» Skip to content

Home » News and Blogs » 2014 Shetland Nature Festival Programme Announced

2014 Shetland Nature Festival Programme Announced

Published: 24 March 2014

ZoomOrganisers of the 2014 Shetland Nature Festival are pleased to announce the publication of the schedule for the 7th annual festival, to be held from 5th to 11th July.

This year two new partners have joined Geopark Shetland, the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage to create a varied programme that mixes old favourites with some exciting new opportunities. The Our Dynamic Earth team from Edinburgh will be inspiring all comers as they explore Earths' 4.6 billion year history in a series of events inspired by James Hutton and Arthur Holmes, 'Scotland's Time Lords'.

The Clipperton Project will be running a series of unique expeditions of discovery aboard a Floating Laboratory at various locations around Shetland. The Clipperton Project is an international, independent organisation which uses notions of journeying, exploration and discovery to engage and empower audiences all over the world.

Guided walks and the ever popular open days at Noss and Sumburgh Head are included in the programme, in addition to more creative ways of engaging with the natural world such as Parkour sessions at the Sletts and snorkeling tours at Leebiton. Art lovers can enjoy an artist studio and nature trail, while craft workshops using recycled materials are also new for this year.

Robina Barton, Geopark Shetland Officer with Shetland Amenity Trust, and programme coordinator said "It's wonderful to work with people who are experts in their field and have this ability to communicate their knowledge and enthusiasm in fun and interesting ways. We already know that the Festival brings visitors to the islands, and now it is providing a means by which local residents can access and enjoy activities with organisations such as Our Dynamic Earth and the Clipperton Project. In spite of very real economic challenges, we're working to ensure this Festival goes from strength to strength."

The full programme is available online at www.shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk. Bookings will be taken from 1st May, so nature lovers are urged to plan their week now and be ready to book.