Hello and welcome to the PerthshireHour Podcast. Each Wednesday we’ll bring a new episode featuring stories and news about the Perthshire area. For details on upcoming episodes (and to see if you’d like to be a part of one or more), click here.
In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss the natural wonders of Perthshire with contributions from Laura at Bushcraft Bairns and Daniele from Perthshire Wildlife. (Please note that most of the information regarding Perthshire Wildlife comes from their own website).
To listen to this week’s episode (and previous weeks’ too) you’ll find links here to all the most popular podcast providers.
Questions:
With a Perthshire Summer on our doorstep, how is our changing natural environment influencing what you’re up to within your business?
Laura (Bushcraft Bairns):
With summer just around the corner, Bushcraft Bairns are preparing for a forest fun-packed season. Nature art, forest skills, woodwork, big hunts, nature dyes, foraging and storytelling! Both Lynne and I can’t wait.
Daniele (Perthshire Wildlife):
With a Perthshire Summer on our doorstep, the changing natural environment has a strong influence on Perthshire Wildlife’s activities.
They have to adapt their offerings to align with the seasonal changes in wildlife and landscape. For example, during the summer, Perthshire Wildlife may focus more on activities such as birdwatching, beaver canoe safaris, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna found in Perthshire.
Are there different activities/services that the coming summer season allows you to offer?
Laura (Bushcraft Bairns):
We have expanded the tool station allowing more opportunities and space for keen woodworking learners.
We have nature dyes to cook over the fire and nature crafts too.
Daniele (Perthshire Wildlife):
The summer season allows Perthshire Wildlife to offer a range of different activities and services. These may include guided birdwatching tours to observe summer migrants, such as Swallows, House Martins, Willow Warblers, and Blackcaps.
They also organize beaver tours and canoe safaris down the river, providing opportunities for visitors to witness the thriving wildlife, including beavers, otters, kingfishers, and various bird species.
In general, throughout the year, how do you feel the wildlife and landscape of Perthshire influence your business in terms of what you do and the services you offer?
Laura (Bushcraft Bairns):
You just have to make your way to our bird-feeding section of the woodland, sit for a few seconds and you’ll be greeted with colourful feathered friends and the odd red squirrel. The landscape and wildlife affect us hugely and it’s a beautiful privilege to share this wild space with them.
Daniele (Perthshire Wildlife):
Throughout the year, the wildlife and landscape of Perthshire play a significant role in shaping Perthshire Wildlife’s business and the services they offer. Perthshire boasts a rich biodiversity with its hills, forests, rivers, and other diverse habitats.
This abundance of wildlife, including iconic species like beavers and ospreys, allows Perthshire Wildlife to provide unique wildlife tours and experiences. The natural beauty of the landscape enhances the overall appeal of their offerings, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to explore and appreciate the region’s ecological wonders.
What’s your favourite thing about Perthshire at this time of year?
Laura (Bushcraft Bairns):
Hearing the dawn chorus, getting uplifted by a subtle warm breeze, primrose tufts inviting me into woodlands to observe the flowers’ silence and of course, the call of the cuckoo.
What an amazing part of the world to live in.
Daniele (Perthshire Wildlife):
At this time of year, Daniele explained that one of her favourite things about Perthshire is the vibrant birdlife and the chorus of their melodic songs. In particular, she noted the arrival of summer migrants like Swallows, House Martins, Willow Warblers, and Blackcaps.
Their beautiful songs cheer up the chilliest walk. Especially the Blackcap, Daniele explained that she’s very fond of the Blackcap’s wonderful warbling. You can listen to the blackcaps warbling over on the Perthshire Wildlife blog.
Beaver-specific information (from Perthshire Wildlife):
What are the beavers up to at this time of year?
At this time of year, the beavers are likely to be busy maintaining and expanding their lodges and dams, foraging for food, and raising their young. (I did a quick Google search to confirm and it looks as though we’re currently in the midst of kit season for beavers). Their summer tours boast a pretty high success rate of between 90 and 100% for sightings of beavers so it’s well worth getting along. You might also spot a kingfisher, ospreys, or even an otter or two.
the best way to get in touch and book a beaver tour
The best way to get in touch with Perthshire Wildlife is via the contact section on their website. There you’ll also find links to the various tours they offer.
A more recent tour addition is their Beaver Canoe Safaris which runs in conjunction with ‘Beyond Adventure’. They handle the bookings for their Beaver Canoe Safaris, which provide a unique and immersive experience of observing beavers and other wildlife along the Tay River.
You can reach out to Beyond Adventure through their website, where you’ll find the necessary contact information and booking details.
Next Week’s Episode
Thanks so much for tuning in to this week’s episode. We’re now using a shorter episode format with a set programme of topics. Next week we’ll be exploring Perthshire’s long and varied history.
If you’re a local history-linked organisation and you’d be willing to take part in a (short) interview about our history and about yourselves and what you do, please get in touch.
Green Flame Creative 