2nd David Boyd Event - Discovering the Scottish Machair

[Matt T]

DAVID BOYD EVENT 2018 - Discovering the Scottish Machair

The second David Boyd Event will give members an opportunity to discover a unique and iconic Scottish habitat. Machair only occurs on the north west edge of Europe, with most of this in the Western Isles of Scotland. The interaction between geomorphology and human intervention creates a diverse mosaic of wildflowers. This in turn supports our distinctive wildlife that combines with the dramatic landscapes to create a beautiful spectacle. This weekend will give you an overview of some of the highlights to be found on the machair in the Uists and would be the ideal introduction to a longer stay or tour throughout the Western Isles.

Provisional programme (may be subject to change):

THURSDAY 21 / FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018
Arrival (Ferry: Mallaig > Lochboisdale, South Uist or Uig, Skye > Lochmaddy, North Uist. Plane: Glasgow > Benbecula, hire cars can be picked up at the airport)

FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018
AM - Workshop: ‘Rock Gardening in Containers’
PM - Red-necked phalarope, corncrake and Benbecula machair
Eve - Group supper

SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018
AM - Talk: The Scottish Machair by Matthew Topsfield
PM - Guided walk at RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve, North Uist
Eve - Dinner at the Westford Inn

SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2018
AM - Group walk at Howmore
PM - Exploring more South Uist machair sites
Eve - Prince’s Strand, Eriskay and dinner at the Am Politician

MONDAY 25 JUNE 2018
Departure (for those not making a longer stay)

All walks will be at a gentle pace and generally suitable for all with a moderate level of mobility and fitness. Options for shorter walking routes will be available.

Participants will be responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation, but we will provide information to help you do this.

It will help us to have an idea of how many people might be interested in joining us for this event. To register your interest (with no commitment), or if you have any questions please contact Matthew Topsfield on mtopsfield@icloud.com, 07775 812036 or 12 Rhugashinish, Isle of South Uist, HS8 5PE.

[Matt T]

ERRATA - Please note that the headline to the article in 'Dryas', the new SRGC newsletter gives incorrect dates. The dates in the body of the article and in the previous post in this thread are the correct ones, that is Friday 22 - Sunday 24 June 2018.

[Maggi Young]

Thanks for the note of that error, Matt - I have posted about it in various places so I hope that will lessen the confusion!

[Matt T]

Thank you Maggi! 

[Maggi Young]

Early booking advised!!

[fermi de Sousa]

I believe Cynthia has already booked in!
cheers
fermi

[Maggi Young]

I believe Cynthia has already booked in!
cheers
fermi

Fantastic!  I think Cynthia must be the most loyal long distance attendee of SRGC events  in Scotland - she is a shining light!

[cynthia sladen]

What kind words Maggie. I am just spending my kids' inheritance.
Now I just need help getting from the ferry terminus in Lochboisdale to Borve Guest House on Benbecula.
The ferry gets in at 9pm Thursday June 21st and I have no idea how easy it is to get a taxi at that time. If a taxi is possible is there anyone who can share it with me or is there anyone with a car (or horse and cart) going that way who can please give me a lift - otherwise I think it will be a long walk.
Love the Western Isles.
 Luv,
Cynthia

[Maggi Young]

Almost bound to be others  doing the same thing, Cynthia - so I hope you'll get help. Matt will read this and be able to point you in right direction, I'm sure.

[Chris Johnson]

Cynthia - I can collect you if you are really stuck but I suspect Matt will be able to arrange something for you and others.

[cynthia sladen]

Many thanks Chris. Will keep in touch.
Cynthia

[Liz Mills]

I've just booked to travel on the Mallaig to Lochboisdale Ferry on Thursday 21 June.  I'm staying near Borve and will be happy to give you a lift.

[cynthia sladen]

Thank you so much Liz.
Sorry it has taken me over a week to reply. They are putting down new internet cables in my area and guess what - I have not been able to get online.
Best wishes

[Maggi Young]

A considerable gathering of  SRGC folks  on the Western Isles for the Boyd Event - together with a  super number of locals for workshops etc.
 Photos from Julia Corden ....

The start of the SRGC Machair Weekend. Queuing at Uig and putting the world to rights!!

[Maggi Young]

SRGC Machair Weekend on South Uist.
SRGC Members helping the locals make Rock Garden Containers. Lovely to see so many people! Quite a few familiar faces included....