First Impressions
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Two months ago, I became a Volunteer Officer for Cumbernauld Living Landscape’s Wild Ways Well Project. Having recently moved to the central belt from Galloway, I knew very little about Cumbernauld other than it was a built up New Town. So you can imagine my joy when I learned that 50% of the town centre is made up of green space!
I soon realised that the town has four Wildlife Reserves within a short distance from the centre and within them a variety of flora and fauna. On my first day I spotted a male Roe Deer as we made our way to the Cumbernauld Glen. I was astounded by the magnificent, ancient trees and diversity of birds we spotted there. The tranquillity of the river and the history of the town that intertwines here has quickly made it one of my favourite places to relax and forget about the stresses of life.
This brings me to the project which I volunteer on, Wild Ways Well, which seeks to do just that – make us feel better with a little help from nature. It runs on a Thursday afternoon and is aimed at anyone wishing to improve their health and wellbeing whilst being outside in one of Cumbernauld’s Wildlife Reserves. We always begin in the centre of town where we walk to a reserve, stop for a cup of tea and a natter, and then move on to do a conservation themed activity.
If you can’t make our Thursday group but still want to help improve our green spaces as well as your health there is always opportunities for getting involved with Cumbernauld Living Landscape. We have our monthly Nature Ninjas volunteer day on the 8th of April where we will do a litter pick of Seafar Woods. For more information visit our website events page or follow us on Facebook.
Rebecca Scott Volunteer Officer