Days out, Nature

Take a walk up Edinburgh's own volcanic plug and discover its past, present and wildlife. Moderately graded walk. Ages 8+. Booking is essential.

A moderate graded walk, led by Historic Scotland Rangers Service, to explore the geology, natural history, archaeology and cultural history of Holyrood Park. Find out about the rare wildlife that makes the park so special and learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice!

Enjoy the blooming azaleas and unusual blue Himalayan poppies at Dawyck. Booking is essential.

Help the Zoo Keepers celebrate the special days of their animal friends by stopping by their enclosures and getting in on the festivities.

Seek out the hidden inhabitants of Spey Bay on this guided walk. Please dress appropriately and bring binoculars if you have them. Children must be accompanied.

The last of the Art of Herbs courses takes its inspiration from the themes and styles of the artists who have exhibited at Inverleith House.

Join this guided evening walk to learn all about bats and spot some as they fly around at dusk.

Use bat detectors to find bats and other beasties. A geocache is also hiding, waiting to be tagged. Meet at the Barrmill Road Gate.

Monthly nature club for ages 7–11. Applications taken from Aug 19 onwards. Booking is essential.

Relive all those childhood years jumping in the mud and climbing trees at this adult only forest school where you get to build dens and cook over the fire. Remember to dress weather appropriately. Ages 16+. Booking is essential.

Seek out the aliens in our midst and help stop the spread of invasive species. Please wear appropriate clothing (gloves provided). Children must be accompanied. Booking is essential.

This strenuous graded walk, led by Historic Scotland Rangers Service, will explore the geology, natural history, archaeology and cultural history of Holyrood Park. Find out about the people who lived and worked in the park from 7,000 years ago up until the present day and learn more about the rare wildlife that makes the…

Learn more about the National Amphibian Recording Scheme, then Trevor Rose from the Amphibian & Reptiles Group UK gives a practical demonstration.

Join Castle Kennedy Garden Ranger for this month’s Animal Safari theme. Explore the Gardens, look for mammal tracks, learn to identify footprints and other trails and discover who lives alongside the plants and flowers in the Gardens and take part in arts and crafts. Meet at Castle Kennedy ruins and bring outdoor clothing.

Learn about the history and wildlife of this Neolithic site with the Historic Scotland Rangers Service and the RSPB. This walk will promote and interpret the natural, archaeological landscape and wildlife of the area.

Local historian Christine Leach leads a guided walk around the Burg, telling stories of its previous inhabitants. Booking is essential.

Forage for art and craft material from the area around the park. Booking is essential.

This strenuous graded walk, led by Historic Scotland Rangers Service, will explore the geology, natural history, archaeology and cultural history of Holyrood Park. Find out about the people who lived in the park and learn more about the rare wildlife that makes the park so special.

Hunt for the hidden treasure using clue-solving skills. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

A ranger-led walk to forage for foods that grow in the city's greenspaces.

The country park needs to gather information on its diverse wildlife as part of a £4.1 million improvement project. Learn how to identify different creatures and help with this ambitious project. Booking is essential.

Celebrating 30 years of Baron's Haugh being a nature reserve, there's a sponsored walk at 10am and loads of family activities from 2pm onwards. Booking essential for walk only.

Stroll through the cemetery and use bat detectors to search for these mysterious creatures of the night.

Join the rangers for this night-time search for bats and other beasties, using special detectors. Meet at the pumping station.