This week is the Shetland Nature Festival. It's run by Shetland Amenity Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland. The Festival, in its third year, is all about raising awareness and celebrating Shetland's nature, from geology to fisheries and sea slugs to seabirds. People can take part in events and activities throughout the week, incuding the RSPB's "GO WILD WITH YOUR CHILD" events which are all about parents sharing nature with children.
Today's Go Wild With Your Child started at the Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness. It is an area close to my heart as it is where I was brought up and developed a deep fondness for nature. It was great to explore the area with the families who came along. We went to the "Benty Pool" first. This rock pool is a summer home to sticklebacks (which we call benties). I have many memories of playing here with my brother and friends. We carefully caught, studied and released some young fish (the adults proving too cautious and quick for us), explored the shoreline looking at anemones, barnacles, whelks, sea ivory and watched grey and harbour (common) seals. We then each did a "Sound Map," which is a peaceful activity, interpreting the sounds we heard through sketching. After another activity which Rebeca, our Field Teacher, had prepared (focusing on different textures and colours which can be found in the natural environment), we explored the burn. I have childhood memories of catching (or trying to catch) eels here, and I was concerned we wouldn't find any as they have suffered a decline in Shetland. Eels life story is an interesting one. The eels we found here will have started their lives in the Sargasso Sea. The European eel is actually Critically Endangered globally. However, my concern soon shifted to joy as I turned over the first rock in the burn (stream) two small eels were revealed - hoorah!
I think some folk consider islands as isolated places, with the sea being a barrier. However, days like today reminded me that the sea actually is our great connection with the world. It's mindboggling to think that what happens in the Sargasso Sea and the water between here and there affects life in Shetland. Not just the life of the eels but of the children and families who get pleasure from the natural world.
There are more sea-themed events coming up this week, including our Seabird Spectacular and Date With Nature events at Sumburgh Head. "Shetland's Fish and Fisheries" takes place on Thursday. The day is all about folk connecting the fish on thier plate to where it comes from. I am delighted that the skipper of the Adenia (a pelagic fishing boat) has agreed to have an open day on the boat, in the centre of Lerwick. It's a privilege to be allowed on board. Also, Ian Napier from the NAFC Marine Centre will be giving a talk in the evening all about Shetland's fish and modern fisheries. Add to that, the Shetland Museum are offering a private viewing of the galleries for folk to learn about fishing in the past. So, an all round fishy day (maybe I better have a fish supper to round it all off?).
There must be events like the Shetland Nature Festival all across the UK. So, if you see an advert or sign do go and join in - there's so much to learn, see and do. Many of the RSPB's reserves and Date With Nature sites have programmes of events on, so just take a look through our website.
Cheerio from 60North
Helen