New festival to reveal the secrets of ‘hidden and wild coastline’

An inaugural festival celebrating the diversity of coastal Angus is to kick off early next month.

The programme is being led by the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership’s Marine and Coastal Group and will be launched by children from Woodlands Primary School in Carnoustie in their role as stalwart school species champions for both swifts and the small blue butterfly.

The pupils will join Angus Council leader and small blue champion David Fairweather to sow an area of sand dunes at Carnoustie Links with seeds and locally-grown plants to enhance the habitat.

Between September 7 and 17, more than 35 different events have been organised.

The first weekend features the Littoral Art project, which will explore the science and art behind coastal litter, as well as an RSPB tideline scavenger hunt, a cycle ride from Montrose and a geodiversity walk from Arbroath.

Mr Fairweather said: “These family-friendly events are a perfect way to enjoy everything our coast has to offer.

“We know how lucky we are in Angus to have an abundant and diverse wildlife, stunning coastline and waters rich with marine life.

“We are often treated to seeing dolphins and whales near the coast and during the breeding season our cliffs are full of seabirds. Even the cliffs themselves are interesting, as they feature some fascinating geology which, again, so few people know about.”

Tayside Biodiversity co-ordinator Catherine Lloyd said: “The idea behind this brand-new festival is to highlight the iconic wildlife we have in Angus and to share special walks, cycle rides and events down on the beach with local residents and visitors alike.

“Angus’s hidden, wild coastline is very much a secret waiting to be shared.”

Most events are free but need to be booked and details can be found at taysidebiodiversity.co.uk