This year's Shetland Nature Festival is to be opened by wildlife film-maker Simon King. In his talk at the Garrison Theatre Simon will share his secrets for tracking, watching and appreciating the wonderful wildlife of Shetland. Rory Tallack, Shetland Amenity Trust Ranger, said, “Simon has had a huge impact on wildlife tourism in Shetland over the last few years so we're delighted to have him back to open this year's Festival.”
Now in its fourth year, the annual Shetland Nature Festival will take place between 2nd and 10th July and is jointly organised by Shetland Amenity Trust, RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage, and part funded by Shetland Islands Council.
After a successful partnership in 2010, the Nature Festival will once again be teaming up with Geopark Shetland to promote European Geoparks Week - a Europe-wide festival aimed at raising public awareness of geoconservation and promoting geological heritage. Geology-themed events and activities will be on offer throughout the Festival.
In contrast to previous years, where daily events have been held in locations all over Shetland, this year's festival will take the form of a number of "open days" in specific areas. Geopark Shetland's Robina Barton explained: “As well as the annual Noss and Sumburgh Head open days we plan to hold other several other days focussed around one area or island, including Eshaness, Unst, Fetlar, Bressay and Lerwick. Each day will consist of a number of events, including guided walks, family activities, evening talks and more.”