Scotland – Southern Highlands and Wildlife Expedition

SCOTLAND - SOUTHERN Highlands
AND WILDLIFE EXPEDITION

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS AND WILDLIFE EXPEDITION

Global Adventure Projects has partnered with Aquila Ecology – a local independent company from St. Fillans – to produce this fantastic itinerary of unique wildlife and conservation experiences.

Some of the world’s greatest conservation hotspots can be found on our doorstep, so why not join us and see what Scotland has to offer.

From deciduous woodland to freshwater lochs, Scotland has long been a hub of diverse habitats and many animal conservation projects. Over the course of this six-day trip, work alongside experts in the field to track elusive species, such as the beaver, red squirrel and Scottish wildcat – observing them at one in their native surroundings.

PROJECT DETAILS

Explore the incredible activities you will embark upon on our fantastic Scottish Highlands and Wildlife Expedition.

Camera trapping and tracking techniques for small mammals
Wild otter spotting
Animal behaviour research and data recording
Learn techniques for monitoring elusive species
Lectures on human – animal conflicts
Wildcat breeding programme
Wildlife hike along an old railway line

Learn about rewilding and repopulating mammals in the Scottish Highlands
Conservation and management of the red squirrel population
Monitor feeding activity and behaviour of red kites from an animal hide
Animal management for endangered animals within a wildlife park
After dinner walks to spot and listen for owls

ITINERARY

Discover the fantastic experiences we have prepared across the course of your trip, from thrilling wildlife hideout sessions, to an unforgettable visit to the iconic Loch Ness.

Day 1

Day 1 – Private coach transfer to The Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans, Scotland arriving in the afternoon. Free time to settle in, followed by a welcome talk and introduction to the week ahead with buffet lunch. Local walk mid-late afternoon to take in the area, habitats, history and management. Dinner and free time.

Day 2

Morning at a wildlife centre to visit the wildcat breeding programme and hear from the on-site experts; packed lunch at park (if dry); presentation on reintroduction programmes in Scotland including site selection. Summary of wild cat monitoring surveys; the pro/cons. After dinner set up wildlife trap cameras around hotel grounds.

Day 3

After breakfast review camera trap footage. Morning at Agarty Red Kites to see a working farm that is rewilding and managing a visitor attraction; packed lunch in visitor centre followed by viewing the feeding kites from the hide; talk on human-wildlife conflict; pond dipping*. After dinner walk around the hotel environs looking and listening for owls with talk on route.

Day 4

After breakfast walk to Comrie via the old railway line looking for signs of species using the line; look for raptor species along the mountain ridge - discussion on life cycles, ecology and behaviour en route. Packed lunch in Comrie then walk to Cultybraggan camp to visit the Community Woodland. Complete invertebrate surveys.

Day 5

After breakfast visit Comrie Croft to learn about a sustainable business and how to integrate activities with nature. There is an opportunity to shadow a crofter and help with practical activities; this activity must be pre-booked at the time of booking this project. Talk on the Saving the Red Squirrel project late afternoon. After dinner, observing bats, learning the behaviour of different species and how to use bat detectors to identify species.

Day 6

After breakfast, review learning from the week and complete group activities. Board a private hire coach to Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland, there’s free time to explore the city’s deep medieval history, visit Stirling Castle or take a walking tour. Have lunch then board private coach back to your chosen final destination.

Travelling from the South East of England? Take the Sleeper Train from London

Arrive in Scotland in style, in a Classic Room on the Caledonian Sleeper. It is the most civilised way to travel between London and Scotland, allowing you to arrive refreshed at your destination following your overnight journey.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Accommodation

The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Fillans offers comfortable bedrooms and hillside chalets, where you’ll enjoy stunning views over Loch Earn and the hills beyond. Rooms all have ensuite bathrooms and are shared between 2 – 3 people.

Food

Breakfast and dinner will be provided each day at your accommodation, along with a daily packed lunch. Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance, so we can ensure you are adequately catered for.

Included

• Accommodation
• Transfers between locations whilst at project
• Three meals per day *
• All activities as part of the project
• 24/7 support

*Except for lunches on days of travel

Not Included

• Personal travel insurance
• Lunches on days of travel
• Soft drinks or snacks
• Any additional activities outside of project itinerary
• Transfers – we can provide information on transfers from your location, if requested.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get in touch with any questions you may have regarding our Scotland trip – leave your contact details below and we’ll be more than happy to help!

If you’re interested to find out more, book an introductory presentation for your school or college group and we can visit to discuss our extraordinary projects in more detail.

Alternatively, if your group is now ready to enrol, click here to submit a booking form on their behalf.

GALLERY

Explore the fantastic memories we’ve captured along the way, to check out all the fun that’s to come!