Natural Connections – Natural Capital in Cumbernauld

Heather pollination I attended The Wildlife Trust’s Conservation in the 21st Century event last week in Edinburgh to discover how we can implement ‘natural capital’ approaches in Scotland.  What is it, I hear you say? Well…natural capital values our environment by looking at the services we derive from nature. A great example of this is pollination from wild bees, butterflies and hoverflies. They estimate this ‘free’ service is worth a whopping £43million to the Scottish economy.  It is becoming increasingly necessary to assign a value to a natural asset in order to protect it for all of us and to show businesses the need for them to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable for their long term survival too.

Green route design event – register now!

Cumbernauld Green Routes feasibility project is looking to transform the centre of Cumbernauld and its links to surrounding communities by creating green routes which are accessible, safe and enjoyable. Register now for the design event to help shape the solutions to reconnect Cumbernauld's green network.

Natural Connections – A connection with nature

We had a cook out last week for the last Natural Connections workshop for the term with the students of St Maurice’s High School.  The lads instantly took up the primal challenge of cooking outdoors (man vs fire – safely and responsibly!) to supply the other students with amazing bacon butties.  We were surrounded by a sea of smiles as the students, in the pouring rain with a cup of tea in one hand and butties in the other got stuck in. 

The future of sustainability – Abronhill Primary School pupils win top award

Abronhill Primary School and Nursery Class have been commended for their environmental action by winning a national award. The schools nature garden and tree planting programme have helped improve Cumbernauld’s environment. Children have been busy working to enhance their playground, as well as a nearby Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. Pupils spent hours weeding and planting bulbs and new trees.

Natural Connections – Thanks to backroom team

Cumbernauld's finest with #VampireSquirrel - Looks like Sandy may have bitten more than he could chew! The beautiful Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Cumbernauld Glen, was the showcase for our first ever Halloween night nearly three weeks ago now. Seeing how much effort it took to plan, organise and deliver got me thinking about all the work in the background that also helped it become such a success.  Little is thought about the background works, they fade into comparison of the fun had but without them, quite simply, the event would not have been able to take place.

Natural Connections – Progress update

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

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.