Author: Cumbernauld LL

Natural Connections – Progress update

, by Cumbernauld LL
Over the past few months the Natural Connections project has been working with 4th year high school students to raise their awareness and understanding of their Natural Heritage. Through practical sessions it is building their confidence and will give them transferable skills for future employment. This year 45 students from two local high schools, St Maurice’s and Greenfaulds, are participating. Next year a further two schools will will take part.

Sunday sessions volunteers needed

, by Cumbernauld LL
The Natural Connections project has set up a regular Sunday group and is looking for new volunteers. The group meets on the first Sunday of every month to carry out practical conservation tasks at St Maurices Pond, Cumbernauld Glen and Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve.  These activities are open to all and no previous experience is required as training will be provided.

Natural Connections – Autumn as a time of change

, by Cumbernauld LL
Autumn is my favourite season and I can say that with some confidence after the summer we had! With autumn now in full swing it is a time of many changes as wildlife and people alike are getting ready for the coming winter. It is, for me too, a time of great change as I start my new job as Cumbernauld Community Engagement Assistant.

Recruiting now!

, by Cumbernauld LL
In the past two years we have successfully partnered with the Conservation Volunteers to provide a paid training opportunity for someone that is passionate about wildlife and peoples wellbeing. So far we have a 100% record (2 out of 2!) of trainees going onto full time employment in the conservation/environmental sector. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and skills in two of Scotland’s leaning conservation charities. To apply go to the The Conservation Volunteers website or contact the Project Development Manager Ian Mackenzie if you have more questions.

Natural Connections – Looking for inspiration

, by Cumbernauld LL
I’ve been hit by a touch of writer’s block these last few weeks and I couldn’t work out why!  While out working on our Natural Connections project, I had a conversation with Justyna Pabisz our intern volunteer for the Cumbernauld Living Landscape, and she said “How do you think you are going to get inspiration sitting at your desk all the time, you haven’t been out of the office lately” You know what, she is right.  So I made a concerted effort to get out a wee half hour before I started work to go to a site and just enjoy it.

Natural Connections – What does nature do for me?

, by Cumbernauld LL
Considering how urban Cumbernauld is amazingly 50% of our town is green and probably just as well taking into account the volume of pollution from the vast number of vehicles on the M80 motorway. This is where our environment comes in or rather its Ecosystem services; these are services which are delivered unseen by our environment i.e. trees and fungi help to clean the air we breathe, look out for black splodges about the size of a 5p piece on the leaves of a sycamore tree.  These splodges are fungi which exchange polluted air for clean air. There are also multiple health benefits; we can reduce our blood pressure, muscle tension, stress and depression just by going out for regular walks in our local greenspaces.

Managing Bulgaria's natural assets against economic pressure: what can we learn?

, by Cumbernauld LL
I was recently given the opportunity to be part of an Erasmus+ programme to Bulgaria, to gain insight into how their natural assets are being managed in the face of economic pressure.  With our wonderful guide Velis, we were able to enjoy a jam-packed programme, meeting many local experts to discuss the compromises between economic growth and protecting nature.   The competing interests of nature conservation and tourism development within an economic recession echoes the challenges facing Scotland, so the exchange provided a mirror to reflect upon our practice back at home.

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