.

The historic Aberdeenshire estate is the perfect place to explore for the event, with its variety of habitats, including the very special Old Wood of Drum – an ancient oakwood and Site of Special Scientific Interest, ponds, gardens and farmland.

The day will be packed with walks, talks, activities, and hands-on tips for monitoring and tracking nature – from attracting beetles with fish to humanely trapping moths, and more!

Toni Watt, National Trust for Scotland north east ranger said: ‘Every day, the hundreds of thousands of members, donors, volunteers and staff at the National Trust for Scotland help to protect Scotland’s natural and national treasures for us all to enjoy and this bioblitz event is looking for the next generation of biological recorders to join the team to help them carry out this important research in searching and recording all living species in this snapshot of Scotland’s countryside.’

On the day, bioblitzers will be joined by the National Trust for Scotland’s North East Ranger Service and the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service as well as representatives from organisations including the North East Scotland Biological Records Centre, Scottish Natural Heritage, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, RSPB and the North East Biodiversity Officer.

This free event takes place on 20 July from 11am – 3pm. Donations to the National Trust for Scotland are welcome.