Scottish Environment Week

Scottish Environment LINK Scottish Environment Week

Ajstarks February 2013 Programme

Overall Sponsoring MSP: Sarah Boyack MSP

Friends of Langlands Moss Langlands Friends of

Introduction

Since its inception in 2003, Scottish Environment Week brings together MSPs, civic Scotland, business, eNGOs and environmentalists to celebrate Scotland’s environment. The week has become a popular fixture in the Parliamentary calendar and MSPs from all parties have attended events highlighting the many facets of Scotland’s environment.

The theme for this year’s Scottish Environment Week is Scotland’s Environment Revealed, highlighting all types of research, including social, economic and scientific done by our members to conserve and enhance the environment. We are delighted that our overall sponsor is Sarah Boyack MSP.

Scottish Environment LINK

Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 30 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.

Its member bodies represent a wide community of environmental interest. LINK provides a forum for these organizations, enabling informed debate, assisting co-operation within the voluntary sector and acting as a strong voice for this community in communications with decision-makers in Government and its agencies, Parliaments, the civic sector, the media and with the public through our members’ collective 500,000+ supporters.

Acting at local, national and international levels, LINK aims to ensure that the environment community participates in the development of policy and legislation affecting Scotland.

LINK works mainly through Taskforces—groups of members working together on topics of mutual interest, exploring the issues and developing advocacy to promote sustainable development, respecting environmental limits.

LINK is a Scottish Charity (SC000296) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC250899). LINK is core funded by Membership Subscriptions and by grants from Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government and Charitable Trusts including Craignish Charitable Trust, Gannochy Charitable Trust and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

The Land Revealed - Terrestrial Seminar SEW Evening Reception Sponsoring MSP: Rob Gibson MSP Sponsoring MSP: Claudia Beamish MSP Room: Committee Room 1 Room: Garden Lobby Time: 6-8pm Time: 6-8pm Supporter: Historic Scotland Supporter: Scotland’s National Parks

Our annual Holyrood reception brings together players from the voluntary sector, decision-makers, Government and its agencies Presentations: and business. It is, quite simply, the best environmental National Trust for Scotland - Scotland’s Future Landscapes networking opportunity of the year. Researching with members, Scottish residents, and stakeholders on landscape pressures and protections, NTS will be reporting towards the end of the year on scenarios for Scottish landscapes over the next 50 years.

Butterfly Conservation – Chequered Skipper Butterfly Following recent work on the Chequered Skipper butterfly, only found in Scotland within the UK, involving modelling and analysis (by HQ staff and JNCC, based on current knowledge), predictions of additional areas that were likely to be occupied, followed up with successful searches by BC volunteers.

Society of Antiquaries – ScARF Project By the end of the project we will have in place an updatable framework highlighting both current research strengths within Scottish archaeology, and areas for future exploration. This will enable anyone wishing to contribute to the research environment of Scotland to effectively plan their work in relation to the framework; ensuring that future research is relevant, represents greater value, and effectively contributes to our understanding of the past.

Stewart Stevenson speaking at LINK’s 2012 Scottish Environment Festival Evening Reception Thursday February 21st 2013 Thursday February 21st 2013 The Sea Revealed — Marine Seminar SEW PUB QUIZ Sponsoring MSP: Liam McArthur MSP Sponsoring MSP: Jamie McGrigor MSP Room: Committee Room 3 Room: Members’ Restaurant Time: 13:00 – 14:15pm Time: from 6pm Supporter: Historic Scotland and RSPB FAME project Supporter: Calor Scotland

Presentations: Join Teams from all across the environment sector for a Marine Conservation Society – Sea-searches light-hearted, enjoyable evening to celebrate the end of the To most, life under the sea is out of sight, out of mind. Seasearch is an exciting project to change all that. Co-ordinated by the Marine Week. There will even be some questions about Scotland’s Conservation Society, divers are trained to be our eyes under the water, environment! recording the seabed, fish and invertebrate life found there. This helps target protection to where it’s needed. If you would like to come along and have a team put together

already, please get in touch with the LINK Parliamentary Office. Archaeology Scotland – The SCAPE Trust Thousands of archaeological sites are threatened by erosion around Scotland’s coast. Using mobile phone apps and an interactive website, SCAPE’s new project asks the public to monitor sites and helps them to take action at those most valued by communities.

RSPB – FAME Project The RSPB, alongside organisations across Europe, have undertaken one of the world’s largest seabird tracking studies over the past three years to inform the designation of marine protected areas. This talk will reveal some of the incredible journeys recorded, and re-emphasise the need to properly protect our internationally-important seabird populations at sea. Revealing the Environment in Your Constituency Friday February 22nd, Saturday February 23rd and Sunday February 24th 2013

As part of the Scottish Environment Week programme, MSPs are invited to pick a visit or visits from the following programme to a site in or near their constituency for the weekend of February 22nd—24th 2013 and are most welcomed to bring along their partners, children, staff and friends too.

We have categorised the programme by constituency areas as indicated by the map.

Purple – Highlands and Islands Yellow – North East Scotland Green – Mid Scotland and Fife Orange – West Scotland White – Glasgow Pink – Central Scotland Blue – Lothian Red – South Scotland

Please note: that in most cases event details or constituency visit can only be finalised once an MSP has expressed interest in attending, so please let us know as soon as possible of your interest. Overall deadline is Monday February 4th 2013. Across all constituencies

Ramblers Scotland Go for a walk with your local Ramblers group! We have 54 groups across Scotland who walk most weekends, and on some weekdays. We can arrange for MSPs to join a walk in their constituency. Ramblers Scotland has 54 local groups across the country and all groups run regular walk programmes offering a variety of walks from short 3-5 mile rambles to strenuous hikes up Munros. We can offer each MSP the opportunity to walk with their local group and have a chat with Ramblers members as they enjoy Scotland’s great outdoors.

Depending on the walk, MSPs will need to be properly equipped with walking boots/strong shoes and waterproofs, and if it is a day walk they will need to bring a packed lunch. Please find information on the local groups under the various locations in this programme.

RSPB Scotland Why not visit one of the many sites that RSPB Scotland manages? We have over 70 nature reserves across the country, from Shetland to the Solway and from Aberdeenshire to the Western Isles. These reserves include woodlands, wetland, coast and upland, supporting a range of birds, mammals and plants. We also work in partnership at many Date with Nature sites such as the Galloway Red Kite Trail. In March, wintering geese will still be around in many places, but the signs of spring will be appearing. Several of our sites also run education programmes for local schools. We can find a visit to suit – whether you want something active, a quiet walk, or just a cuppa and a chat at one of our visitor centres. Find out what we’re doing in your area. Please find information on their website by clicking here.

National Trust for Scotland Visit the various properties across and around Scotland to investigate and discuss a wide range of different conservation land management issues. Please find information on the local properties under the various locations in this programme. HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Kintail -National Trust for Scotland Varied upland estate ranging from the shores of Loch Duich up to the Five Sisters ridge and through into West Affric and the Falls of Glomach.

Issues: Grazing management (deer and livestock), Woodland restoration, Ecological monitoring, Footpath management.

Ben Lomond-National Trust for Scotland Popular upland estate on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, ranging from the shoreline oakwoods up to the summit of Ben Lomond and incorporating an active upland farm. Issues: Woodland management and restoration, Visitor management, Footpath maintenance, Peatbog management and restoration, Rhododendron control. Rare plant monitoring, Grazing/farm management, Black Grouse conservation.

Torridon-National Trust for Scotland Spectacular mountain estate in West Highlands, incorporating part of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and several popular mountaineering areas.

Issues: Grazing (deer) management. Woodland restoration. Rhododendron control, Visitor management.

Inverewe Estate-National Trust for Scotland Coastal estate on the shores on Loch Ewe, incorporating world-famous gardens and extensive areas of lochs and moorlands.

Issues: Invasive species control (rhododendron), meadow restoration. Marine Nature reserves.

These NTS Visits details will be finalised once MSP has confirmed interested, therefore if you would like more information or to attend any or all of these visits, please get in touch with the LINK Parliamentary Office to arrange convenient times during the SEW weekend.

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. Mar Lodge Estate—National Trust for Scotland Large upland estate in heart of Cairngorms National Nature Reserve. Habitats range from native pinewoods and floodplains up to high altitude Cairngorms plateau.

Issues: Pinewood conservation and restoration, deer management, rare plant and animal monitoring, Visitor management, footpath restoration.

Killiecrankie—National Trust for Scotland Nationally important woodlands along the banks of the River Garry, extraordinarily rich in biodiversity and popular with walkers.

Issues: Woodland management, Controlling invasive species, Monitoring rare birds and plants, Visitor management.

Corrieshalloch National Nature Reserve—National Trust for Scotland Spectacular box canyon gorge south of Ullapool.

Issues: Woodland Management, Controlling invasive species, Visitor management, maintaining infrastructure (bridges, etc.)

Glencoe—National Trust for Scotland Wide range of habitats from the floor of the glen up to high mountain ridges to the north and south. Very popular mountaineering area.

Issues: Woodland restoration, Grazing management (deer and livestock), Rare plant monitoring, Visitor management, footpath maintenance.

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. Ramblers Scotland Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area:

Badenoch and Strathspey Inverness Lochaber and Lorn

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch

Paible, North Uist—SCAPE Trust Rapid coastal erosion has led to the chance discovery of several wooden prehistoric artefacts, including a paddle and bowls, in recent years. These rare finds have been washed out of the sediment by the sea, but we have no idea what still remains buried. Without urgent action, the finds will be lost forever. Local group, Access Archaeology, plan to work with the Western Isles archaeologist and The SCAPE Trust to survey and excavate the most threatened parts of the site. The work will be undertaken as part of the nationwide Scotland's Coastal Heritage at Risk Project (SCHARP). Come and visit the site to see how critical the problem is, and perhaps find some objects while visiting. Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch

Location: Na h-Eileann an Iar WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENDED.

Brora Saltpans and Timespan Museum—SCAPE Trust The eroding saltpans at Brora were excavated by members of the local community and SCAPE, rescuing finds and revealing buildings which have now been almost totally destroyed by the sea. The information has been used to make an interactive digital 3D model of the site which can be explored by visitors. The saltpan, together with a reconstruction of a clearance village, will be made accessible at Timespan Museum. Come and explore the sites, learn about what was found, and see how digital technology can reconstruct our environment and help us learn about coastal erosion and climate change. Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch

Location: Brora and Helmsdale, East Sutherland WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENDED. NORTH EAST SCOTLAND

Crathes, Drum, Castle Fraser—National Trust for Scotland Lowland estates in Aberdeenshire with varied policy woodlands and aquatic habitats, including dragonfly ponds and salmon management on River Dee.

Issues: Woodland management (including roe deer control), Red Squirrel conservation, Dragonfly conservation, Salmon management (fish pass), Visitor management.

Ramblers Scotland Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area

Aberdeen Inverurie

Moray Stonehaven

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch

Castle Fraser– photo credit NTS

NTS Visits details will be finalised once MSP has confirmed interested, therefore if you would like more information or to attend any or all of these visits, please get in touch with the LINK Parliamentary Office to arrange convenient times during the SEW weekend.

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE

Butterfly Conservation Scotland Visit to Wester Moss nature reserve, a very accessible lowland peatland Site of Special Scientific Interest. Managed by BCS and Stirling Council (Owners) to safeguard its highly specialised wildlife, maintain its ability to store carbon, to provide public access and opportunities for volunteer involvement. The peatland is adjacent to Polmaise Bing, itself an interesting wildlife site, well-used by local people. Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch

Address: Polmaise Mining Museum car park, Fallin, near Stirling, Postcode approx FK7 7GY

WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENED. NO FACILITIES ON SITE.

Fiona Govan Jim Black David Whitaker

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve—National Trust for Scotland The foremost high-altitude botanical site in the British Isles, home to a remarkable assemblage of rare vascular plants, mosses and lichens.

Issues: Rare plant conservation and monitoring, Climate change impacts, Montane woodland restoration, Grazing management. Footpath repair and management

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch Buckhaven High School, Fife—John Muir Trust

The behaviour support department are working with S3 pupils on the John Muir Award. After completing Discovery and Explorer Awards during S2, this year the group are focusing their Award on the local coast and are working in partnership with the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.

Date and Time: Friday February 22nd during school hours—9am till 3.30pm please get in touch to confirm Address: Buckhaven High School, Methilhaven Road, Buckhaven, Fife, KY8 1HL

Dundee City Council Countryside Ranger Service—John Muir Trust

‘Woods for Wellbeing’ is a 10 week programme designed for adults with mental health difficulties. It focuses on enjoyment, building confidence and physical activity. Participants are referred through NHS and other health organisations. Date and Time: All weekend during the daytime -sessions are 3 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. please get in touch to confirm Address: Camperdown Country Park, Dundee, DD2 4TF

Photo credit Katrina Martin Cuillin Photo Credit: JMT

John Muir Trust Visits details will be finalised once MSP has confirmed interested, therefore if you would like more information or to attend any or all of these visits, please get in touch with the LINK Parliamentary Office to arrange convenient times during the SEW weekend.

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. Pineapple—National Trust for Scotland Designed landscape in the Forth Valley incorporating woodland and important ponds.

Issues: Great Crested Newt conservation

Dollar Glen—National Trust for Scotland Gorge woodland on the southern slopes of the Ochils.

Issues: Woodland Management; Footpath maintenance, rare plant monitoring.

Pineapple—Photo credit NTS

Ramblers Scotland Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area:

Blairgowrie and District Brechin Ramblers

Broughty Ferry Dalgety Bay

Dundee and District Dunfermline and West Fife

Forfar and District Glenrothes

Kinross and Ochil Kirkcaldy

Perth and District St Andrews and North East Fife

Stirling, Falkrik and District Strathtay

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. WEST SCOTLAND

Broxburn Primary School, Broxburn, West Lothian—John Muir Trust Pupils experience being a Responsible Citizen within their own local area of the Union Canal, adjacent to the school. The school share their Award experiences widely with the local community.

Date and Time: Friday February 22nd during school hours- 9am – 3pm please get in touch to confirm Address: School Lane, Off West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5RP

Culzean—National Trust for Scotland Varied estate on the Ayrshire coast, incorporating Country Park, Croy Shore, Extensive woodlands.

Issues: Visitor management, School visits and interpretation, Woodland management, Red Squirrel conservation.

Brodick/Goatfell—National Trust for Scotland Varied estate on the Isle of Arran, stretching from Brodick Castle Country Park up to the summit of Goatfell and incorporating extensive woodlands.

Issues: Woodland management, Rhododendron control, Grazing management (deer), Black Grouse reintroduction, Peatbog restoration and conservation, Red Squirrel conservation.

Visits details will be finalised once MSP has Ramblers Scotland confirmed interested, therefore if you would like Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area more information or to attend any or all of these visits, please get in touch with the Eastwood Paisley LINK Parliamentary Office to arrange convenient Inverclyde Isle of Bute times during the SEW weekend.

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for Please remember that we need to hear from the weekend—please get in touch you by Monday February 4th 2013 GLASGOW

Glasgow Living Waters Since 1989 Froglife has been at the heart of efforts to conserve native amphibians and reptiles in the UK. Throughout this time Froglife has initiated a number of national and regional projects, and remained a central voice for public advice on issues surrounding reptile and amphibian conservation. Froglife's work falls into three strands: on the ground conservation, environmental education and communication (the provision of advice/information).

Froglife, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, has been creating and enhancing ponds on selected sites since July 2009. The greenspace around Carmunnock is one area where project work has focused on the management of existing habitats and the creation of ten new ponds for amphibians. Local volunteers and organisations have supported and assisted Froglife staff with work on site. Froglife encourages local community involvement on project sites and provides training to ensure sites are appropriately managed in the future.

A member of Froglife staff will be present during the site visit to lead a walk around the site to demonstrate work completed and the value to amphibians and biodiversity in general. Community benefits and social inclusion opportunities provided through the Living Water Pro- ject will also be covered during this walk.

Date and Time: During the weekend—10am - 11am please get in touch to confirm

Address: Cathkin Braes Country Park Car Park, just off Cathkin Road (B759), to the east of Carmunnock.

THERE ARE NO SURFACED PATHS ON SITE. WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENED.

Robert Williams St. Paul’s RC High School, Pollock, Glasgow—John Muir Trust Opportunity to see the John Muir Award being delivered as part of Curriculum for Excellence in a secondary school. The John Muir Award is offered to second year pupils to develop skills and attributes as a citizenship class, as part of twinned project with a school in Trinidad through the Global Schools Partnership.

Time: Friday February 22nd during school hours—9am till 3.30pm please get in touch to confirm Address: St Paul's High School 36 Damshot Road, Glasgow, G53 5HW

Kelvinside Allotments Allotments in Kelvinside compromising of two sites. Allotment manager happy to take group around, showing them what is grown and how and talk about what allotments compromise of and what they mean to local communities. Plot-holder will also be on site to talk with MSP. Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch Address: G12 0SS (Kirklee Rd) and G12 0SH (Julian Ave) WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENED.

Ramblers Scotland Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area:

Glasgow Young Walkers Glasgow Ramblers

Bearsden and Milngavie Helensburgh and West Dunbarton

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Mid Argyll and Kintyre

Monklands Strathkelvin

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch CENTRAL SCOTLAND

North Lanarkshire Living Waters Since 1989 Froglife has been at the heart of efforts to conserve native amphibians and reptiles in the UK. Throughout this time Froglife has initiated a number of national and regional projects, and remained a central voice for public advice on issues surrounding reptile and amphibian conservation. Froglife's work falls into three strands: on the ground conservation, environmental education and communication (the provision of advice/information).

Froglife, in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, has been creating and enhancing ponds on selected sites since January 2011. Palacerigg Country Park is one of the sites where project work has focused on the creation of 11 new ponds for amphibians. Local volunteers have supported and assisted Froglife staff with work on site. Froglife encourages local community involvement on project sites and provides training to ensure sites are appropriately managed in the future.

A member of Froglife staff will be present during the site visit to lead a walk around the site to demonstrate work completed and the value to amphibians and biodiversity in general. Community benefits and social inclusion opportunities provided through Living Water Project will also be covered during this walk.

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch Address: Palacerigg Country Park, G67 3HU. Meet in the Country Park / Golf Club car park, on Palacerigg Road, just off B8054. SOME OF THE WALK WILL LEAVE THE SURFACED PATHS ON SITE. WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENED.

Robert Williams Larbert High School, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk—John Muir Trust The cohort of first year pupils take part in a Discovery level Award as part of a Humanities S1 Course. Pupils and staff are working with partners to gain Local Nature Reserve status for their local wild place (Scottish Wildlife Trust Carron Dam). The school are also investigating links with the nearby John Muir Coast to Coast Trail (to be launch in 2014) and are busy developing ideas around this. Date and Time: Daytime flexible from 9am – 3pm please get in touch to confirm Address: Larbert High School, Carrongrange Avenue, Stenhousemuir, Larbert FK5 3BL

Cyrenians, Falkirk—John Muir Trust ‘People with Potential’ project in Falkirk is a service to support enable and motivate young people between the ages of 16-19 to Get Ready for Work. The John Muir Award helps them to prepare for the world of work and support them to improve their general life skills. Their Award focuses on taking responsibility for local wild places and getting involved in the Cyrenians organic farm. Date and Time: Daytime flexible, but between 11am – 2pm preferable. please get in touch to confirm Address: 23 Wellside Place, Falkirk, FK1 5RL (this is their base but visit will probably be out in wild place or at the Farm 12 Humbie Holdings, Nr Kirknewton EH27 8DS)

Visits details will be finalised once MSP has confirmed interested, therefore if you would like more information or to attend any or all of these visits, please get in touch with the LINK Parliamentary Office to arrange convenient times during the SEW weekend.

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. SOUTH SCOTLAND

Priorsford Primary School, Peebles, Scottish Borders—John Muir Trust A pilot school for ‘Citizen Science’ taking part in a range of wildlife surveys to meet a Discovery level Award with P6 pupils. Date and Time: Daytime flexible from 9am – 3pm please get in touch to confirm Address: Priorsford Primary School, Peebles EH45 9BE

Friends of Langlands Moss, Local Natural Reserve, East Kilbride Langlands Moss LNR is a lowland raised bog on the outskirts of East Kilbride. Visit will include importance of this habitat as a carbon store as well as a place for a variety of plants, birds and smaller creatures to use. The new boardwalk will have been recently installed at the end of 2012, so this would be an ideal opportunity for MSPs to view the improved access and discuss the implications pertaining to improved access. There will be one or two volunteers on hand to guide MSPs around the site and explain the importance of the site. Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch Address: Langlands Moss LNR, Langlands Square, East Kilbride. G75 0YY

WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENED.

Eyemouth Fort, Borders—SCAPE Trust

Come and learn about the fascinating history of Eyemouth Fort, built by the English and rebuilt by the French. Explore the huge ramparts and learn of the plans of the Friends of Eyemouth Fort, who wish to survey the remains before more of the Fort is lost to erosion - as part of the nationwide Scotland's Coastal Heritage at Risk Project (SCHARP). Their exciting plans include making better and safer visitor access, bringing the whole community together to investigate the fort and creating state of the art interpretation with Eyemouth Museum so that visitors and locals can learn of the important role that the Fort played in Scotland's history.

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS Caring for a Cairn! - Archaeology Scotland

In conjunction with Peeblesshire Archaeological Society, Archaeology Scotland is running an Adopt-a-Monument Scheme project at Harehope Bronze Age Cairn near Peebles. The site lies beside a popular walking route and our aim is to improve the condition of the monument and interpret the archaeology for visitors.

On the w/e of the 23rd/24th February a work party will be clearing the scrub vegetation that has been encroaching on the cairn so as to reveal the archaeological features more clearly. Members of the Adopt-a-Monument team and Peeblesshire Archaeological Society will be on hand to explain the importance of the site and the scope of the project.

Date and Time: Saturday 23rd Feb 10am—3pm Location: Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale

WARM, WIND AND WATERPROOF OUTDOOR CLOTHING, WELLIES OR WALKING BOOTS RECOMMENED.

Ramblers Scotland Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area:

Biggar Clyde Valley

Dumfries and District Moffat

South Lanarkshire Older Walkers View from Humbleton Hill towards Harehope Hill Cunninghame Kilmarnock

South Ayshire Wigtownshire

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve and St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve— National Trust for Scotland Coastal NNR famous for cliffs and seabird colonies. Scotland’s first Voluntary Marine reserve.

Issues: Climate change, seabird numbers, Control of fishing in VMR, Volunteer marine surveys (Seasearch). Coastal grassland management for plants and invertebrates.

Threave Estate- National Trust for Scotland Lowland estate in the heart of the Loch Ken and Dee Marshes Special Protection Area. Scotland’s first Bat Reserve.

Issues: Floodplain and wildfowl management. Bat survey, conservation and interpretation. Farmland management.

Grey Mare’s Tail-National Trust for Scotland Upland estate in the Southern Uplands with spectacular waterfall. Remarkable outpost of rare montane plants. Species rei-introduction site for rare fish (Vendace) and ferns (Oblong Woodsia)

Issues: Rare plant conservation and monitoring, Montane woodland restoration, Grazing management, species restoration (Vendace and Woodsia), Bird of Prey monitoring and protection (Peregrine), Visitor management, Footpath maintenance.

Rockcliffe-National Trust for Scotland Popular coastal estate along the shores of Rough Firth in Dumfriesshire.

Issues: Visitor management and interpretation, Grassland management, Invasive species control (Spartina), Coastal management. Cockle fishing.

Please remember that we need to hear from you by Monday February 4th 2013 if you wish to attend these visits. LOTHIAN - EDINBURGH

Scottish Ornithologists Club Visit to Waterston House, the HQ of the Scottish Ornithologists Club at Aberlady. The house is the home of the Scottish Bird- watching resource centre- the largest collection of ornithological resources in Scotland- and also has an art gallery. Following the tour of the centre, we can offer a guided walk of some local key habitats such as mudflats to look for waders, led by an ex- pert tour guide. Outdoor clothing will be required, including waterproofs and stout walking boots. A member of staff will be available to provide a tour of the house and art gallery, and answer any questions. A tour guide will also be available for a guided birdwatching walk around the area. Date and Time: Daytime flexible from 10am – 6pm please get in touch to confirm Address: Waterston House, Aberlady, East Lothian, EH32 0PY

Ramblers Scotland Ramblers Scotland have the following walking groups in the area:

Lothian and Borders Lothian

Balerno Midlothian Walkers

Coldstream Musselburgh

Edinburgh North Berwick

Edinburgh Stravaigers South Queensferry

Edinburgh Young Walkers Tweeddale Waterston House, SOC Linlithgow Livingston

Date and Time: To be confirmed with MSP’s availability for the weekend—please get in touch