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Natural Connections – On the right path

, by Cumbernauld LL
The Cumbernauld Living Landscape weekend volunteering programme kicked-off to a fantastic start.  Recently, we were in Cumbernauld Glen helping to support new path works that had been completed thanks to funding from North Lanarkshire Environmental Key Fund. By simply clearing away vegetation, laying weed matting and adding a layer of stones, we can help to reduce the volume of herbicide needed to control weeds and prevent paths from becoming over grown. In the four hours we were working (ok three, it was hot and we needed breaks) we managed to support 60m of path.

Natural Connections – Time to spot wildlife

, by Cumbernauld LL
It has been a really busy summer here at the Cumbernauld Living Landscape. As autumn is creeping up on us you would think that it would be a time of slowing down the pace but, like nature things are still going full tilt.  Soon the leaves will be turning from the crisp emerald greens to umbers and crimsons, returning as much of the remaining nutrients to the tree before they become dormant in the winter ahead. Bats will be busy fuelling up during this time of plenty since the damp weather has been good for those pesky midges!

Natural Connections – Carbrain Gala day

, by Cumbernauld LL
I’ve received some really great comments on my column, so thanks to everyone for being so positive. It’s great to know that our community is so interested in nature. My job for the Cumbernauld Living Landscape is to try to engage and connect people with the wonderful wildlife that we share our town with. That’s one reason why you’ll find me at the Cumbernauld Living Landscape stall on 18 August at the Carbrain Gala Day, 11.00-15.00 at the St Margret of Scotland Primary School.

Natural Connections – Dragon Finder

, by Cumbernauld LL
While we are all waiting for ‘Game of Thrones’ to come back to our screens we can get involved with a little bit of Dragon Finding ourselves! Froglife in partnership with the Cumbernauld Living Landscape will be running an event on the 8th of August, 11-3pm at Palacerigg Country Park on the hunt for reptiles, amphibians (things that go ‘rebit’) and other wildlife.  There will be a reptile walk at 1:30pm to look for common lizards and slow worms. Good sturdy walking boots or wellies are required due to the terrain this walk is not suitable for under 10’s however there will be crafts and activities on the day.

Natural Connections – Costly wildlife invasion

, by Cumbernauld LL
Invasive non-native species…urgh! This is the term used for any plant or animal that has been introduced to an area, either accidentally or on purpose, that has taken hold and started to outcompete local wildlife. They are a massive headache to us all; from damage to property, health issues, soil erosion and flooding, they cost the Scottish Government £250 million a year.

Beavers and Beyond: Learning From The West

, by Cumbernauld LL
Along with two of my colleagues, I was recently given the opportunity to visit the West coast of Scotland as part of a sharing best practice visit.  In two packed days, we visited Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise, the Scottish Beaver Trial, Auchinellan estate and the Kilmartin museum and gathered a wealth of information which we brought back to Cumbernauld.  

Natural Connections – Lots of bugs and beasties

, by Cumbernauld LL
I’m always amazed by the fascinating range of people I meet in Cumbernauld. Last week, during the Living Landscape team’s first Wildlife Watch taster session, we had a great group join us and take part in a range of fun activities, from pooter and mask making to identifying lots of bugs and beasties. What a surprise it was to meet one resident who happens to be an entomologist (someone who specialises in the study of insects). It made me appreciate what a rich community we live in and how nature can unite so many people from different walks of life.

Natural Connections – Meeting newborn deer

, by Cumbernauld LL
With a week of relative heat and sunshine, it finally feels like summer has arrived! When you’re out and about enjoying the sunshine, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for wildlife. Last week, whilst out walking my dogs, I caught site of a roe deer in the woodland close to St Maurice’s Pond. On closer inspection I saw that the deer wasn’t alone; twin fawns reminiscent of Bambi were alongside the doe. These tiny deer were probably only a day or two old and the fact that there were twins suggests that last year must have been a bountiful year, with plenty of food around for the mother to eat.

Why St Maurice's pond is a special place!

, by Cumbernauld LL
My family moved to Cumbernauld in 1979 and for as long as I can remember St Maurice’s pond has always had a special place in my heart.  Growing up in such a green town was an incredible experience for a child from the East end of Glasgow. Imagine the wonder at finding burns, woods and ponds full of wildlife, being able to explore for miles in open grasslands, jump streams and occasionally fall in! I have, and always will be a regular visitor to St Maurice’s Pond, it is my haven.  Before the digital age of cameras I would gleefully take picture after picture on film, sadly only a few snaps remain but they spark very fond memories.  I continue to snap away on my digital camera now and no longer have that agonising wait until the film is developed; as a result I have hundreds if not thousands of shots from this beautiful oasis of calm.

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