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Home , Carlops, Cauldstane Slap, Harperrig Reservoir, Pentland Hills, Threipmuir Reservoir

Bi-annual newsletter of the Regional Park / Issue 47 Spring / Summer 2017

In this issue

Graeme Donnachie – Lochs and Hills Contentspage

16

page 2 to the latest edition of the Pentland Welcome Pentland Hills Regional Park staff Beacon. If you haven’t explored these (virtual) pages before, Steven Webley you’re in for a treat. The Beacon collates articles from outdoor Regional Park Manager professionals across the Pentland Hills area, letting you know Jenny Hargreaves what’s been happening in the hills, and about upcoming activities. Senior Natural Heritage Officer

Victor Partridge I’m new to my role, having initially the Friends of the Pentlands, landowners, recreational users Natural Heritage Officer: Harperrig taken over as Paula Newton’s who are a redoubtable bunch of and organisations which work to Threipmuir, Hillend, Swanston, maternity cover, and soon after hardy volunteers with unmatched together to keep the Park area a Boghall accepting a permanent position energy and enthusiasm. Every welcoming, working landscape. in the Regional Park. My outdoors article written in here has been Enjoy! Tommy McManmon background comes from remote penned by someone with Natural Heritage Officer: Harlaw, environs: growing up in the a passion for our Regional Tommy McManmon , MOD land (until November by Park. They also have an Natural Heritage Officer, 2017, then to Flotterstone) Hills, I’ve also spent many years appreciation of the unique mix of Pentland Hills Regional Park living and working in the Knoydart Meryl Norris peninsula. This job is proving to Natural Heritage Officer: Carlops be an ideal chance to explore to Flotterstone (maternity cover for the oft-overlooked Pentland hills, Paula Newton until November 2017) which have unexpected pockets of remoteness throughout, despite their proximity to the city.

I’ve used this issue to bring together some of the people and organisations already encountered in the job. These include fellow new-start Andrew Law in the Natural Heritage (City) team, PHRP Natural Heritage Officer Martin Duncan (now full-time Access Officer), the valuable work of and Greenspace Trust, and

page 3 Pentland Hills Regional Park DONATION SCHEME

The Pentland Hills Regional Park The staff that manage the Regional The Donations Scheme is a Completed projects: covers an area of 10,000 hectares Park carry out a large number of simple way for people to put with over 100km (62 miles) of projects in order to increase the something back into the Regional • Upgrading of steps leading paths. Approximately 500,000 visitor’s enjoyment of the Park. Park. The scheme allows people into Bonaly Country Park from people enjoy recreation in the These include: path construction to make a general donation for Torduff Reservoir (2012). park every year; walking, cycling, and maintenance; signage and environmental improvements in • A new recycled plastic seat for horse riding and fishing to name waymarking; installation of access the Park. the Flotterstone Glen (2011). but a few of the recreational gates; habitat improvements activities. for wildlife; and improvement of All funds raised are used only for • 500 copies of the ‘Horse Riding facilities at visitor centres and new ‘added value’ projects on the in the Pentland Hills Regional other popular sites. There are ground and not for the day to day Park’ leaflet (2010). always more to do than resources running of the Service. For more information and to allow. That is where the Donations donate visit the Regional Parks Scheme can help. website: www.pentlandhills.org

page 4 Event: Walking with Wilfred Owen Writing workshops and guided walks 10 August and 21 October

n the Autumn/Winter 2015 there. Both walks will leave at edition of Pentland Beacon 11am from Harlaw House Visitor historian Neil McLennan Centre. The walks will take four shared his research, showing to five hours to complete. You theI impact of the Pentland Hills must be in good health and walk on First World War poet Wilfred at your own risk. You should Owen. Neil’s research shows also come with appropriate that Owen referred to the hills shoes and clothing for any and his time in Craiglockhart as weather conditions. The walks If you would like to write your own “my Oxford.” Born in , Neil are moderate-to-challenging, response to walking in Owen’s time for writing, and reading and walked amidst the hills regularly although will keep to established footsteps, writer and facilitator sharing the results over a cup of as a boy. In the last few years he footways. There will be a chance Helen Boden will lead creative tea or coffee. has been chairman of the Wilfred to hear more about Owen’s time writing sessions to accompany Owen’s Edinburgh 1917-2017 in Edinburgh, and to meet some and complement the walks. The walks/workshops package Committee who have aimed to First World War soldiers along Warm-up exercises, suitable for will cost £8 on the day, or £5 to bring a series of events to the the way! The walks will take place all levels of experience, will prime just attend a walk or workshop capital to raise awareness of the on 10 August and 21 October – you to walk as poets. Fiction separately. To book your place, war poets’ time and inspiration exactly 100 years to the day on and non-fiction are welcome. email: they drew from Edinburgh. both dates that Owen walked from The workshops will give you the [email protected] Threipmuir to . Neil chance to engage all the senses, For information on the many other As part of those events Neil will will be retracing his route exactly notice details, and think about Owen events this year, check lead two walks in the Pentland and sharing some of his stories words (including place-names, out the Facebook group: Wilfred Hills retracing the footsteps of along the way. The walks will both geological features, and wildlife), Owen’s Edinburgh 1917-2017. Owen and the Craiglockhart War complete at the Harlaw House sounds, rhythms, time and space. Hospital Field Club who walked Visitor Centre. After the walk there will be further

page 5 Event: Pentland Hills Regional Park Biodiversity surveys 2017

The Pentland Hills Regional Park runs biodiversity surveys throughout the year. These surveys are part of our responsibilities under the local biodiversity action plans. They also give us an understanding about the plants and animals which live here, and how we can manage the Regional Park to enhance these species. All surveys are free to attend and do not require any prior knowledge or experience. Booking is essential – see contact details below. Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Day Date Time Survey Title Location Meeting point Mon 3/4/2017 0630-0830 Breeding Birds Bonaly Moorland Bonaly Country Park Upper Car Park Fri 7/4/2017 1330-1530 Pond survey Harlaw Wildlife Garden Harlaw Visitor Centre Mon 1/5/2017 0630-0830 Breeding Birds Bonaly Moorland Bonaly Country Park Upper Car Park Wed 10/5/2017 1330-1530 Green Hairstreak Butterfly Bonaly Country Park Bonaly Country Park Upper Car Park Wed 17/5/2017 1330-1530 Green Hairstreak Butterfly Castlelaw and Kirk Burn Flotterstone Visitor Centre Mon 5/6/2017 0630-0830 Breeding Birds Bonaly Moorland Bonaly Country Park Upper Car Park Wed 21/6/2017 1330-1530 Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary Butterfly Bavelaw Marsh/Red Moss Threipmuir Car Park Thur 29/6/2017 1330-1530 Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary Butterfly Bavelaw Marsh/Red Moss Threipmuir Car Park Tue 18/7/2017 1330-1530 Wildflower Meadow Survey Hillend Country Park Hillend Country Park Upper Car Park Fri 11/8/2017 1330-1530 Wildflower Meadow Survey Bavelaw Marsh Threipmuir Car Park

To book, or for further details, contact us at Pentland Hills Regional Park HQ:

Telephone: 0131 529 2401 email: [email protected] web: www.pentlandhills.org

page 6 2-6 May: Help plant 5,000 trees in ’s WWI Wood

lans are being drawn up for mock battlefield. Scotland’s First in 2014, as well as an avenue Keep an a week of volunteer public World War Wood in the Pentland of 50 wild service trees which eye on the Ptree planting at Dreghorn Hills is a living, growing thank-you we hope will provide an annual events page at and Castlelaw Ranges on the to everyone who lived through the flash of red during autumn. The http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk edge of the Pentlands this May. conflict, from those who paid the second phase of planting will for details, or email: The Woodland Trust is marking highest price and their families, to take place in 2017, with 19,000 [email protected] the 100th anniversary of World the hardworking men and women trees going into the ground. for more information. This is a War I by planting Centenary on the home front. The plan is that 5,000 of these unique opportunity to remember Woods in England, Scotland, will be planted by volunteers in those who contributed to the Northern Ireland and Wales. Woodland Trust Scotland is the week of 2-6 May 2017. The war effort, as well as do your working with the Defence week will include school planting bit to boost wildlife habitats and Dreghorn is the location for Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) days, staff days for some of the biodiversity in the Pentlands. Scotland’s Centenary Wood. The and lead partner Sainsbury’s project’s corporate partners, and site is steeped in military history to plant over 100 acres of land, public planting opportunities. All George Anderson and has been used as a training connecting up existing woodland are welcome to take part, whether Woodland Trust ground for over 100 years. During and providing new habitat for you have a family connection to WWI many troops had their first wildlife. Ten thousand trees and a the conflict, or simply a love of experience of trenches on this wildflower meadow were planted the Pentlands.

page 7 ELGT and the Pentland Path Project: update

dinburgh and existing paths, funded by nearby Greenspace Trust local authorities and Scottish (ELGT) is a local, Natural Heritage. Thirty of the independent greenspace upland paths were surveyed, Echarity for Edinburgh and the totalling 72km in length. The Lothians which has been involved audit determined that there has with the Pentland Hills for many been substantial path erosion on years. For the past 25 years, the the high and ridge routes where Trust has worked to improve and use is currently concentrated. promote nearby green areas with Path works are necessary to a range of organisations, from ensure the routes will be suitable community groups to schools, for the influx of visitors for the businesses, local authorities and sustainable future, with high other public bodies. We carry level paths requiring handbuilt out projects of all shapes and solutions. Initial costings for sizes, from developing brand- the upgrading (and associated new parks and woodlands to training programmes) are in establishing small community the region of over £2million, gardens. Central to all our work and a funding package is being is inspiring people to get active, developed with stakeholders and use their local outdoor spaces, funding organisations. and discover for themselves the many opportunities lying on their If you would like to keep updated doorstep. on our activities, or want to find out more about ELGT in general, One of the successes has been please follow us on facebook or the greater use of the Pentland twitter (@greenspacetrust), or visit Hills. However, with the increase our website at in visitor numbers there has http://www.elgt.org.uk been some erosion issues on the paths. ELGT has recently been Richard Darke working on a Pentland Hills Paths Edinburgh and Lothians project,involving an audit of the Greenspace Trust

page 8 Pentland Hills Regional Park 2014 survey results

During a three-week period in Activities 1998-2006-2014 on the Pentland Hills Regional Further information can be June and July 2014, a researcher Most visitors are happy with the Park website. found at: Article in the Journal from the University of Potsdam, way the area is managed and are of Mountain Research and Germany, kindly supported by only looking for small changes Development: students from the University over the next 10 to 15 years. of Edinburgh, carried out a visitor survey at car parks We identified five groups: surrounding the Regional Park. • “nature enthusiasts” who The study aimed to gather support enhanced biodiversity Pentland Hills case study on up-to-date information about and nature conservation The University of Potsdam team OPPLA: people using the Regional Park, would like to thank all of the http://oppla.eu/casestudy/17268 • “forest enthusiasts” favouring assess ecosystems and look respondents who took time out an increase in native forest in at future management options. of their visit to the Park and made Tool to visualise and assess land parts of the Pentland Hills A total of 563 responses were this research possible. The study use preferences: received, including those from a • “recreation seekers” wishing was financially supported by the http://www.landpref.org complementary online survey. for an enhanced recreational OPERAs project, funded by the infrastructure 7th framework programme of the Katja Schmidt The study found that the Pentland European Commission – grant [email protected] • “multi-functionalists” for whom Hills Regional Park gives visitors number 308393, Ariane Walz the generation of wind energy from Edinburgh, , www.operas-project.eu [email protected] would be acceptable to some and a highly valued degree recreational environment. The age groups of people using the • “traditionalists” who favour parks hasn’t changed since the open landscapes with little first survey in 1998. There are other usage. however, more females visiting the Park now than in 2006. People Overall future preference are also now using it for a wider The results of the survey are range of activities than walking, published in the report “Use, including more active sports, appreciation and preferences such as mountain biking and for future development in the running. Pentland Hills Regional Park – Results of the user survey in 2014”

page 9 My favourite place We were amazed at how many people stopped to ask us about what we were doing, showing a real interest in the work we were doing. People were genuinely happy to see that their Council was working to improve their environment.

That is what I came into this job for – to allow people to enjoy their natural spaces around the city and beyond. My favourite point of that weekend was sitting in the sun, only the cop-stanes left to fit to the top of the wall, eating my lunch and answering “What are you doing with the wall?” questions. We completely rebuilt that section, my colleague and I, and it have only recently started Regional Park is. There are and the has given me a personal with the City of Edinburgh many landowners, with the Park Pentlands pride of that place. I Council’s Natural Heritage area covered by three councils teams are full service. I work in the city team, – Edinburgh, Midlothian, and of people who do what Because of all this, my favourite covering Pentland Hills duties West Lothian. The number of they do because they love it, and place in the Pentlands is sitting every third weekend, which allows organisations linking up to run know they have a duty to make at the top of the ridge in the sun, me to see and experience the this enormous area is impressive this best place it can be. looking over area first-hand. – and I don’t know the half of it. and down at the wall I helped I really felt this during a recent repair. Before working here, I What I do know is what we do. weekend in the Pentlands when didn’t understand quite how We provide a service to the public two of us rebuilt a dry-stane wall Andrew Law complicated the set-up of the and land managers. Both the city which had been knocked down. Natural Heritage Officer

page 10 Flying drones: What’s the law? We are seeing more people flying drones in the Pentlands. This is concerning farmers, who have reported that these unmanned aircraft are disturbing livestock: a particular worry at this time of year, when sheep are lambing.

he law is not clear on • If drone use is The Civil The Forestry Commission have whether permission is viewed as ‘being Aviation recently banned flying drones as Tneeded from land owners on or crossing Authority an informal activity on their land. to fly drones on their land. As the land in or with a (CAA), which This is because they believe the Beacon reported in the last edition, motorised vehicle’ regulates the activity is incompatible with the when we focussed on Electrically (exclusions in use of drones, Scottish Outdoor Access Code, Assisted Pedal Cycles, it can often Section 9(f)), then the publishes particularly in working forest be the case that legislation does landowner’s permission guidance through environments, where people are not cover new technologies. It is must be sought. the ‘Drone Code’ enjoying quiet recreation, or where therefore no surprise that the flying www.caa.co.uk/drones it may impact on people’s privacy. of drones as a leisure activity is It is, however, clear from the This stresses the importance of not mentioned specifically within Scottish Outdoor Access responsible flying and suggests Please note that this is preliminary either the Land Reform (Scotland) Code that any access must safe distances from people and analysis of the legislation and Act 2003, or the Scottish Outdoor be responsible and if flying buildings. The Pentland Hills guidance. It is not based at this Access Code. drones were to fall within access Regional Park does fall within the stage on legal advice from the rights, those flying them would controlled airspace of Edinburgh Council’s solicitor and should There are two possible have to do so in line with the Airport, meaning that people therefore not be treated as interpretations of the 2003 Act. Code’s guiding principles of operating drones over 7kg in definitive. respecting other people, caring weight must inform air traffic • If flying a drone is treated as for the environment and taking control (if the drone is under 7kg Martin Duncan a ‘recreational purpose’, then responsibility for their own you are advised, but not obliged, Access Officer people have the right to access. actions. to inform ATC). The City of Edinburgh Council

page 11 rural crime report he past twelve months have to give free rural crime advice been really encouraging to members of the public. Then, T for rural policing in the in December, we held our On- Edinburgh South West area, with Farm Crime Prevention Event a focus on better engagement in conjunction with the NFU. with the rural community. Regular Following Andrew Barr’s kind meetings with our partners from offer to host, farmers the National Farmers Union (NFU) came to Harlaw Farm and City of Edinburgh Council to receive free helped us to tackle the unique crime prevention issues faced by this community. advice from rural crime leads, PC Livestock worrying is still a Sam Campbell problem, with so many of our and PC Willie farmers’ animals next to dog- Johnstone on undoubtedly increase Update: on Friday 17 March, Police walking hot spots. There were six how best to keep awareness of rural crime Scotland, NFU Scotland, and the reported incidents in the area. their buildings, issues both locally and Pentland Hills Regional Park held Each was fully investigated, with equipment, vehicles nationally, and in turn make our a Livestock Worrying Awareness 50% of cases resulting in people and livestock safe and secure. communities safer. event at Harlaw House Visitor being charged for offences under Centre, with another one following the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Needless to say we hope to Within Edinburgh SW Community at Flotterstone on Saturday 25th Act 1953. Going forward we will continue developing our rural Policing Team, we are anxious March. Although the weather was concentrate on prevention, and crime strategy in 2017. An to hear about any other issues a bit ‘dreich’ at Harlaw, we had during the lambing season will exciting prospect is the imminent affecting our rural community and lots of positive reaction from the increase patrols and raise public introduction of Rural Watch – a encourage readers to contact public, with many people unaware awareness at problem areas. scheme aimed at members of the us by phoning 101 or emailing that they should phone 999 if rural community being launched EdinburghPentlandHillsCPT witnessing farm animals being On a more positive note, we were nationally by in @scotland.pnn.police.uk harassed (or 101 after the event). delighted to deliver two highly conjunction with Neighbourhood You can also give your opinion successful Rural Crime events. In Watch. It will be an online platform via our ‘Your View Counts’ survey Euan Chancellor June 2016, officers visited Harlaw where people can share and found at www.scotland.police. Community Policing Team 1 Reservoir with the Fire Service, receive message alerts. This uk/yourviewcounts We look Ward 2 Pentland Hills Council and wildlife crime experts free-flow of information will forward to hearing from you. Edinburgh Division

page 12 Boghall RADIO MASTS

Recent research has revealed the history lines on telegraph poles to recording equipment housed of the derelict radio masts at Boghall. nearby, probably in the brick shed beside the cottage nearest the he masts were erected in techniques assist in predicting the masts. The shed contains the 1964 by the GPO (General best radio frequencies to use for a remnants of an equipment rack TPost Office, later privatised given time and radio path. and numerous cables. as British Telecom) for the University of Edinburgh. Dr L M The type of aerial at Boghall is Dr Muggleton’s main interest was Muggleton of the University’s known as a corner reflector. One in ionospheric physics. However, Department of Electrical side of the reflector was formed none of his published papers Engineering used the installation by horizontal wires, a few of which make reference to his work with for riometer measurements during remain intact, strung between the the Boghall riometer, and no the International Quiet Sun Year: a masts. An unusual feature is that written record of its use has been series of coordinated Sun-related the ground sloping uphill from found within the University, so observational programmes the masts formed the other side. it is not known if any significant performed in 1964 and 1965. A A horizontal dipole aerial was results were obtained. riometer (Relative Ionospheric placed within the reflector, but it Opacity Meter) receives radio is not known how this dipole was Historic Environment Scotland energy from natural astronomical supported. It could have been have now included the site in the sources to determine how suspended between the guy Canmore database at: much radio wave absorption is wires, or some other supporting https://canmore.org.uk/ occurring in the ionosphere. wires might have been deployed site/353075/boghall using the pulley wheels evident at You can find out more, and The ionosphere reflects signals the top of each mast. The centre- submit any new information or in part of the radio spectrum, line of the aerial was directed at recollections, at: enabling medium – and long – the north celestial pole. https://boghall-radio-masts. distance communication without blogspot.co.uk reliance on satellite or cable The steelwork on the slope just links. Factors such as daylight below the masts supported a John Brady and the Sun’s activity affect the wooden hut containing a receiver, ionosphere. Riometry and other which was linked by overhead

page 13 Pentland Inspirations Art and Photographic Competition 2016

e had over 100 entries in this year’s Pentland Winner, Activity category WInspirations Art and was Steve Chambers, with Photographic Competition, his image Heather Burning on covering the subjects of Activity, West Water. Steve was walking Biodiversity and Landscape. The on the Slipperfield Estate near winning, commended and some (not in the Regional other entries have been displayed Park, but we’ll allow him this at various venues around the one as it’s so close!), when he Pentland Hills, with the final saw workers burning heather display at Whitburn Library from for moorland management. 2-9 May. Many thanks to all those Steve didn’t want to disturb the who entered and supported the operation, so fitted a long lens competition – the prize-giving at and fired away. Swanston was well-attended.

Winner: Landscape – Victor Partridge with Winter Day Winner: Biodiversity – Erika Linklater-McLennan with Honey I’m Busy Winners: Art – Claire Jones with Through the Mist and Graeme Donnachie with Lochs and Hills

page 14 A mating cluster of soprano pipistrelles in a bat box – Natalie Todman

The Marmite of Bats: the mammal world Marmite – you either love it or hate it, and bats seem to elicit the same response. Despite being the second-biggest group of mammals with more than 1,100 different species worldwide, bats remain much maligned and misunderstood.

bodies; and both soprano and surveys require different levels All our British bats are bandit pipistrelles – the flittering, of experience, so we also run insectivorous, as are the majority fluttering bats that are most often specific training sessions to of bat species. In fact, in many seen flying in urban areas. equip members with the skills to places bats play an important role take part in these. as a natural pesticide. So, love Lothians Bat Group has been them or hate them, bats play

Checking bat boxes in autumn for signs of use – Natalie Todman studying the ecology and One of our biggest annual a vital role in our ecosystem behaviour of our local bats for projects is the monitoring of a and need all the support n Britain we have 18 different over 30 years, working to raise multitude of bat box schemes we can give them. species of bat, all of which public awareness of bats and in the autumn. We have many have suffered serious work towards their conservation. schemes throughout the To find out more about population declines over the We carry out a wide range of Lothians, including collections Lothians Bat Group Ipast 100 years. Because of this projects and activities including of boxes at Flotterstone and please email: all our British bats are protected leading walks and giving talks, Harlaw. These boxes provide lothiansbatgroup by law. There are ten species in rehabilitation of injured bats, supplementary roosts which @gmail.com Scotland, with seven recorded in visiting schools, delivering are usually used in the spring or follow us on the Lothians. These seven include training events, and undertaking as transition roosts between Facebook: the noctule bat – the biggest various surveys. We work closely hibernation and maternity roosts species found in Scotland; the with the Bat Conservation for females. In summer, they brown long-eared bat – with its Trust, and throughout the year are used by males, and in the huge rabbit-like ears; Daubenton’s contribute to their National autumn as mating roosts where Natalie Todman bat – also known as the ‘water Bat Monitoring Programme single males are often found with Words and bat’ due to its habit of feeding (NBMP) through the surveys groups of females with whom photographs low over the surface of water we carry out. Different NBMP they hope to mate.

page 15 Competition We have four books to give away in this edition.

To celebrate John Muir Day on the 21st April, we have two copies of the latest John Muir Way Rucksack Reader guidebook, with all you could need to know about tackling this 134-mile coast-to-coast walk. Stretching from Helensburgh in the west, to Dunbar in the east, the hike through Scotland’s heartland takes seven to ten days (quicker if you’re on a bike).

We also have two copies of Scottish Environments by Alan and Moira McKirdy, part of the Scotties range of books published by the National Museum of Scotland. This exciting book is aimed at young readers wanting to All you have to do to enter is answer the following question: discover more about How long is the John Muir Way, in miles? Scotland’s mountains, rivers, coast, islands, Email your answer to: [email protected] moorlands, machair, or write to us at: PHRP, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road, lochs, rivers and flora Edinburgh EH10 6JF. – and is bang up-to- date with its topical Please let us know which book you would prefer to receive. discussions on climate change and renewable Closing date for entries is 30th June 2017. energy.

page 16 from Threipmuir car park to the improving the Park for wildlife. Some reservoir were increasing in size, of the several thousand trees that so we employed a contractor to were planted four or five years ago fill these with aggregate. We also at had died, so replaced one of the self-closing the Friends of the Pentlands kindly gates along this route with a new planted 250 replacements. metal one: we have found that wooden self-closing gates have a Virtually all of the trees you see life of 12-15 years. By the time you today in the Regional Park have read this one of the stiles in the been planted, or are descendants Pentland Hills Green Cleugh should have been of planted trees. Redford Wood by replaced by a self-closing gate, Threipmuir car park is one of the more Winter work 2016/17 making access easier for all. natural of the woods and is owned by the City of Edinburgh Council. Over the last few years two new However, most of the trees are a Car parks in the car park at Little Vantage, “Pentland Paths” have been similar age and, being mainly birch It is often assumed that winter is near Harperrig Reservoir. There agreed with landowners. One is (a tree that often only lives until it is a quieter time in the countryside. has also been an increase in from Boghall Farm to Castlelaw 150), there is a danger they will all Not in the Pentland Hills Regional fly-tipping, so we have thinned Farm, and the other runs along the die within a short time period and the Park. Anyone visiting Harlaw, the trees around the car park to south shore of Harperrig Reservoir wood will disappear. Back in 2006 Flotterstone or Threipmuir on a make the area more visible from to link up with the old drovers’ a small area of trees was cleared, in half-decent weather weekend day the main road and hopefully route, the path. the hope new ones would grow up during the last few months will reduce the temptation for people We have now installed the new in the light created. This was very realise the hills are a very popular to empty rubbish out of their vans fingerposts marking the start of successful, with hundreds of young destination. or trucks. the routes and replaced some birch trees popping up. Just like damaged directional signage in growing vegetables or garden flowers It’s so popular that the main car Paths the rest of the Regional Park. it is better for the plants if they are parks are full to overflowing on We have been busy improving not too crowded. The Friends of the many Saturdays and Sundays. access through the park. Pentlands spent a day thinning out This occasionally leads to After receiving a generous the trees, meaning the remainder will problems when cars are parked donation, we were able to grow healthier, with more room to get outside the provided spaces, replace the bridge at Daisy water and nutrients. which can block access for Dell, Flotterstone, which is farmers with large delivery essential for the popular walk up Our Estate Team cut the two vehicles – and damages the Turnhouse and Carnethy Hills. meadows at Bavelaw Marsh and vegetation and trees. So, to Hillend Country Park. They were raked mitigate this damage we have put A keen group from the Financial by the Financial Services Authority up fencing around the edges of Services Authority created a and the Green Team, which should Harlaw and Flotterstone car parks. surfaced path over a very muddy encourage more flowers next summer. area at Hillend Country Park. Nature conservation We have filled in the potholes While much of nature is sleeping Victor Partridge caused by the winter weather The water-filled holes in the track over winter we have been Natural Heritage Officer

page 17 Bonaly ROUND-UP Tree planting Bonaly Country Park The Regional Park has received gets its own section 120 trees from eforests, a carbon- offsetting company. The first in this edition as selection of hawthorn, birch, I’ve found that it is a rowan and hazel were planted with the assistance of teenagers busy place, heavily working with Green Shoots, the used by various social inclusion branch of the Green Team. The plucky planters organisations. will be able to go back in years to come to see how the trees they WIAT (Woodlands in have introduced to the Country and around Towns) Park are faring. The rest of the ELGT have been doing some trees were due to be planted consultancy work for a WIAT in mid-April by Friends of the application for Bonaly Country Pentlands. Park. If successful, this will mean major improvements to the Closure of road due to woodlands in the area, as well as replacement of culvert work such as upgrading of paths. Many thanks to the public for driving up and down it. It is that clearly doesn’t belong to their patience during essential Damage caused by 4x4s possible that the vehicles had a land manager or contractor drainage upgrading carried out You may have noticed some been stolen, as they must have (especially at night), please by the Council Flood Prevention damage caused in the Regional suffered a noticeable amount of immediately inform the Police. We team at the end of March / Park by 4x4s which had illegally damage. do not recommend approaching beginning of April. This will limit gained entry over the winter. the occupants of the vehicles. future erosion and flooding Most of the activity seemed to be We need your help to prevent this Together we can help make the outside the Scout Centre and at night, with gates and fences happening in the future. If you Park a safer environment for all. Bobcat Alpacas. destroyed, and the dam at Bonaly spot an off-road vehicle being damaged by people repeatedly driven cross-country in the Park Tommy McManmon Natural Heritage Officer

page 18 Friends of the Pentlands is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered in Scotland No: SC035514

Baguley, called “Wildwood Legacy – What our native trees did for Biannual Report us”. The book tells the story of our native wildwood, native trees and Last year the Friends of the den, a wildflower meadow and a the folklore that surrounds them. Pentlands spent just under dry-stone planter. The schools, 3,000 hours volunteering in the as well as St Joseph’s and St Last year ended on a sad note Pentland Hills. We spent most of Matthew’s Primary Schools, are with the death of one of our our time doing regular gardening, also taking part in our Juniper The picture shows the Friends‘ founding members, the above- litter-picking and maintaining Project. Pupils grow cuttings and Chairman John Surtees receiving mentioned Bob Paterson, who paths. We also raised more than transplant them in the hills where the cheque from race organiser had worked tirelessly for the £1,500 at our tea and cake days they will help stop the decline of Moira Nicol. Friends in many roles, but was at Harlaw to fund these works. juniper in the Edinburgh region. especially influential in shaping We are also very grateful to the the Harlaw Wildlife Garden. We We received £12,000 from the We received another donation Ramblers and staff from plan to commemorate Bob’s Tesco Bags of Help initiative, from Harmeny Pentland Scottish Widows on their “Day to contribution with a plaque later which we are using to work Runners, who organise the make a Difference” scheme. this year. with Dean Park, Braidburn and Seven Reservoirs Race every Woodlands schools to improve December. They passed on the After the success in 2015 of Bob David Syme the Harlaw Wildlife Garden. surplus from the race’s entry fees Paterson’s book “The Pentland Friends of the Pentlands We will have webcams in nest to the Friends “in recognition Way – A Walk Through History” we boxes and the pond, and are of the fine work you do in the are launching a book this spring creating a willow tunnel and Pentlands”. by another member, Martyn

page 19 You can get this document on tape, in Braille, large print and various computer formats if you ask us. Please contact the Interpretation and Translation Service (ITS) on 0131 242 8181 and quote reference number 16-0758. The ITS can also give information on community language translations. You can get more copies of this document by calling 0131 529 2401.

We hope that you have enjoyed The Pentland Beacon is Contact us: the articles in this publication. If produced by the Pentland Hills you encounter any difficulties or Regional Park Service and Pentland Hills Regional Park disappointment, please do not designed and printed by the City Hermitage of Braid Supported by: hesitate to contact a member of Edinburgh Council. 69a Braid Road of the Park staff, or ask them for Edinburgh a copy of the City of Edinburgh Letters or articles for inclusion EH10 6JF Council’s ‘Make Contact’ form (for can be sent to Paula Newton at: complaints and suggestions). T: 0131 529 2401 Pentland Hills Regional Park E: [email protected]. After you have gone through the Hermitage of Braid www.pentlandhills.org. Council’s complaints process, if 69a Braid Road you are still not happy, you have Edinburgh the right to take your complaint EH10 6JF All images used in the Pentland Hills Regional Park to the Scottish Public Services Newsletter are copyrighted to the following Ombudsman, 23 Walker Street, The Service is supported by photographers, artists and organisations: David Buchanan, Steve Chambers, Ela Dzimitko, Edinburgh, EH3 7HX. Telephone the City of Edinburgh Council, Alan Laughlin, Victor Partridge and Think Stock.

0870 011 5378. Generally, if you Midlothian Council, West Lothian Designed by the City of Edinburgh Council. Chief Executive want to do this, you must contact Council and Scottish Water. 17.030/CE/SG/April 2017. the Ombudsman within one year.