Winter 2017 EcoCity Awards success EcoCity

Awards The efforts of local Overall EcoCity community groups Award for a project and schools to to develop their Pets Corner improve ’s school garden into Renovation environment were a wildlife haven. celebrated at an The school also awards ceremony at took part in early Neighbourhood the Beach Ballroom years learning and in November. work to educate others about dangers to Achievements bees because of loss of habitats, climate The 2017 EcoCity Awards, were organised by change, and a reduction in wild flower Aberdeen City Council, to recognise the meadows. Recycling work of local people to make Aberdeen a more sustainable city. Winners received framed certificates and Tours were presented with their prizes by The awards attracted nearly 50 submissions Councillor Yvonne Allan and Councillor over ten categories. Entries were judged by Philip Bell. The prizes were donated by a panel of eight judges representing Aberdeen City Council, the Beach Ballroom, Green Walls different teams across the Council, external the Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group and organisations and previous winners. the Co-op Member Pioneers. Ranger Two new categories of business waste Details of all the award winners are included reduction and energy efficiency were added on page 2 of this edition of Green Times. Events to the award scheme this year. Click side arrows to navigate & > Hanover Street Primary received the corners to return to this page < The EcoCity awards are an annual city • Waste and Recycling Champion award scheme. This year the awards were (Individual and organisation) in the following categories: Successfully demonstrating a commitment to sustainable waste Next issue... • Waste and Recycling Business management. For taking significant steps About Climate Week to reduce, reuse and • Clean-up Champion Making recycle waste. Aberdeen a more beautiful North East the place by picking-up litter. • Energy Efficiency For promoting or enabling awards • Growing Smarter EcoCity energy efficiency measures. (Junior, individual and Organisation) Successfully promoting or enhancing Aberdeen’s Environmental • Fairtrade Demonstrating a commitment the environment and improving the to Fairtrade and contributing to keeping quality of life in Aberdeen. News and Events Aberdeen a Fairtrade City. Aberdeen’s 2017 EcoCity Awards winners University of Aberdeen Marine Society a bug hotel for shelter. The pupils learned that bees are in danger and made a short film to educate others.

Hazlehead Primary Every pupil in the school participated in the design and creation of a trail of 17 sculptures to educate the community about the United Nations, Global Goals. All the sculptures were built using recycled materials. Growing Smarter EcoCity (Individual) Award Annie McIntosh Waste and Recycling Business Clean-up Champion EcoCity Annie is the lead on EcoCity Award Award (Individual) the Grove Nursery CFINE FareShare Grampian Charles Thomson project. This Redirected over 400 tonnes of surplus food Charles litter picks includes the Foyer from the food industry and distributed it in various areas Impact group, the to charities and community organisations around the city and Healthy Minds groups across Aberdeen; providing food to low loves what he does. and other social income, vulnerable people. He will separate out enterprise groups who come to together to cans for recycling at a ‘grow’ people through gardening, neighbouring recycling centre and will often environmental projects and programmes at go litter picking, no matter the weather. the Council’s Grove Nursery. Clean-up Champion EcoCity Award (Organisations) University of Aberdeen Marine Society The group clean Aberdeen Beach every fortnight to make the beach a safer, cleaner and more attractive environment for all to enjoy. They are in discussion Energy Efficiency EcoCity Award with other local organisations to make a Aberdeen Multicultural Centre larger collaborative effort in cleaning and A Community Energy Challenge project, maintaining the beaches. Growing Smarter EcoCity encouraging participation in energy savings (Organisation) Award and an active travel campaign. The project Growing Smarter EcoCity The Allotment Market Stall has saved 574.25 tonnes CO2e over 5 years. (Junior) Award The group collect excess produce from Hanover Street School allotments in Aberdeen City and sell it Fairtrade EcoCity Award The school garden was transformed from on market stalls in city parks. Last year Bridge of Don Academy Global a derelict plot to a flourishing haven for 3 tonnes of produce was collected. Any Goals Group bees, birds and other small creatures. produce that is not sold is donated to In Fairtrade Fortnight the group visited The children made bee hotels, supplied the food bank. Profits are used to primary schools to promote Fairtrade and drinking water, made log piles and made improve allotments. the Rights of the Child, as well as holding Fairtrade snack stalls for staff and pupils, with the money raised donated to a local charity. The group also organised a Fairtrade Football event. Waste and Recycling Champion EcoCity Award Glashieburn School Waste Week and Waste Wednesdays, at the school are raising awareness of recycling and waste reduction, ensuring paper collections across the school. Recycling buckets have been added to the staff room and lunch hall. The eco committee encourage and collect recycling. Bridge of Don Academy Aberdeen City • External access Council aims to ramp and pathways. reduce energy and water consumption The building was within public refurbished in building; to become excess of current more energy building standards. efficient, reduce It is connected to CO2 emissions and the local district make target cost heating distribution savings. Aberdeen system which Pets Corner at reduces emissions. has recently undergone • Heating is full renovation and provided throughout extension. by underfloor heating and warm Aberdeen Pets air ventilation Corner re-opened system, reducing in July 2017 after overall energy a much needed consumption. renovation. The Aberdeen upgraded building • Lighting has been includes a new provided by new Hydrogen supply education room, LED lights, saving aviary and new 50% on electricity larger aquarium consumption and chain develops for fish and reptile there are several tanks, as well as Pets Corner sun pipes to allow NORCO Group, a local business and improved visitor and natural daylight to independent specialist in stored staff facilities and enter. electrical energy, has taken over the animal welfare. renovation operation of Aberdeen City Hydrogen • Wall and Roof Energy Storage (ACHES). NORCO is The building improvements provide Insulation improves building comfort, managing the facility on behalf of an attractive facility for all ages reducing the need for heating. Aberdeen City Council. and include: • Doors and windows replacement double ACHES is the city’s second hydrogen • A new replacement roof, with a green glazed automatic doors and windows to refuelling station, in addition to sedum deck. provide air tightness and reduce heat Kittybrewster which serves 10 buses. • Internal layout alterations. loss through the building fabric. Five of NORCO’s staff took part in training on the operation and maintenance the ACHES facility and Food waste education packs have been one staff member was employed created by Zero Waste Scotland. specifically for the role. The lesson plans are suitable for primary and secondary This opportunity has demonstrated the schools and encourage Love transfer of specialist knowledge and learners to consider the skills to professionals within Aberdeen scale of food waste within and has contributed to the creation of the school and in Scotland food hate local employment. as a whole. The development of infrastructure The packs are aligned waste and vehicle deployments are guided to the relevant Curriculum by the Aberdeen Region Hydrogen for Excellence experiences & Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2025, outcomes. They are designed to support which aims to develop a hydrogen teaching and they contain worksheets and economy in the region. presentations.

The lesson plans allow pupils to understand how they are able to contribute in a positive and tangible way to reducing the amount of food we throw away. To find out more go to www. zerowastescotland.org.uk It is hoped that the shrubs planted will Torry Community bring colour, scent and continued growth over all the seasons, to provide hope Planting Project and comfort.

The idea was made reality through A Community Planting Project is helping Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City to brighten the entrance to Torry. Council, working with the ADA Recovery Garden Project and was supported by Local residents and the Rotaract club of Scottish Bereavement Support Aberdeen. Aberdeen, worked together with Aberdeen City Council in October, to Earlier this year the Lord Provost joined transform an area at the Victoria Bridge. staff and volunteers from ADA and members of the Scottish Bereavement The site was first cleared and Support Aberdeen, to name the planter, cultivated, before trees and shrubs ‘Lives Worth Remembering’. were planted that will be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come. People are encouraged to take time to walk past the planter, read the plaque Rotaract would like to thank all the and remember. volunteers and Aberdeen City Council for their help with the project, in what The Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA) was a great example of working Recovery Garden Project started in together in the community. 2015, when ADA were offered a poly Recovery tunnel at Grove Nursery at Hazlehead, They are encouraging anyone with a by Aberdeen City Council, as part of a similar idea to make connections joint community engagement initiative. with like-minded people or to contact Garden Project the Environmental Services Team at The group consists of around 10 people, the Council. a mixture of volunteers and ADA service A recovery garden project has created a city users. They grow mainly vegetables and If you think Rotaract can help with a centre space, dedicated to people who have fruit which they then get to take away. project or would like to get involved in lost their life through addiction. Some of the surplus is used at an ADA any of the Rotaract events please email: cooking group. [email protected] or go The Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA) to Facebook@rotaractaberdeen Recovery Garden Team have planted a If you are in recovery and would like tree and plants in a planter in Carmelite more information on the gardening Street, under the guidance of the Aberdeen group then contact Anne at ADA on City Council. The area gives people a 01224 577120 or visit the website place to pause and remember those www.alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk who have lost their lives.

change legislation. They track public sector action on climate change and drive Climate change continuous improvement on reducing emissions, adapting to climate change and reporting leadership and governance. Public sector organisations across Scotland submitted reports for the The number of public second year of sector organisations statutory climate required to produce a report change increased from 150 to 180 reporting in this reporting year. November 2017. Information is collated The reports aim and published by the to show Sustainable Scotland compliance with Network. For further Public Bodies information and to view the Duties under reports from 2016 go to www. Scotland’s climate keepscotlandbeautiful.org Outstanding success

Friends of Victoria and Westburn parks were presented with the top award of “Outstanding” in the Beautiful Scotland, It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards.

Chairman of Friends of Victoria and Westburn Parks, Peter Stephen, outlined the work of the group over four years to achieve this award including:

The creation of a wild flower garden, which gave a beautiful display of It’s Your Neighbourhood Achievements poppies, through the summer. In October, the group, along with the 30 community groups in the city have had Level 1 – Establishing Rotary club and children from Skene their environmental improvement work • Clifton Court Gardening Group Square School planted 8,000 crocus recognised by the 2017 Beautiful Scotland, • Cummings Park Community Garden bulbs in , to support the It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative. • Kittybrewster Nursery Rotary Purple for Polio campaign. The initiative is designed Level 2 – Improving The group is planning to have another to acknowledge the work • Castlewood Gardens draughts board painted for Victoria of community groups along • Granitehill House Tenants Park. At Westburn Park the children’s themes of community Association play area has a new swing fitted for participation, environmental • Gwen’s Garden disabled children and a new skate responsibility and gardening • Lord Hays Court gardeners park is at the planning stage. achievement. • Permaculture Garden Project If you would like to join the Friends It’s Your Neighbourhood Level 3 – Advancing of Victoria and Westburn parks group, is a local environmental they meet every Saturday at 9am, Bainbridge Gardeners improvement campaign • at the bothy at the Belvidere Street Friends of Sunnybank Park designed to encourage • entrance to Victoria Park. Friends of Walker Dam volunteer groups to pick up • their shears and spades in a • Gerrard Street Baptist Church bid to clean up and beautify Knowing no Bounds their local areas. The campaign • is run by Keep Scotland Level 4 – Thriving Policy Beautiful in partnership with • Cummings Park the Royal Horticultural Society. Community Flat* on balloon • Denburn Court Tenants & The initiative is non-competitive and Residents Association and lantern acknowledges local efforts by presenting • Fittie Community Development Trust groups with certificates based on a 1-5 • Friends of Johnston Gardens releases level of grading. Groups are assessed on • Friends of the Denburn their own merits and not compared against • Recovery Garden Project – Alcohol & each other. The level of achievement is Drugs Action A new policy has been approved based on how well the entrant group has prohibiting the intentional release done in terms of community participation, Level 5 – Outstanding of balloons, lanterns and other similar environmental responsibility and • Airyhall School items at Aberdeen City Council run by or gardening achievement. • Donside Village Community endorsed events and Council properties. • Friends of * The groups’ activities include, litter picking, • Friends of Hazlehead The policy highlights the risks that developing allotments, bulb planting, creating • Friends of uncontrolled release of these items into hanging baskets, painting equipment, • Friends of * the environment can cause, this includes improving biodiversity; all to the benefit of • Friends of Victoria & Westburn Parks hazards to wildlife and livestock. their communities and neighbourhoods. • Garthdee Field Allotments Association* • Hazlehead Primary School – Lanterns can also caused injury to In addition, six groups achieved a Certificate Community Group members of the public and damage of Distinction. This recognises a group that • Nether Loirston Growers Association * to buildings, as well as interfering that has consistently grown and improved • Slopefield Allotment Association* with Coastguard and Civil Aviation over the years of the campaign. *Certificate of Distinction Authority activities. Communities spring into action Altens East Recycling and Resource Aberdeen will enjoy a bonanza of spring flowers thanks to the efforts of Facility Opening and Tours local volunteers who have planted thousands of bulbs across the city. A new recycling facility in Aberdeen has by various companies for recycling into officially opened its doors. new products. In a frenzy of autumn activity, community groups, schools and The Altens East Recycling and Resource Interested members of the public can individuals braved the outdoors, to Facility at Hareness Place was opened in take a guided tour of the Altens facility. plant crocuses and a bee and October by Councillor Jenny Laing Co- Tours take place every Wednesday at diversity mix. Leader of Aberdeen City Council and David 1pm and pre-booking is required. Contact Palmer-Jones Chief Executive Officer of [email protected] to Over 100 local groups were involved in SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK. arrange your visit. planting over 150,000 bulbs that will bring fresh shoots and fantastic colour The facility started operating in spring Did you know: to Aberdeen in spring next year. this year and is where Aberdeen’s mixed • Around 96,000 tonnes of waste is recycling is sorted, baled and sent on produced from 117,000 households in Aberdeen City Council’s Environmental to reprocessors. Aberdeen each year. Services supplied the bulbs supporting a wide range of active individuals and All materials delivered to the facility are • Since the new roll-out on March this groups to bring a splash of colour to manually pre-sorted to remove large year, recycling rates have risen from their communities. plastic items, scrap metal, plastic film 39% to 49%. and non-recyclable waste. The hard work of these volunteers • The Altens East Recycling and Resource makes a huge difference to Aberdeen’s With the use of specialised sorting screens, Facility can sort up to 20 tonnes of greenspaces. magnets and eddy currents, the recyclates city mixed recycling an hour, that’s the are sorted into glass, TetraPaks, paper, equivalent of 3 full bin lorries. card, three types of plastic and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These sorted items are • The Council carries out over 4.5 million Earth Hour 2018 then bundled into tight bales and collected bin collections every year. Sign up for the Earth Hour switch off on 24 March 2018. Millions of people To make sure you receive a copy of this join in with this event each year, by publication when it is released or if you switching off their lights for just one About Green Times would like to contribute to future hour at 8.30 pm, to show they care Green Times is produced in editions contact: about the future of the planet. March, June, September and December each year and email: thegreentimes@ 130 Scottish landmarks supported includes information on local aberdeencity.gov.uk Earth Hour in 2017, including transport, energy, waste, Eco Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Schools and biodiversity events telephone: 01224 522792 Parliament and the Forth Rail Bridge. and initiatives. or write to the editor: To find out more Previous editions are available Business Hub 4, Ground Floor about Earth Hour on the Aberdeen City Council North, Marischal College, 2018 go to www. website www.aberdeencity. Broad Street, Aberdeen earthhour.org gov.uk AB10 1AB Green walls provide a welcome space for nature in urban environments. They are internal or external walls that have been intentionally covered by vegetation. As well as Green brightening spaces, green walls have a whole range of benefits from protecting buildings, to helping to save energy, Walls improving health and wellbeing and adapting to climate change. This edition of Green Times looks at several initiatives working to develop green walls in Aberdeen.

Pilot projects test green walls

approach Native plants like Kidney vetch, Roseroot, Inverdee Green Sea campion, Thrift and Wild thyme have Aberdeen City Council is working on been used which are normally more two small scale pilot projects to explore Wall Project attractive to insects and other wildlife. the development of green walls. The The North East Scotland Biodiversity Planting stock was established by Ewen aim is that the knowledge gained could Partnership is exploring green wall Cameron of the North East Scotland be used to roll out green walls in techniques which are good for wildlife, Biodiversity Partnership, by collecting seed disused sites across Aberdeen. as well as being low cost to establish and raising seedlings in his garden. and maintain. The pilot phase is testing out different The plants used are all native plants that types of green walls, using plants, The approach is being trialled at the grow along the coast and are adapted small fruits, vegetables and herbs. Scottish Environment Protection Agency to minimal soil and periods of water (SEPA) offices at Inverdee House. stress. This means there is less need for Staff from the Council’s Environmental “aftercare” of the plants. Policy and Environmental Services This site has a rock-filled, gabion basket worked with Duthie Park Rangers wall in the car park, shoring up land from Two plantings were carried out to compare to adapt recycled wooden pallets an adjacent housing development. Gaps the warmer but drier conditions in into vertical gardens. These were between the rocks have been part filled June with cooler, wetter conditions in planted with a variety of hardy with compost and plants added. This September. Although the June planting alpines and succulents. has avoided the need for the expensive, was less than optimum, almost 60% of the pocketed planting bags, which are used on seedlings survived into autumn. In 2018, A second pilot project will involve more conventional green walls. the survival of seedlings will be assessed creating Edible Green Walls within and further plantings carried out. regeneration areas of Aberdeen, as The compost and plants added to the rock part of a school gardening project. baskets represent a very small additional The partnership would like to run another weight. This contrasts with a conventional trial with a school, community or other Using recycled plastic bottles, edible green wall, where there is usually a group who have safe and easy access to options will be tested in 4 primary significant additional engineering load on a similar wall. If you are interested in schools, to support learning about the “host” building, especially where the taking part, contact thegreentimes@ gardening and nutrition. green wall is a retro-fit. aberdeencity.gov.uk

The project will present everything a school needs for an outdoor garden. It will provide an easy way to instruct 44 41 19 pupils on how to grow their own Bronze Silver Green Flag food and make healthy food choices, whilst supporting activities relating to climate adaptation, natural heritage 90% local authority schools in Aberdeen to prioritise learning about sustainability. and health and well-being. are registered for the EcoSchools Scotland programme, encouraging whole school EcoSchools Scotland has launched a new For more information about the green action on sustainable development. online application system, making the walls pilot projects please contact: application process paperless. Oluwatoyin Fatokun ofatokun@ The EcoSchools programme has been aberdeencity.gov.uk undergoing a refresh, providing a link to Find out about Eco Schools Scotland at the UN 17 Sustainable Development goals, www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org and produced shallow slopes into these Seaton Park Wetland pools. These areas were planted with native wins a Herald plants that are adapted to wet conditions. The wetland is designed so that after heavy rain, it will fill up and the water will slowly Society Award evaporate or percolate into the ground. During normal weather conditions the The Seaton Park Wetland has won the previously flooded areas should remain dry. Herald Society Best Environmental Initiative During dry periods, water will remain in the Award 2017. The prestigious award was deeper pools, while other areas dry out. presented to Aberdeen City Council’s Environmental Planning and Environmental This creates a mix of different habitats Services teams, at an awards ceremony in that is good for the wildflowers that Glasgow in November. were planted as a part of the project and provides places for a range of birds and A significant part of the park near to the insects and even deer to live in. main entrance used to be flooded for most of the year. After heavy rain, the entrance On the other side of the park, the drainage road would also flood. The Wetland Project was upgraded to help improve the sports involved landscaping the existing flooded pitch and make the paths accessible all area. This created some small deeper pools year round. Photograph by Ian Talboys Winter wildlife

The winter can be a tough time for wildlife especially when the weather is cold and the ground is frozen. If you put out food for the birds you may be surprised as to what turns up in your garden.

Last year was a particularly good year for waxwings, a very attractive bird that visits the UK in the winter to escape the colder weather of northern Scandinavia.

Waxwings look almost unreal with their dusky pink plumage, a yellow stripe at the end of their tail, a red and a white spot on the wing and a Volunteers help countryside management crest on top of their head.

Volunteers from across the city, local Earlier in the year Historic Environment These birds feast on berries, so if residents, employees of local companies, Scotland had visited all five of the you have a rowan tree or cotoneaster schools and community groups have been Scheduled Ancient Monuments on Tullos bushes in your garden keep an eye helping the Countryside Ranger Service Hill, to assess their state and any work out for them stripping the berries. to manage Aberdeen’s wonderful that might be needed. They recommended countryside sites. clearing back the gorse on Barons Cairn Last winter there were flocks of 100 or to make it more visible and to reduce any more of these colourful birds moving During 2017, the volunteers delivered damage the roots may cause. around the city, in areas such as around 1,800 hours or over 243 days of Northfield and Kingsgate, where there volunteer time. The Countryside Rangers If you would like to get involved with are plenty of trees with berries. have expressed a big thank you for all volunteering with the Countryside Rangers, work of the volunteers which has made a sign up for one of the weekend volunteer huge contribution to the management of events or contact the team on 01224 the countryside sites. 326429 or countrysideranger@aberdeencity. gov.uk for more information. In November work took place to cut back the gorse on the Barons Cairn, Tullos Hill, If your company is looking for a team a Bronze Age burial cairn which was slowly volunteering day then the Countryside being engulfed in gorse. Rangers will be happy to help organise something for that too. February Saturday 10 | 2pm-4pm Dens in the Den What’s On Saturday 3 | 10am-3pm Den Wood, Hazlehead Nature Reserve Conservation Join the Countryside Rangers for a fun Outdoor Adventures Day – Pond Pick-me-up! family afternoon of shelter building with Kincorth Hill Local Nature Reserve natural materials. Make a hot drink using an The Autumn and Winter Outdoor Help the Countryside Rangers make more outdoor kettle and get creative with some Adventures with the Countryside Ranger space for our newts and other freshwater natural art to decorate your shelter. Please Service leaflet is available on the website animals and plants. Gloves, tools and wear clothing suitable for the weather. at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/rangerservice hot drinks will be provided. Please dress Meet at the car park off Hazledene Road, and will be available in hard copy from warmly, wear wellies or sturdy foot wear left at the sign for Hayfield Riding Centre. local libraries and community centres. and bring a packed lunch. First Bus 11 goes to Queen’s Road. Meet at the Reserve car park at Abbotswell Booking is essential for all events. To book Crescent. First Bus 18 stops by the car park. Part of Climate Change Week a place or find out more phone or email: Monday 12 | 11am-1pm Saturday 17 | 8am-9.30am Fantastic Feeders Silent Squirrel Spotting Safari 01224 326429 Spital Pocket Garden Hazlehead Woods countrysideranger@ Join the Countryside Rangers getting our The red squirrel is the UK’s only native aberdeencity.gov.uk hands dirty to make bird feeders that you squirrel species. Join the Countryside can take home. Rangers on an early morning journey Meet at the Pocket Garden on the Spital, Old to try and find signs of the woods’ red January Aberdeen. First Bus 20 & 25. squirrel population. Please wear sturdy footwear and suitable Saturday 13 | 10am-3pm Monday 12 | 2pm-4pm clothing. Meet at the far end of the West Persley to the Sea…and Back! Nest Builders Chapel, Hazlehead Crematorium car park. Come on a 10 kilometre walk along both Spital Pocket Garden Stagecoach X17 goes to Skene Road. sides of the Don from Persley Walled Garden Come and help the Rangers turn scraps to Donmouth Local Nature Reserve and back. of wood into bird boxes, feeders or other Squirrel Events Please wear sturdy footwear, clothing habitats. You can take these home to Special Offer suitable for the weather and bring a hang in time for National Nest Box Week. If you attend packed lunch. Meet at the Persley Walled Meet at the Pocket Garden on the Spital, both squirrel Garden car park. First Bus 18 goes to Old Aberdeen. First Bus 20 & 25. events on Mugiemoss Road. March 17th we Saturday 24 | 10am-3pm invite you to Saturday 20 | 10am-2pm Heathland Conservation Day have a simple Campfire Crafts on Elrick Hill breakfast Kincorth Hill Local Nature Reserve Join the Countryside Rangers to remove the in the Ranger base on Join the rangers in the Kincorth Hill invasive plants and assist the native trees Groats Road. We will provide hot drinks, woodlands for a gentle sit around a planted last year. a warm room, croissants and cereals. campfire with some woodland crafts. Gloves, tools and hot drinks will be Activities could include willow weaving, provided. Wear sturdy footwear and suitable Saturday 17 | 10.30am-3pm whittling or similar gently paced activities. clothing. Please bring a packed lunch. Meet Squirrel Woodland Meet at the Reserve car park at Abbotswell at the second car park on the left when you Management Crescent. First Bus 18 stops by the car park. leave the A96 on the road signposted for Hazlehead Woods Tyrebagger Forest. Stagecoach bus 10 stops Red squirrels have once again been seen Saturday 27 | 10am-3pm where the road leaves the A96. in the woods of Hazlehead! Help the Heathland Habitat Restoration Rangers to get rid of spruce saplings to Local Nature Reserve March encourage the regeneration of Scots pines, Tackle the gorse and broom growing at the squirrel’s favourite food.” the Reserve. If we can get a fire going Friday 2 | 6.15am-8am Gloves, tools and hot drinks will be there will be a lunch time treat of baked Dawn at Donmouth provided. Please dress warmly, wear potatoes and toasted marshmallows. Donmouth Local Nature Reserve sturdy footwear and bring a packed Gloves, tools and hot drinks are provided. Join the Countryside Rangers to watch the lunch. Meet at the far end of the West Wear sturdy footwear and suitable sunrise over the Reserve, while looking out Chapel Hazlehead Crematorium car park. clothing. Please bring a packed lunch. for wildlife including otters, seals and great Stagecoach X17 goes to Skene Road. Meet at the Reserve car park off Scotstown variety of birds that make use of this site. Road. First Bus 2 goes to Scotstown Road. Meet at the bird hide on the Esplanade. Bus 8 goes to Dubford Road. First Buses 1 & 2 go to the Bridge of Don. NB All out door events will require warm clothes sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Young people under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If, after you have booked, you are not able to attend, please phone to cancel your booking as there may be others on a waiting list.