Wednesday 9 May 2018

Colonsay & Oransay Black Bee Reserve

We are very please to host this talk by Andrew Abrahams from Colonsay at the end of the month.  Put the date in your diary. 

Andrew has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and has undertaken a fantastic level of work to maintain and establish special recognition for the management of pure Black bee strains of honeybees in a difficult location and recognised for its disease free status.

Everyone welcome.


Seaweed Foraging Weekend May 2018


A Seaweed Bounty on our Shoreline




Following on from our very successful weekend last year the Islay Natural History Trust have invited Duncan from Slate Island Seaweeds back for another seashore foraging weekend (25th-27th May).  We have added an extra evening in on the Friday with more emphasis on the cooking and end products and a more informal appreciation of the marine algae and what wonders it can produce.  For those with a more adventurous streak they can join our Saturday event and those who prefer a little less energetic forage and cooking in comfort we will have a session on the Sunday at the Nature Centre (children are welcome), using the resources gathered from the shore at Port Charlotte.



It is a fascinating subject, I learnt lots last year and hope to reinforce that knowledge this time round.  Laver crisps, kelp tagliatellie, egg-less pancakes, treat yourself to a seaweed moisturising bath without the five star spa prices!  

Its all on our doorstep, it is important to harvest the weed selectively and correctly by not ripping it from the rocks and ensure it is taken in a sustainable way so as not to damage growth for the future.
Places for the weekend foraging need to be booked it is open to everyone, you don't have to be a Trust member.  The Friday evening is open for anyone to come along (see details for all events in 'What's-on' and on posters).
Check out last years blog post to see photos of all we got up to: http://islaynaturalhistory.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/seaweed-foraging-success.html