A WEEKEND of nature activities, workshops, talks, exhibitors, and fun for all the family returns to East Lothian this weekend as RSPB Scotland’s Big Nature Festival returns to Levenhall Links after its success there last year.

The links, near Musselburgh, will play host to the event on May 21 and 22, and is a celebration of all things nature and wildlife.

The two-day event is packed with activities to keep the whole family entertained.

CBBC presenters Rory Crawford, Ferne Corrigan, and Ricky and Leah Boleto will be reading at nature-themed storytelling and the designer of the bestselling LEGO bird kit, Thomas Poulsom, is running workshops where nature enthusiasts can build their very own LEGO robin.

Children can transform themselves into wildlife explorers through hands-on activities including pond dipping and mini-beast hunts.

RSPB Scotland has chosen the puffin as the feature bird for this year’s festival and bird enthusiasts can find out more about the work the conservation organisation is doing to help these colourful creatures.

There’ll also be a chance for those at the festival to see puffins for themselves by hopping on-board the seabird cruises taking place in the Firth of Forth over the weekend.

A range of workshops and talks from a host of speakers will be ongoing over the weekend. This year’s topics include RSPB Scotland’s work on common scoters, curlews and seabird research, the use of technology, tagging and tracking birds for conservation, the Celtic Rainforests, lichens and air pollution.

Artists inspired by the natural world will be giving demonstration workshops and exhibiting their work. There’ll also be space to relax and listen to local musicians whilst enjoying food and drink from across Scotland.

Levenhall Links, managed by East Lothian Council, is one of the country’s most popular birdwatching spots and contains a bird reserve specifically created for the benefit of wildlife.

It is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is teeming with wildlife including oystercatchers, curlews, redshanks, grey plovers, willow warblers, shelducks and reed buntings.

Guided walks will be taking place around the site so people can discover more about the wildlife found there.

The ever-popular bird ringing by RSPB Scotland and the BTO will return this year, where people can watch birds in the hand, before they are ringed and safely released.

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Levenhall Links for Scotland’s Big Nature Festival.

"The line-up for this year is outstanding – there really is something for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages taking place over the two days.

"This festival is all about connecting people to nature and giving them the opportunity to engage with conservationists working hard to safeguard our wildlife and habitats.

"Come along and celebrate Scotland’s wonderful wildlife with us this weekend.”