Curracag
Curracag
Are you interested in the Natural History of the Outer Hebrides?
If so, this is the Society for you.
Curracag is the Gaelic word for Lapwing, the bird illustrated in the Society’s logo. Although the club was formed in 1978 with the aim of promoting interest in the archaeology, geology and wildlife of the area, its remit is now mainly Natural History, and efforts are made to arrange regular meetings and events, with talks, slides, PowerPoint presentations etc. covering a variety of topics - of interest both locally and otherwise. These meetings are advertised as widely as possible but are dependent upon availability of speakers and vagaries of weather, therefore arrangements are sometimes inevitably “last-minute.” Visitors to the Islands are always welcome to meetings for which there is a very small entry fee – although of course there is no admission charge to members.
Field work - Curracag is used as a vehicle to promote national surveys such as the Beached Bird Survey and the recording or monitoring of mammals, insects, plant life etc, therefore opportunities arise to participate in these and, on occasion, to join in practical conservation tasks. Trips are occasionally arranged for the summer months which may include guided walks or visits to remote islands. The Society is identified as a partner in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and, at present, members are recording Bumble Bees, especially the Great Yellow Bumble Bee, and are involved in the mapping of sightings in the Outer Hebrides; we are also involved in the biological recording of the Irish Lady’s tresses orchid (Spiranthes romanzoffiana), and investigating the presence of bats on the islands. And, because we are always seeking to expand our activities, a Small Grant Scheme has been set up to help members with expenses incurred on such Natural History projects.
The Society produces a magazine, The Hebridean Naturalist (Issue 15 due out during 2009), which is free to members, as are the regular newsletters (approximately four a year) which keep members informed of activities. There is also an Info Line through which members actively exchange information of local sightings of any wildlife (birds, cetaceans, moths, bees etc) although, naturally, any kind of personal advertising is discouraged. Contributions to The Hebridean Naturalist or to the newsletter, by way of articles, notes, letters or reviews, either in Gaelic or in English, are always welcome. We are able to support production of various leaflets/publications for distribution to tourists and to the public in general and, in the past, this has included the Outer Hebrides Bird Report. Also, we have been pleased to contribute in a small way to the recently published “Birds of Scotland” book; and likewise are happy to support and promote well-known ornithologist Steven Duffield’s excellent website www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk - where details of our meetings can be found on his Home Page.
And, if your interests include photography, you will probably want to enter the Curracag Photographic Competition and Exhibition - now a regular and eagerly anticipated annual event taking place usually in January/February every year. Enquires (with stamped return envelope) can be made of our Photographic Competition Co-ordinators: Anne & David Morton, 1 Scotvein, Grimsay, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5JA – (tel 01870 602523).
Membership - Support is not just local but comes from all over Britain and from the Continent too, and membership is increasing all the time. If you wish to become a member of Curracag, please send cheque, made payable to Curracag (Uist), to Curracag Membership Secretary, Mrs Lyn Lowe, Tigh na Mara, Cnoc-a-Lin, Isle of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5DZ (tel 01876 510 725), or request an application form, especially if payment by Bankers’ Order is preferred.
Subscription rates etc
Ordinary membership........ £8:00 Concession (Student, OAP, UB40, under 18)... £4:00
Family membership.......... £12.00 (one copy of newsletter etc.) Family concession................................................. £6.00
Corporate and schools... £12:00 Life (individuals only)....................................... £168:00