Category: Wild Ways Well

Winter Blues

, by Paul Barclay
As I write this I’m huddled over a steaming mug of tea, wearing my warmest jumper and waiting for the forecast sleet to start falling outside. I console myself with the thought that, though it might not feel like it, spring is on the way. It probably hasn’t escaped long-term readers of these blogs that I’m no fan of winter!…

Natural New Year

, by Paul Barclay
No one could fail to notice the waning of the light as the winter begins to bite and the days get ever shorter. It’s little wonder that winter is associated with depression – and that midwinter, when the sun begins to climb higher into the sky again each day became a time of celebration, reflection and renewal. The natural world…

Winter wisdom

, by Paul Barclay
Winter! That time of year when thoughts turn inwards, when we all seek respite from the cold and get ourselves cooried in until spring. The work of harvest is over and there’s time yet until planting so traditionally this was the time for storytelling. George Mackay Brown, the great Orcadian storyteller talked of tongues “touched to enchantment by starlight and…

World Mental Health Day

, by Paul Barclay
This Thursday is World Mental Health Day, a day created to promote conversations about mental health and reduce stigma. This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention’. Countless studies have shown that spending time outdoors in natural green spaces is vital for our mental health. Our Wild Ways Well project demonstrates this as we explore Cumbernauld’s nature reserves…

Discovering the Living Landscapes in Cumbernauld

, by Cumbernauld Living Landscape
When I was asked which environmental organisations I would like to visit as part of my internship, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Living Landscapes Project were definitely on my list. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about the work of one of Scotland’s most important conservation NGOs. I am originally from Hanover, Germany, where I…

Leave no trace

, by Paul Barclay
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Seafar Wildlife Reserve is one of my favourite places in Cumbernauld to visit. The Trust is working hard to change the structure of the woodlands, helping native trees and wildflowers to flourish in the new light, open spaces. More native trees and flowers means more insects like butterflies and dragonflies, which in turn leads to more…

Endings and beginnings

, by Paul Barclay
Last week we said goodbye to one of our Project Officers, Claire Bailly, who is moving on to a new post in Glasgow working with communities on flood resilience. Claire has been an amazing group leader and will be sadly missed, but I’m sure her new project will soon feel her benefit. There was a record turnout for her final Wild…

Getty Arty in the Outdoors

, by Paul Barclay
There are few things in the world more beautiful than the nature that is all around us. Think about the all the amazing paintings, stories, songs, poems and even films you know that are based around nature. For centuries all sorts of artists have been inspired by the natural world – the exact same natural world that’s all around you. One…

Lazy Summer Days

, by Paul Barclay
“It’s too hot!”  – the plaintive cry of the average Scotsperson on the first warm day of summer. Never mind all the complaints of cold from the dreich weeks before! Trees have many vital roles, but one of the most important ones for me right now is their undoubted value as a sunshade. There can surely be few more pleasant…

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