Energetica Walking & Wildlife Festival launches for second year

A two-day festival showcasing the stunning coastal scenery and diverse wildlife of the Energetica corridor has launched for a second year.

After last year’s success, organisers have planned even more events for this year’s Energetica Walking & Wildlife Festival, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May.

The outdoor festival gives residents and visitors the chance to take part in a wide range of fun activities including guided walks, dolphin watching, pond dipping, puffin spotting and wildlife photography lessons. Most events are free and all are led by experts. For the full programme, visit www.energetica.uk.com/festival2014

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The family-friendly festival offers a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty and diversity that makes the Energetica corridor so special.

Energetica is a 30-mile haven for wildlife and stunning coastal scenery stretching from the Bridge of Don in Aberdeen, north to Peterhead and west to the airport. The programme aims to cement the area as Scotland’s energy corridor, thriving in a natural environment.

Festival event organisers including North-east Rangers, RSPB Scotland, SNH and wildlife conservationists gathered at Newburgh beach for the public launch of the festival today (Thursday 1 May). They were treated to a taster of the festival’s free wildlife photography sessions, run by Ian Hay of the East Grampian Coastal Partnership.

Participants can choose from 20 events over the two days, covering a wide range of activities from walks exploring the stunning north-east coastline, puffin spotting at Bullers of Buchan and dolphin watching at Torry Battery.

The family-friendly festival has plenty to do for young wildlife lovers, including a Big North East Pond Dip at Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre and a hunt for Amazing Minibeasts at Pitmedden Estate.

Participants will also benefit from a 10% discount on food and drink being offered by local venues as part of the festival celebrations.

Being released in conjunction with the festival is an Energetica Walking & Wildlife Guide. The free booklet will be available from a range of venues and details fantastic walking opportunities along the Energetica corridor which can be explored throughout the year.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Economic Development, and Chair of the Energetica Lifestyle and Leisure Group, Belinda Miller, said: “Last year’s festival was a huge success, which saw most events fully booked and generated very positive feedback, and so we wanted to make this year’s event even bigger.

“The Walking & Wildlife Festival is a unique opportunity to discover the delights of the natural environment right on your doorstep. Under the guidance of our experts people can discover how much there is to see, do and learn about this stunning area.”

Energetica Programme Executive, Derek McCrindle, said: “With such a wide range of events on offer, the festival is great for families, wildlife lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and for people who want to try something new. There really is something for everyone.”

Mairi Cowan, RSPB Community Engagement Officer said: “We are delighted that RSPB Scotland’s Dolphinwatch will feature once again in the Energetica Walking & Wildlife Festival. The Dolphinwatch staff will be leading guided walks on both days of the weekend festival and are anticipating that this year will be every bit as successful as last year’s walks. We are looking forward to showcasing the wildlife seen in and around the Aberdeen Harbour area and with any luck, will be joined along our way by a bottlenose dolphin or two!”

Most events are free, but places are limited and booking is essential. For the full programme, visit www.energetica.uk.com/festival2014

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