David Brown, Formartine area ranger from Aberdeenshire Council, tells Cheryl Livingstone about the Energetica Summer Festival and his role as a ranger
SO, FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, WHAT IS THE ENERGETICA FESTIVAL?
The Energetica Summer Festival runs from May until August, to showcase the stunning coastal scenery and diverse wildlife of the corridor from the north of Aberdeen to Peterhead. We wanted to offer a great range of mostly free activities, with lots available for families, outdoor enthusiasts and anybody looking to explore the north-east corridor.
FOR HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN RUNNING, AND WHERE DID
THE IDEA COME FROM?
The festival is now in its third year and has expanded from a weekend event to a summer-long festival to ensure residents and visitors get an opportunity to explore what we have on offer in the north-east. We are very fortunate to have such a variety of very special habitats and wildlife right on our doorstep.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE FESTIVAL?
This year’s summer-long event offers an even bigger selection of activities and fantastic opportunities to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty and diversity that makes the Energetica corridor so special. Energetica is a 30-mile corridor stretching from the Bridge of Don in Aberdeen, north to Peterhead and west to Aberdeen International Airport. The Energetica programme aims to affirm the corridor as Scotland’s energy corridor, thriving in a natural environment.
The festival gives you an opportunity to discover the delights of the natural environment right on your doorstep. Under the guidance of our experts, people can discover how much there is to see, do and learn about this stunning area.
WHAT EVENTS CAN PEOPLE LOOK FORWARD TO?
The upcoming events being led by Aberdeenshire Rangers are rockpooling at Gadles Brae on Thursday, July 9, from 1-2.30pm. This event will give you a chance to join a rockpool rummage and discover the secrets of the fascinating world between the tides, led by our team of experts. This free event is open to all ages and is a perfect way to get the kids out exploring during the school holidays.
In addition, we have two other free events on Sunday, July 12. We start off with a guided walk from Udny Green to Tarves, from 10am-12.30pm, with children over 12 welcome. Or if cycling is more your thing, you can also join us for a 20-mile ride from Peterhead to Aden Country Park from 11am-5pm.
The festival runs until the end of August, with a wide range of options available for everyone. Other upcoming highlights include a bumblebee safari, brewery tour and red squirrel guided walk, which are being held by partners. Since the festival started in May, a variety of events have been held, including photography workshops, farmers’ market and a seabird watch at the Bullers of Buchan.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS A RANGER?
There is a team of six rangers based throughout Aberdeenshire, and two wardens at the Bennachie Centre, to help visitors and residents explore and enjoy our rich natural and cultural heritage.
As rangers, we have three main aims. These are:
1. To provide a warm welcome and support to help people enjoy the outdoors.
2. To increase awareness, understanding, care and responsible use of the natural and cultural heritage.
3. To support the sustainable management and use of the outdoors to meet a range of social, economic and environmental objectives.
The Energetica Summer Festival is a prime example of this, but, in addition, we can also work with schools and organised groups, public events and guided walks, monitoring, recording and promoting biodiversity as well as working with partner organisations and colleagues.
DO I NEED TO BOOK TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL?
Most of the events are free, but places are limited and booking is essential.
For the full programme, and to book, go to www.energetica.uk.com/festival2015