Outdoors: The Scottish Birdfair isn’t just for twitchers

THE growing awareness of our natural environment and the need to protect it is perhaps one of the most remarkable sea-changes in public perception to have occurred in society over the last 50 years or so.

It is this celebration of our addiction to nature that is the driving force behind the inaugural Scottish Birdfair that will be staged at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh next weekend.

Sarah McDowell, Major Events Organiser for RSPB Scotland, hopes the Scottish Birdfair event will showcase the very best that Scotland has to offer by focusing on the excitement and diversity of the nature found on our doorsteps, and the many activities associated with it.

“In some ways the event is a logical extension to the highly successful Birdfair that is now held annually south of the border at Rutland, and it seemed to us that given the huge amount that Scotland has in terms of our fantastic and world-beating natural environment, a Scottish Birdfair would stimulate huge public interest and support,” says McDowell.

It has certainly achieved that aim, and within hours of the event being announced last year, McDowell and her team were inundated with requests from people and companies keen to participate. It is estimated that more than 5,000 visitors will attend this first Birdfair, which it is envisaged will become an annual happening.

“The aim of the Scottish Birdfair is to deliver an event that makes Scotland’s nature accessible to as wide a variety of people as possible,” explains McDowell. “There will be features that appeal to your dedicated wildlife enthusiast but also to families and those with a more general interest in our natural environment.”

One of the key attractions, states McDowell, will be the event’s magnificent setting on the west lawn of Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, enabling visitors to browse and shop from around 80 wildlife related exhibiting stands, selling everything from the latest in birding technology to holidays, optics, books, artwork and much more.

There will be a wide range of informative talks, guided walks and special workshops, with live music on the Saturday evening. There will be plenty to entertain the taste buds too, with a wide selection of locally sourced foods and the opportunity to sample some of Scotland’s finest whisky and beer. For foodies keen on a natural twist, there will be cookery demonstrations and advice on foraging for wild food and how to identify the types of plants that are edible and tasty.

For children there will be plenty of fun-packed activities including a twice-daily puppet show centred on a puffin’s lifecycle, guided walks, pony rides, face painting, crafts and storytelling. Other highlights include bird ringing demonstrations and a wildlife photography workshop on the Saturday hosted by award-winning photographer Dean Bricknell, who will also be available throughout the day to answer questions and give tips on how to get started.

McDowell says the high level of interest in the Scottish Birdfair underlines our huge affinity with the environment and the pleasure nature provides, whether it be sitting in the back garden on a warm sunny day, or taking part in a dedicated wildlife tour or other activity.

She says: “Whether you are looking for a great fun family day out that won’t break the bank or want to learn more about nature with our experts, the Scottish Birdfair has something for everyone. Gardening, art, holidays and birding kit and rare natural history books will all be there. We are really looking forward to welcoming wildlife lovers from across Scotland and the UK to the fair.”

• The Scottish Birdfair is on 19-20 May at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh from 9am-5.30pm. There will be entertainment and food until 10pm on Saturday evening. Parking is free and shuttle buses from Dalmeny and Linlithgow stations will be provided. Children under 16 go free, adult day tickets bought in advance cost £12, for more information and to pre-book online, see www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk