The National Trust for Scotland Canna ranger service works to conserve nature, engage with visitors, deliver educational outreach and provide support to achieve key objectives on Canna.
Canna and Sanday are home to a rich variety of habitats, from coastal grassland and machair to Atlantic woodlands and steep maritime cliffs – all with a diverse range of wildlife species. Our ranger service offers seasonal events and activities, including guided walks and talks, that explore these habitats further. Look out for events that we will be running throughout the year.
Meet the team: Canna Ranger
Meet the Canna Ranger! Having moved from Shetland, Tom’s previous roles have included significant projects (such as Species on the Edge) working alongside communities to conserve and protect bird species like the red-necked phalarope.
In his first few days, Tom immediately got busy exploring Canna, working on paths and future projects ... and looking for corncrakes. He said: ‘I’m most looking forward to the practical elements of the job and being outside in all conditions. I’m happiest covered in mud or wading in water!’
His favourite place on Canna is the woodland behind Canna House: ‘There’s not a lot of trees on Shetland!’
Tom will be welcoming visitors to Canna this season – please stop and say hello.
NatureFest 2025
Monday 21–Saturday 26 July
Join us on the Isle of Canna for a week of guided walks, expert talks, competitions, games, Citizen Science projects, arts and crafts, and much more!
Woodland Day – Monday 21 July
Celebrate the plant, animal and fungi species we find in our woods and become a Citizen Scientist as we record as many species as we can!
Drop-in events
- Dawn chorus – Square Farm, 5.30–6.30am
- Bees & Butterflies walk – Canna Community Shop, 12.30–1.30pm
- ID Hub – Canna Community Shop, 1.30–3pm
- Guided woodland walk – Canna Community Shop, 4–5pm
Bookable events
- Moth traps – 8.30–10am
- Canna House Garden tour with Nathan Cridland – 9.30–10.30am
- Fungi presentation with Liz Holden – 11am–12 noon
- Folklore of the woods with Alan Crawford – 7–9pm
Seabird Day – Tuesday 22 July
Celebrate the beautiful birds that call our island home. Become a Citizen Scientist and help us look out for our seabirds.
Drop-in events
- Ranger @ The Hub – Visitor Hub, all day
- Seabird trail – Sanday, all day
- Seabird, Camera, Action! – Across Canna and Sanday, all day
Bookable events
- Seabird ID and guided walk – 10am–12.30pm
- Manx shearwater presentation – 7–9pm
Marine Day – Wednesday 23 July
Celebrate the unique marine life of Scotland and learn about all the species along our coastline.
Drop-in events
- Small Isles snorkel trail (activities and information) – Sanday beach
- Marine trail – Sanday, all day
Bookable events
- Whale walk – 10am–12 noon
- Marine life of the Small Isles with Nora Barnes – 7–9pm
Farm Day – Thursday 24 July
Explore farm life on Canna!
Drop-in events
- Dawn Chorus walk – Square Farm, 5.30–6.30am
- Bees & Butterflies walk – Visitor Hub, 10–11.30am
- Machair plant walk – Sanday Bridge, 3–4pm
Bookable events
- Moth traps – 8.30–10am
- Farm walk – 1–2.30pm
- Corncrake walk and talk – 7–9pm
Dark Skies Day – Friday 25 July
Explore Canna‘s dark skies with us.
Drop-in events
- Winnie‘s campfire stories – Visitor Hub, timing TBC
- Bat walk and talk – Canna House Garden, 9.30–10.30pm
Bookable events
- Dark skies printing workshop – TBC
- Talk with Steve Gray – 7–9pm
