South Skye Nature Festival 2026
schedule & tickets
- Our event hub at An Crubh is open 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday & Sunday, with lots of free exhibitions, stalls and activities hosted by local and national wildlife organisations, as well as offering a fantastic cafe.
- While most guided walks and workshops are free, many have limited places so require you to reserve your place using the Eventbrite ticket link for the activity. Please do not try to attend these events without a ticket.
- If your chosen event is already full will be added to a waiting list and will be notified when a ticket becomes available again.
- For all non-ticketed activities no booking is needed — just turn up and enjoy!
- See our locations map below for an overview of where everything is taking place.
- IMPORTANT: if you cannot attend for any reason, please cancel your booking ASAP on Eventbrite so that others on the waiting list may take your place!
South Skye Nature Festival is powered by volunteers, and has been grant funded by Fauna & Flora International, Highlands & Islands Climate Hub, and Sleat Community Trust.
Friday 24 July
19:00 – 21:20 Festival Launch at An Crùbh!
Come and mingle, see the art exhibition, grab last minute tickets, and enjoy a drink from the bar and some local music to launch the festival in true Skye fashion!
No tickets needed - just come along.
Location 1
Saturday 25 July
07:30 – 09:00 Identifying Birds by Sound
Join Steve Willis from BTO Scotland for an early-morning guided walk to listen for bird song and learn how to identify different birds from their songs and calls.
Child-friendly.
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Info and tickets here.
08:00 – 17:00 (all day) Event: Bird Ringing for all!
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) demonstration of mist netting and bird ringing. Come see what bird ringing is all about, how it is done and what it achieves!
Child-friendly.
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Info and tickets here — it’s a drop in session so your ticket is valid anytime during the day.
09:00 – 12:30 Sea Kayaking with Nature
(also at 11:00 – 14:30, 13:30 -17:00)
Join South Skye Sea Kayaks for a nature-focussed paddle with the aim of spotting seals and more of Skye’s marvellous marine wildlife.
Children over 4 welcome if accompanied by adult.
Location: provided on booking.
(note: Residents of Skye & Lochalsh receive 20% discount and should email SSSK to book their places.)
Payable tickets and more info here.
09:30 – 11:30 Rockpooling — No Stone Unturned
Join Neil Roberts for the thrill of discovering the hidden marine life of rockpools, bustling with surprisingly diverse creatures adapted to a very challenging environment.
Children over 5 welcome, accompanied by an adult.
Location 4: Armadale pier.
Free. Info and tickets here.
10:00 - 17:00 Art Exhibition (All day)
Enjoy an exhibtion of nature-inspired art by local junior school pupils.
Location 1: An Crubh.
Free.
10:00 – 12:00 Understanding the landscape of Knock Castle
Join Mark from Skye Geography Tours for a guided walk and exploration of the formation of the diverse landscapes around Knock Castle.
Children welcome (with adult, if under 14).
Location 6: Knock Bay.
Free. Donations collected for Broadford Community Woodland.
Tickets/to reserve a place: Email skyegeographytours@gmail.com or phone/WhatsApp 07708081321
10:00 – 11:00 Talk: Celebrating 25 Years of Skye Birds
Bob Macmillan takes us on an illustrated dive into some of the highlights, changes and challenges in the 25 years since the Skye Birds website started.
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale Hall.
Free. No ticket needed.
10:30 – 12:00 Otter walk and talk!
A shoreline walk to help you spot signs of our amazing native otters.
Child-friendly (over 5) if accompanied by an adult.
Location 11: Camuscross.
Free. Tickets here.
11:00 – 12:15 Broadford Community Woodland – Biodiversity Day! (also at 12:45)
Join Phil Knott for a 1.5 mile guided walk around the Broadford Community Woodland taking a look at the biodiversity on site, and at recent nature restoration projects.
All ages welcome.
Location 9: Broadford.
Free. Tickets here.
11:30 – 12:30 Family-friendly Bumblebee Safari! (session 1)
(also at 14:00 – 15:00)
Join Katy Malone from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for a relaxed walk at Armadale Gardens, to find different bumblebee species and talk about pollinator-friendly plants.
Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Tickets here.
(Note: in case of bad weather this will be replaced by an indoor talk ‘The Plight of the Bumblebee”, 11:30 – 12:30 at Duisdale Hall. Katy will talk about the threats facing bumblebees and what we can do to help.)
12:00 – 13:00 Workshop: Getting Started with Bird Surveys
Steve Willis from the BTO Scotland will lead a hands-on workshop to help you get set up for bird surveys, looking at kit needs, ID guides and ways to improve and practise. Suitable for all abilities.
Children welcome.
Location 1: An Crùbh.
Free. Tickets here.
12:30 – 13:30 Pond Dipping!
Join Janet Ullman from Amphibian and the Reptile Conservation Trust for a family-friendly pond-dipping session and really get to grips with those creepy crawlies!
Families and children welcome, if accompanied.
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Tickets here.
12:45 – 14:00 Broadford Community Woodland – Biodiversity Day! (Session 2)
Join Phil Knott for a 1.5 mile guided walk around the Broadford Community Woodland taking a look at the biodiversity on site, and at recent nature restoration projects.
All ages welcome.
Location 9: Broadford.
Free. Tickets here.
13:00 – 15:00 Understanding the landscape of Ord
Join Mark from Skye Geography Tours for a guided walk and exploration of the formation of the diverse landscapes around Ord.
Children welcome (with adult, if under 14).
Location 5: Ord.
Free. Donations collected for Broadford Community Woodland.
Tickets/ to reserve a place: Email skyegeographytours@gmail.com or phone / WhatsApp 07708081321
13:00 – 14:30 Trees in the Highlands
Join Trees For Life for a guided walk exploring some of the fabulous woodlands around Leitir Fura (Kinloch), exploring the history and the future of our Highland trees.
All ages welcome.
Location 7: Kinloch
Free. Tickets here.
13:00 – 14:00 Talk: Recording the Sounds Around Us
Join Sleat Nature Group’s own expert nature sound recordist for an immersive journey into the sounds of Skye’s nature, from gardens to moorlands, night time and the aquatic. Dave will share sounds and help you learn what to listen out for and what the sounds mean.
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale Hall.
Free. No ticket needed.
13:30 – 14:30 Workshop: Filming Whales
Join local drone pilot Anthony Rigell for an informal chat about his work filming cetaceans around Skye and how his footage helps in their protection and rescue.
Location 1: An Crùbh.
Free. No ticket needed.
14:00 – 15:00 Family-friendly Bumblebee Safari! (session 2)
Join Katy Malone from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for a relaxed walk at Armadale Gardens, to find different bumblebee species and talk about pollinator-friendly plants.
Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Tickets here.
(Note: in case of bad weather this will be replaced by an indoor talk ‘The Plight of the Bumblebee” at 14:30-15:30 at Duisdale Hall. Katy will talk about the threats facing bumblebees and what we can do to help.)
15:00 – 17:00 Getting to know the ferns at the Plock of Kyle!
Despite having no flowers, ferns are popular plants, but can you tell one from another or name them? Join Dr. James Merryweather for a basic introduction to the species found on the Plock and show us the beautiful variations in these amazing plants.
Children welcome with adult.
Location 10: Kyle of Lochalsh.
Free. Tickets here.
15:00 – 16:30 Workshop: Shorewatch Training: Learning to Survey Whales and Dolphins of the West Coast
Join members of the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Shorewatch team to learn about Shorewatch and how to spot marine mammals—while hopefully seeing some in action! Gain practical tips on identifying species and observing them responsibly. You’ll also have the opportunity to access online training and sign up as a volunteer if interested.
All ages welcome.
Location 4: Armadale pier.
Free. No ticket needed — Drop in session.
15:00 – 17:00 Workshop: Celtic knot mats from salvaged rope
At Shoretofloor we salvage rope washed up on Skye's beaches and repurpose it into Celtic knot mats. Come along and learn to make your own simple but beautiful celtic knot mat to take home.
Location 1: An Crùbh.
Fee payable. Info and tickets here.
16:00 – 17:00 Talk: Rewilding and Reintroductions
Join rewilding charity Trees For Life for a presentation of their work in the Highlands with a particular focus on the reintroductions of some of our missing native species - red squirrels, beavers and lynx.
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale Hall.
Free. No Ticket needed.
19:00 – 21:00 Film screening: Ocean by David Attenborough
We’re honoured to be screening this amazing, ground-breaking film.
Location 12: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig TDC (main hall).
Free. Tickets available 1 June.
Sunday 26th July
08:00 – 17:00 (all day) Bird Ringing for all!
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) demonstration of mist netting and bird ringing. Come see what bird ringing is all about, how it is done and what it achieves!
Child-friendly.
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Info and tickets here — it’s a drop in session so your ticket is valid anytime during the day.
09:00 – 12:30 Sea Kayaking with Nature
(also at 11:00 – 14:30, 13:30 -17:00)
Join South Skye Sea Kayaks for a nature-focussed paddle with the aim of spotting seals and more of Skye’s marvellous marine wildlife.
Children over 4 welcome if accompanied by adult.
Location: provided on booking.
(note: Residents of Skye & Lochalsh receive 20% discount and should email SSSK to book their places.)
Payable tickets and more info here.
09:00 – 10:30 Bird Spotting
Join birder Martin Benson for an easy 3-mile walk, along one of Skye’s best birding shorelines to Ardnish salt marsh.
Not suitable for children under 8 years.
Location 8: Broadford.
Free. Tickets here.
09:30 – 10:30 Talk: Amphibians and Reptiles — the crofter’s and grower’s friend
Join the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust for a workshop-themed session on how these wonderful and often mis-understood animals are our allies in keeping pests at bay, whether you are a crofter, poly-tunnel gardener or just a gardener!
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale Hall
Free. No tickets needed.
09:30 – 11:30 Shore Bioblitz: Squirts, Sponges and Seaweeds
How many species can we find on the shoreline? Join Neil Roberts to discover a treasure trove of weird and wonderful sealife, without needing to dive or snorkel.
Children over 5 welcome, with an adult.
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Info and tickets here.
10:00 - 17:00 Art Exhibition (All day)
Enjoy an exhibtion of nature-inspired art by local junior school pupils.
Location 1: An Crubh.
Free.
10:00 – 11:30 What’s in that river?
Join Skye and Lochalsh Rivers Trust on a guided walk along the Kinloch River where we will investigate what sort of freshwater creatures live in our local rivers, along with an electrofishing demonstration.
Children welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Location 7: Kinloch.
Free. Info and tickets here.
10:30 – 12:00 CLIMAVORE foraging walk (also at 12:30)
Join The Wild Cooke on our CLIMAVORE foraging walk as we explore the shore, salt marsh and woodland to find out what incredible plants we can eat.
All ages welcome.
Location 4: Armadale.
Fee: by donation. Info & tickets here.
11:00 – 13:00 Spotting cetaceans with Shorewatch
Join the Whale and Dolphin Conservation team for a relaxed wildlife-watching session at a known hotspot for minke whales, dolphins, and seals. The team will be on hand to help look for wildlife, answer questions, and share insights about the animals and their behaviour. Children welcome with an adult.
Location 4: Armadale Pier.
Free. No tickets needed — drop in session.
11:00 – 12:00 Talk: Why corncrakes count (more than you think!)
Join RSPB’s Shelagh Parlane for a special journey into the world of the elusive corncrake, and a look at the importance of this special bird on Skye.
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale Hall.
Free. No tickets needed.
11:00 – 13:00 Workshop: Celtic knot mats from salvaged rope
At Shoretofloor we salvage rope washed up on Skye's beaches and repurpose it into Celtic knot mats. Come along and learn to repurpose rope into a simple but beautiful knot mat to take home.
Location 1: An Crùbh.
Fee payable. Info and tickets here.
11:30 – 13:00 Otter Walk & Talk!
Local expert Roger Cottis leads a walk across the shoreline to show you how to spot signs of our native otters.
Child-friendly (over 5) if accompanied by an adult.
Location 11: Camuscross.
Free. Tickets here.
12:30 – 14:00 CLIMAVORE foraging walk
Join The Wild Cooke on our CLIMAVORE foraging walk as we explore the shore, salt marsh and woodland to find out what incredible plants we can eat.
All ages welcome.
Location: Armadale.
Fee: by donation. Info & tickets here.
12:30 – 14:00 We Bought A forest!
Join Sleat Community Trust’s Duncan for a guided walk through the Tormore community woodland and hear the story behind this remarkable journey, from commercial forestry to nature-conservation and hydro-electric power.
Children welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Location 3: Tormore forest.
Free. Tickets here.
12:30 -13:30 Talk: Homeward Bound — a closer look at sea trout homing behaviour around Skye
The Skye & Lochalsh Rivers Trust will explain how Skye’s sea trout can migrate large distances while feeding in marine environments and it is expected that they will return to their natal river to reproduce. But how closely do they stick to this pattern and what does it mean for the wider population if they decided to spawn in a different river?
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale Hall.
Free. No ticket needed.
14:00 – 15:00 Family-friendly Bumblebee Safari!
Join Katy Malone from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for a relaxed walk at Armadale Gardens, to find different bumblebee species and talk about pollinator-friendly plants.
Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Location 4: Armadale.
Free. Tickets here.
(Note: in case of bad weather this will be replaced by an indoor talk ‘The Plight of the Bumblebee”, 14:00-15:00 at Duisdale Hall. Katy will talk about the threats facing bumblebees and what we can do to help.)
14:00 – 15:30 Trees in the Highlands
Join Trees For Life for a guided walk exploring some of the fabulous woodlands around Leitir Fura (Kinloch), exploring the history and the future of our Highland trees.
All ages welcome.
Location 7: Kinloch.
Free. Tickets here.
14:15 – 15:15 Restoring our precious peatlands: bringing bogs back to life
Join Alan Drever from Sleat Community Trust and Alistair Headley, local plant ecologist, to find out why and how the Sleat community is restoring an area of degraded peat, and the benefits for carbon storage and biodiversity.
Children welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Location 3: Tormore Community Woodland.
Free. Tickets here.
14:30 – 15:30 Workshop: How Protected Are Scotland’s Marine Protected Areas?
Explore Scotland’s marine life, learn what Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are, and discover how young people can speak up to protect our seas. Hosted by Blue Marine Society, this workshop is ideal for young people (10-16) interested in the environment, conservation, and making a difference. No prior knowledge is needed — just curiosity and creativity.
Parents and guardians are welcome.
Location 1: An Crùbh.
Free. Info and tickets here.
15:30 – 16:30 Talk: The importance of Biodiversity — understanding the value of life on Earth
Join Will Aston for an illustrated look at what biodiversity is, how many species there are on Earth, and why ecosystems must be intact to function properly. We’ll take a look at biodiversity on our doorstep, initiatives to increase biodiversity and the threats to biodiversity, before asking: Would we miss it if it were gone?
All ages welcome.
Location 2: Duisdale hall.
Free. No ticket needed.
Locations Map
