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GARNETS & SCHISTS ON A ROCK CUT TRAIL - SPRING ON THE "GIANT STEPS" OF LOGIE HEAD Saturday, 27th May 2000 Follow a spectacular trail beneath the cliffs of Logie Head from Cullen Harbour to Findlater Castle, ancient stronghold of the Ogilvies, perched in ruinous splendour above the water of the Firth. Admire the tight folds of mica and dark garnet crystals on the "giant steps" of Logie Head, the prodigious feat of a solitary man who took a vow of silence while he built this wayside wonder. Watch out for soaring fulmars, peregrine falcons, diving gannets and the Firth's very own population of bottlenose dolphins that regularly appear offshore here, and admire the pretty oyster plant flowers growing along the shoreline shingle. An 8 mile walk. Meet Doug Hawkes, the Moray Coast Ranger by the harbour wall in Cullen close to Tigh na Mara at the western end of the trail. Last 3.5 - 4 hours. UP WITH THE LARKS AND GOING FOR A SONG; THE DAWN CHORUS IN CLUNIE HILL WOODS Saturday, 3rd June 2000 Brave the cool night air of Clunie Hill in the dark hour before the fading stars and the rosy glow in the eastern sky herald the rising of a warm summer sun. Look for the last of the night's pipistrelle fluttering in the half light of the dawn and listen for the lonely call of the blackbird crying in the dark. Hear the rising crescendo of sound as the woodland birds join the chorus and climb to the top of Nelson's Tower to share with them the light of the forest canopy. Moray doesn't get better than this. Join Doug Hawkes, the Moray Coast Ranger at 4 am in the squash court car park at the eastern end of Grant Park. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, bleary eyes and an open mind. Lasts 1.5 hours. WORLD OCEAN DAY Sunday, 4th June 2000 In keeping with previous years, the Moray Coast Ranger Service in partnership with the Moray Firth Nature Centre in Spey Bay, will be hosting a day of fun and games, music and story telling. Try your hand at seascape painting and other crafts and explore with the Ranger the wildlife at the mouth of the Spey. The shop, cafe and barbeque will beopen on the day. For further details, contact the Ranger on 01343 563469 or Tony Archer, the Nature Centre Director on 01343 821314. A great day out on the coast. Starts at 11.30 am and goes on all day. |