Helping you discover some of the excellent green spaces and health initiatives underway in Ross-shire.
While every effort is made to ensure that the content of this directory is up to date, from time to time, information may have expired. Please contact us if you experience any problems.
Many of the activities are free of charge but some services incur a charge.
Many services are available to everyone while some require a referral from a health professional. If you wish to participate in a service requiring a referral, please discuss this with your GP or other health practitioner.
Have a group or initiative and would like to be included?
Community greenspace
Evanton Community Woods
Evanton Wood Community Company bought the woods in August 2012 and manages it for the benefit of all. Volunteers have built the cabin, the octagonal shelter and play area, improved the paths and planted many trees. We host regular music events through the summer and activities for schools and people with dementia (The Friday Futures group). Volunteers meet every Friday to maintain the woodland and the paths and undertake projects.
Culbokie Green Team
Thursdays 2-4pm
The Culbokie Green Team is a sociable volunteer group which meets every Thursday afternoon to help with a bit of gardening to keep our brilliant and biodiverse Culbokie Green (and ourselves) in tip top condition. We can accommodate a range of energy levels and fitness – so long as you are reasonably mobile. We meet between 2 and 4pm with a sociable break in the middle. We also arrange some skills courses and social events for volunteers. There is no commitment to come every week – just when you can. Everyone is welcome but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Located just eight miles from Loch Ness, the Dundreggan estate has been rewilded by Trees for Life since 2008 and is now home to the world’s first rewilding centre. We have a footpath network through regenerating woodland with different levels of challenge, from fully wheelchair accessible to steep and strenuous. Each path offers its own opportunities to experience Dundreggan’s wonderful wildlife and heritage. We also have a community meeting space, storytelling area, playpark, café and diverse programme of events and workshops.
Fernaig Community Trust
Community ownership of 110 Acres of land, let as agricultural smallholdings to locals; field for community allotments; areas of mixed native woodland; 1.7km of public access footpaths. Occasional events (work parties, BBQ etc)
Rosemarkie Amenities Association
Community Greenspace with shop
Walking & running initiatives
Torridon Wellbeing Walks
Weekly Wellbeing Walks in Torridon, every Tuesday at 11am.
Led by National Trust for Scotland Ranger, Rory Shannon.
To find out more please email rshannon@nts.org.uk
P4W Walk
Partnerships for Wellbeing supports a number of health-walks that take place regularly across Highland – the walks are open to everyone and are free to access. More information on all of our activities can be found on our website.
Ullapool Forest Runs
Ullapool Forest Runs hold twice monthly events in Ullapool and Lael Forest.
Walkers are most welcome.
Free to enter, open to everyone, no age restriction. Beautiful courses.
Fitness, fun and friendship.
Clarity Walks
Clarity Walk is a Highland social enterprise which aims to reduce isolation by bringing people together in nature through walking and talking with our digital detox walks.
Nature 4 Health
Nature 4 Health is a health walk group that have been using mindful nature-based therapy to help those who suffer with mental ill health. They run a programme of walks in the Inverness, Nairn and Moray area, as well as Branching Out programmes and professional training.
Outdoor learning and play
High Life Highland Countryside Ranger
Explore Green Health with High Life Highland’s Ross-shire Countryside Rangers!
Discover a variety of events and activities designed to raise awareness and appreciation of the stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich heritage of the Highlands. In Ross-shire we work with several local community groups and facilities to improve biodiversity and provide access to the outdoors for all. Recently we have been planting wildflower seeds, planting trees, creating ponds, and managing some sites of special scientific interest. There is also lots of fun to be had in our School’s Out programme of walks, games and rock pooling. And we don’t leave out the adults, with regular wildlife identification sessions – Fungi Forays being very popular in the Autumn.
Find out more:
- Visit our website: Countryside Rangers – Countryside Rangers – High Life Highland Rangers
- Follow us on Facebook: Facebook
- Read our blog: Nature Unveiled | High Life Highland Ranger | Substack
- Find your local Ranger: Find a Countryside Ranger – High Life Highland Rangers
- Email us: outdoor.activities@highlifehighland.com
Join us and experience the beauty of Ross-shire while promoting your well-being!
Wee Adventure
Wee Adventure’s purpose is to get families taking part in healthy and educational activities in the great outdoors, on foot, bike, pram or wheelchair.
Kinder Croft
Kinder croft is an outdoor nursery and learning venue. Our forest site is also a learning and engagement venue for people of all ages through workshops such as foraging and willow weaving as well as annual open days.
Outdoor volunteering
Trees for Life
Volunteer involvement in restoring nature, particularly in Glen Affric and Glenmoriston. Nature connection is a key part of our approach.
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE)
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) is an independent, community owned, charitable, Development Trust and Social Enterprise working towards building strong, resilient communities in the Gairloch and Loch Ewe area. Our aim is to help make our community a great place for people of all abilities to live, work, and thrive.
We provide services to those who live with the area such as counselling, and befriending, as well as several volunteering opportunities through our Volunteer Programme. We also have a community cafe and retail shop where all profits go back into community projects and services. Please contact volunteering@galeteam.co.uk if you’d like to get involved or enquiries@galeteam.co.uk for any other information.
Highland Third Sector Interface
Seek and view volunteering opportunities in your area!
Sustrans Volunteers
Sustrans volunteers look after the National Cycle Network. They help local people to walk and cycle. They improve our green spaces for wildlife. And they inspire young people in schools to get active.
Our volunteers are helping to create a better environment for us all. Even if you’ve got just an hour to give every so often. Or you can give us your time on a more regular basis. Whatever time you can spare, we’d really like to hear from you.
Arts in Nature
Arts in Nature supports people to engage with the outdoors and connect with nature in a creative way through the delivery of a variety of art and craft activities. All creative nature-based sessions have been designed to be relaxing, inspiring, flexible and fun! For more information please contact Charlotte, email: artsinnature@outlook.com
THE OUTDOORS
Breathe some fresh air into your life. The outdoors helps us cope with life’s ups and downs. Your local area can be the perfect place to enjoy tranquil spots, find peace and quiet and also have some fun, healthy, family time.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Less than half of adults in Scotland visit the outdoors on a regular, weekly basis, and 14% don’t at all. Access to green space can help to protect the physical and mental health of both adults and children in Scotland.