A partnership to care for the Clyde: its environment, its people and its visitors 

Summer 2010 Issue 11

Inside this issue

• A journey along the Ayrshire Coast • Clyde built Type 45 Destroyer • History of the Titan Crane • Scottish Marine Act update of Clyde Forum Events Focus  Contents Forum  Update

12noon till 5pm Monday, Tuesday, 4 National Marine and Coastal Updates Welcome to the Summer 2010 Thursday edition of Clyde Breakers! Since 12noon till 8.30 on Friday our last one there have been · Scottish Marine Act South Beach, Ardrossan further changes to the Forum · Clyde Inshore Fisheries Group personnel; congratulations to Fiona Find out more about big on the beach Mills, our former project manager, www.bigonthebeach.co.uk who is now the proud mother of a baby boy, Euan. She is currently on maternity leave, but will be returning early next year. In the 6 Feature Articles meantime, we have a new project To be part of the International Year of opportunity to experience this thrilling manager, Kirstie Dyson, who Biodiversity the Firth of Clyde Forum sport. There may be some height · Clyde Built Type 45 Destroyer started in March. She has recent will be teaming up with North Ayrshire restrictions. Parental consent forms will project management experience Council and Irvine Bay Regeneration be available at the event · A history of Titan Crane at the Centre of Ecology and Company at the BIG BEACH Hydrology and gained a Ph.D in BIOBLITZ: 1st - 6th August 2010. • MYC: the Mobile Youth Centre will Marine Ecology at St. Andrews The British Trust for Conservation be onsite each day, full of information, University. Volunteers (BTCV) will be leading the inspiration and gaming for young people It will be a challenging but exciting year, bioblitz events over the course of the 8 Recreation Focus with the usual work of the Forum and, week with opportunities for everyone to • Maritime Museum: model boat building in addition, the start of implementation get involved. for children, then sail the boats onsite · Scottish Sail Tourism of the Firth of Clyde Marine Spatial Lots of activities including dance in our purpose-built pond. There will Plan. The Draft was completed by the workshops, sports activities, assault also be some raft building on the beach. · A journey along the Ayrshire coastline Pilot Project team, John Donnelly and course, beach games, music, film & Eat your heart out Lost! Model boat Kate Thompson, in consultation with photography workshops and lots more. displays will also be ongoing, courtesy of stakeholders; it was pioneering work The event is aimed at families, is being Irvine Model Boat Club and congratulations to John and Kate for funded by Irvine Bay Regeneration their achievement, they have now moved The beach © Ian Boyter Company and will take place on 2nd • Beach volleyball: join in beach into new roles within SEPA and SNH. - 6th August from 12-5pm each day volleyball, led by Active Schools Co- 11 Other initiative ordinators – a chance to get some The objectives of the Plan cannot be (except Wednesday). On Friday 6th, the week will culminate with the Beach Party exercise and have fun at the same time! · Cotton buds achieved by the Forum alone. There will be liaison and discussions with a until 8.30pm! wide range of stakeholders over the The United Nations declared 2010 • Giant Games: Children’s Outreach coming months to firm up on actions to be the International Year of Every day Activities include; Services will have a selection of games and set priorities that will contribute to Biodiversity. It is a celebration of on hand every day. Have a go at giant a sustainable economy for the Firth of life on earth and of the value of • Big Beach Bioblitz : Join us to jenga, hoop-a-peg, stepping stones, body 12 A day in the life… Clyde and an enhance quality of life for biodiversity for our lives. The world celebrate the international year of knots and other beach games, such as local communities. is invited to take action in 2010 biodiversity as we catch, count and swingball! · The Water Witch to safeguard the variety of life on conserve our local wildlife! Meet the And on the national scene, ’s earth: biodiversity. experts daily as they highlight the • Seven seater biker: yes, a 7-seater bike Marine Bill received Royal Assent on – can you try to co-ordinate your friends It will be celebrated with a national wonders that live in our local area, from 10th March 2010, a very exciting and into a team to make it work? Have a campaign to raise awareness on the very large to the very small, to the much awaited day for Scotland’s marine conference bike ride, hilarious fun for Biodiversity and to get more people weird and wonderful. We also want environment. An update form Marine your pictures, photos and poems of your everyone - come and have a go! Scotland can be found on page 4. involved in Biodiversity improvement. There will be lots of events going on so favourite places in and around Irvine Bay As always, there is a diverse range of look out for them in your area. - with a prize for the best on Friday! • Giant inflatables: giant slide, surf interesting articles in this issue, and simulator, laser quest, assault course, many thanks to all the contributors. • Film & photography workshops with gyroscope, giant suits and space hoppers If you have something you wish to experienced staff : learn how to take good photos and make your own films contribute to the newsletter or the • K:A Leisure: Activator Bus health website, www.clydeforum.com, please checks, giant Wii, assault course and get in touch. • 3TFM : a daily roadshow with local DJs and music from 1960s, all hosted from portable soccer stadium every day onsite Best wishes, the award winning beach hut, designed – with club golf, pre-school activities and Isabel Glasgow by St Matthew’s Academy Standard beach soccer. Something for everyone! Firth of Clyde Forum Chair and; Grade Art & Design student Scott Front cover photograph: Titan Crane © Peter Sandground Find out more about the year of Mitchell • Beach fun: sandcastles, sand sculptures, Kirstie Dyson biodiversity at sandman building – various beach Printed on recycled paper Firth of Clyde Forum Project Manager www.cbd.int/2010/welcome/ • Climbing wall: Walk Rock offer an activities each day. Weather dependent. National Marine and Coastal Updates  

By Dr. Billy Sinclair, Clyde IFG Chair Scottish Marine Act – an update Clyde Inshore Fisheries Group & Alex Watson Crook, Clyde IFG Coordinator Since the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 gained Royal of the draft National Marine Plan for Scotland. A recent Assent in March 2010, Marine Scotland, the Scottish workshop gave participants a taste of what marine planning Government’s marine management organisation, has might mean for different sectoral interests. Stakeholders been getting to grips with the challenge of turning the were asked to identify the three key objectives for their Act into reality. industry or sector over the next ten years and then had to The team that steered the Bill through the Scottish Parliament is negotiate with other sectors about achieving accommodation of their respective goals. The discussions highlighted the potential competition for space between uses but also identified that in some cases there was greater conflict within sectors than between them. Competition for space within the 3 nautical mile zone was greatest, but that won’t be news to anyone who has followed the development of the Clyde SSMEI pilot. In summary, the work to turn Scotland’s Marine Act into reality is only just beginning but this transitional year promises to be an exciting and dynamic few months as issues are raised and resolved. The future of some Local Coastal Partnerships should be clearer Fishing vessels © Peter Sandground and we will have new systems in place BACKGROUND INFORMATION of an area’s fisheries and the wider fisheries. Whilst IFG Management Plans that should streamline the consenting marine environment. reflect specific, localised priorities, they Clyde-IFG is one of a network of new Heron © Peter Sandground procedures for marine activities. And also fit with wider strategic national Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFG’s) around The basis for IFGs was set out in the all of this is happening at the same time goals such as sustainable stocks, a now coping with the new elements introduced by the legislation, Scotland. The aim of the network is to Strategic Marine Framework for Inshore as the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is gearing healthy marine environment and a such as changes to the licensing regime and the introduction of improve the management of Scotland’s Fishing in Scotland (Scottish Government up to deliver marine planning, licensing and management for profitable fishing sector that supports marine planning at the national, international and regional levels. inshore fisheries out to 6 nautical miles 2005); the intention being that there England and while the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) strong coastal communities. David Palmer, Head of the Marine Planning team, commented, is getting ready to plan for the Welsh coastline and territorial and to give commercial inshore “The next year or so is going to be extremely important in waters as well as a new fisheries zone in their offshore zone. fishermen a strong voice in NEXT STEPS setting the framework for marine planning within Scotland. local fisheries management. There is much to be done in this transitional period.” We are all definitely living in interesting times! Each Group consists of Clyde Inshore Fisheries Group (Clyde IFG) has now been fully Marine Scotland will be undertaking an Executive Committee operation for over a year. Clyde further consultation on the division comprised exclusively of local IFG considers that the process of the coastline into Scottish Marine fishermen’s representatives. The so far has been a success, with Regions. This is scheduled for summer IFG Committee is supported local fishing interests exhibiting 2010, with decisions made by the end by a Local Advisory Group high levels of engagement of the year and confirmed by secondary (membership includes Scottish within their respective IFG’s legislation by March 2011. The Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine and a genuine desire to drive Local Coastal Partnerships, including Scotland Compliance and forward the work of the IFG’s the Firth of Clyde Forum, will be asked Science, Environmental LINK, is clearly evident. to run local events to ensure their Argyll & Bute Council, Scottish stakeholders’ views are represented Environment Protection It is expected that the first Agency) which provides a back to the Marine Planning team. Fish © Peter Sandground draft of the Clyde IFG mechanism through which IFG Management Plan will be Consultation on the guidance and management proposals and objectives would be a local fisheries input to the released by the end of September 2010 secondary legislation necessary to take account of the requirements and ongoing Scottish Government policy and Plan implementation will begin implement the new marine licensing concerns of others who are dependent development and deployment in relation following sign-off by Scottish Ministers. regime will also take place over the on or interested in the seas covered by to inshore fisheries. summer, covering exemptions, the the IFG area. This group will provide The development of IFG’s around application process, fees, appeals and the checks and balances necessary to Scotland’s coast represents a new consultees. The new system should be ensure that the local objectives set IFG FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS initiative to allow inshore fishermen introduced on 1 April 2011 and will be to have a say in the management and by the IFG are both legitimate and An initial objective for the IFG’s are implemented in Scotland at the same governance of their Industry and to functionally relevant to the Industry. the development of Management Plans, time as the new regime for the rest of proactively work toward achieving local The work of each IFG will be progressed drawn up on an inclusive, transparent the UK is also brought in. In parallel to goals and objectives. in consultation with all those with a and consensual basis, for their area’s all this activity will be the development relevant interest in the best management Seal near Isle of Arran © Peter Sandground Feature Articles  

Clyde built Type 45 A history of Titan Destroyer David Connolly, ship manager of Duncan, Crane commented: “Previously I was ship BAE Systems’ yards at Govan and manager of Dauntless and was fortunate The Titan Crane Clydebank is Scotstoun on the Clyde are a hub of enough to work on her from the ship’s the oldest of four cranes still activity as its workers forge ahead first steel cut back in 2004, right through standing on the built with the ambitious programme to to her handover to the at by Sir William Arrol for the Clyde deliver six Type 45 anti air-warfare the end of last year. I’m now working on shipyards. It is Clydebank’s only destroyers to the Royal Navy. The Duncan, the sixth and final vessel, and it “A” listed structure in the town Clyde workers are rightly proud is a real honour to continue to be part of and is an iconic symbol of the of their role in keeping the long the team who are delivering the Type 45 industrial heritage of the area. heritage of shipbuilding on the destroyer programme.” The world renowned John Brown’s river alive with the design and At 7,500 tonnes each, the Type 45 shipyard of Clydebank is synonymous build of the most advanced surface destroyers are the largest and most with luxury Cunard liners and powerful warship ever and in doing so, firmly advanced ships of their kind to be built battleships alike. From its small marking the Glasgow shipyards on since the Second World War. The Type beginnings in the 1840’s on the banks the global map. 45 is also the first front-line warship of the River Clyde by brothers James The company is over half way through in the world to be powered by a fully and George Thomson, the yard was Bus journey to Titan © Clydebank Rebuilt the Type 45 programme and is building integrated electric propulsion system, known worldwide as the hub of Scottish the vessels in modular sections, making making it 45% more economical than the industry and manufacturing for most of amazing tower of engineering which The new season opens on Saturday best use of its facilities and expertise Type 42 destroyers which they replace. the 20th century. As this new yard, The has dominated the skyline for over 100 the 1st of May 2010 and runs until the across its yards in Govan, Scotstoun, Clyde Bank Foundry grew, so too did years. Inside the wheelhouse see the 4th of October 2010. Throughout the Once in service, the fleet will provide the Filton and Portsmouth. The ships the settlements around it, subsequently original crane workings and marvel at season, the Titan is open from 10am- backbone of the UK’s naval air defences are then assembled on the berth and giving the town its name some fifty the illustrious history of the shipyard. 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and for the next 30 years and beyond. The launched at Govan before sailing down years later. Following the American Mondays. However, new for this year, Type 45s will be capable of carrying out A computer based system generates a the river to Scotstoun for commissioning Civil War, family feuds and the deaths of the Titan will be open every day in July a wide range of operations, from anti- nightly lighting scheme which ensures the and the final outfit. Dauntless on sea trials © BAE Systems the brothers, the Yard eventually came and August. Tickets cost £4.50 per adult piracy and anti-smuggling activities, to Titan Crane shines like a beacon, paying under the ownership of Sheffield steel and £3 per concession. The first of class HMS Daring was disaster-relief work and surveillance homage to our industrial past while makers John Brown & Co. Under this handed over to the Royal Navy in December 2008, with her operations. Each destroyer will be able to engage a large number signalling our dynamic future. Guided walking tours have also been new company the yard flourished and sister Dauntless following in December 2009. Both ships are of targets simultaneously, and defend aircraft carriers or groups introduced this year which offers visitors commissioned the building of the first now residing in their home port of Portsmouth and recently of ships against the strongest future threats from the air. the chance to walk around the site with ever giant cantilever crane on the Clyde conducted their first ever joint sea trials. one of our Heritage Guides and hear The Type 45s are the first element of the modern Royal Navy in 1906. The Titan Crane was one of 60 more in depth information about the site Meanwhile, work continues on the remaining ships in the class and are setting the standard that other capabilities will follow. built in the world and one of 13 which than is offered within the normal tour. at the Clyde yards. Third of class, Diamond, has just embarked The Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are rapidly taking can be seen today. This is included within the normal ticket on her second stage sea trials and is on track to be handed shape, with two of the superblocks under construction at Govan The Titan was used in the fitting out price and more details can be found on over to the Royal Navy in September, whilst the fourth of and another at the business’ Portsmouth site. The company of all of the vessels built in the yard our website www.titanclydebank.com. class, Dragon, will undertake sea trials towards the end of the has also recently been awarded a four year contract by the until it closure as a ship yard in 1972. It year. The fifth vessel, Defender, was launched at the Govan Ministry of Defence to take forward the programme to develop On the 8th of May 2010, a VE Day continued to function when the yard, yard in October 2009, with outfitting continuing on the ship a new generation of combat ships (Type 26) for the Royal Navy. themed family fun day will take place at under the ownership of Marathon to at Scotstoun. Duncan, the sixth and final vessel, is currently These programmes, along with the company’s work in overseas School Children at Clydebank Titan © Clydebank the Crane, with costumed guides, free build oil platforms until the closure of taking shape on the berth at Govan, with launch set to take markets, will ensure BAE Systems remains at the forefront of Rebuilt arts activities and demonstrations from the yard completely in 1999. place on 11 October. the maritime industry for many years to come. CAOS and the Clydebank Museum. This The Crane stood derelict until In 2009, the Heritage Lottery Fund fun day is a first for the Titan and is Clydebank re-built, Scotland’s pathfinder granted the Titan Crane a grant towards guaranteed to be a fun filled day for all Urban Regeneration Company took their first ever education and community ages. Come on down and celebrate this ownership of it. Following community outreach programme. A part time historical milestone of British history consultation about what should be Heritage Officer was employed to and enjoy the activities on offer. done with the magnificent structure, create an interactive programme which the resounding answer was the local encouraged visitors of all ages to engage people wanted to see it restored and with the Titan. So far this has brought accessible for all. Opened in 2007 as schools from all over Scotland to the Scotland’s most unique visitor attraction, site, and also provided schools with a it offers tourists and local visitors the free 100 page resource pack for them chance to take in breathtaking views to use within the new curriculum for of Glasgow, Erskine and beyond while excellence. This is available for Primary learning about the industrial significance and Secondary schools and Colleges of the site. Taking the short lift ride to on request from the Heritage Officer the top of the Crane, visitors get a true on 0141 951 3420 or emma.baxter@ sense of the power and history of this clydebankrebuilt.co.uk. Duncan under construction on the berth at Govan © BAE Systems HMS Defender Launch © BAE Systems Observing Titan © Clydebank Rebuilt Recreation Focus  A Journey along the Ayrshire Coast 

A newly published Scottish Enterprise report shows that sail Scottish Sail Tourism worth £101 million and power boat cruising tourism alone is worth £101 million per year in Scotland and supports a total of for visitors, with tourist boat nights sailing in Scotland, but also considered just over 2,700 jobs. Of this, £27 approaching 167,000 and growing. The more and improved berthing facilities million is generated from non- report identifies the potential for around and shore attractions to be desirable. Scottish boat owners supporting 4,700 new marina berths and moorings Striking the right balance between 724 jobs, and £53 million is the by 2019, so the investment opportunities yachting services and Scotland’s gross value added to the Scottish are there. wilderness anchorages is vital. This Raised beach panorama © SNH economy. Growth, projected over 10 years shows report was commissioned by Scottish ACP waymarker The research looked solely at sailing and a potential 44% increase in economic Enterprise and conducted by Glasgow Understanding the land © SNH powerboat cruising, and did not include contribution from £101m to £145m, based Tourism Research Company, with The landscape has always influenced where people Route 7 and the Ayrshire Coastal Path. dinghy or cruiser racing events, or other which a contribution from non-Scots British Marine Federation providing live, work and travel. But are the reasons why leisure marine activities such as kayaking, Both routes are well signed and occasionally marine tourists of £43m. key industry statistics and local market always obvious? You can read about how the land sea angling, diving and use the same sections of path. The Coastal information. was formed but nothing beats a close look and with wildlife watching. Path encourages you to devise your own The next task for the a bit of help you can easily find some clues. The report is based on new route along the shore in places but keep an recreational boating and The Ayrshire coast forms the west edge of what geologists eye on the . Refer to the box opposite research commissioned by marine tourism industry Scottish Enterprise, and is call the Midland Valley and lies between two important for sources of information about paths and is to fill the remaining fault lines. The Highland boundary fault to the north is geology. positive about future growth data gaps, and therefore through the next decade. well-known and visible across Loch Lomond and crosses be able to present the the edge of Argyll & Bute and into Arran. The Southern Exploring It is the first assessment on Scottish Government, sail and power boat tourism Uplands fault appears as Glen App in South Ayrshire. The The journey starts in and moves Marine Scotland, and the oldest rocks in the valley were formed around 450 million of this scale to cover all of new Marine Regions with south through North and South Ayrshire. Scotland’s boating waters, years ago when Scotland and England were separated by a comprehensive data on No matter how you get there make a point and points to opportunities wide ocean. The collision of the two continental plates was the total economic worth of visiting the classic viewpoint from the top both within and outside the both a destructive and constructive event and became the of the sector, which was of (130m above sea level). It provides dominant Clyde and West foundation of Central Scotland. Today, the remnants of the Largs Yacht Haven. Good marina facilities in all areas for resident and visiting valued at £250m five years a panoramic view across the Clyde estuary coast areas. ocean floor can be found along the margins of the Midland craft are essential for continuing growth in the future. ago, and which, despite Valley. which looks dramatic in all weathers. The view The report divides the the recession, is probably overlooks Gourock and the ‘Tail of the Bank’, coast into four sections: Clyde; West; It is interesting that the number of non worth more today. Over millions of years there was constant switching from an area of the River Clyde denoting the point shallow sea to swamp land which is reflected in a variety of North (including the Northern Isles) and Scottish owned boats touring Scottish The full report can be accessed at: at which the river becomes the Firth of Clyde. Looking towards sediments from limestone to coal. River systems flowed into East, enabling interesting comparisons waters was 1,406 craft in 2009 (13.5% of http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/ Glasgow the tidal mudflats are designated the Inner Clyde the Midland Valley basin carrying boulders, gravel, sand and between the areas. Although these areas total craft), and in the Clyde this figure research-publications.htm Special Protection Area on account of the feeding opportunities are unlikely to match the proposed was 954 craft (21.5%). other sediment. So you will see outcrops of red sandstone for overwintering redshank. and conglomerates and occasionally fossilised remains of Marine Regions proposed in the Marine In all, almost half of visiting boats (44%) plants and primitive animals. During the glacial periods the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park includes the upland areas of (Scotland) Act, they will still be a useful are from outside Scotland, providing land sunk under the weight of ice and rebounded when it Inverclyde, North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. Inland, a journey source of information for these bodies. a healthy contribution to Scotland’s melted. These movements are evident in raised beaches along the Cut will give you a changing panorama It highlights the need for more and balance of payments. along the Ayrshire coastline and its islands. Look out for of the Firth of Clyde. The path follows an open channel better infrastructure. Scotland has This survey of sail and power boaters shore platforms with a line of cliffs set further inland. These (about 185m above sea level) that used to carry water from over 11,000 resident marina berths and found that the overwhelming majority platforms contain roads, farmland and some of Scotland’s hill reservoirs to the towns below. Down at the shoreline, moorings with occupancy of around considered scenery and quality of sailing most famous golf courses. The Clyde and other postglacial Lunderston Bay is a popular beach for day visitors. Make use 95%, and almost 1,700 more are available waters to be the dominant reasons for rivers (such as the River Irvine and River Ayr) inherited the of the train and Branchton station (for example) to devise a landscape after it had been modified by the ice sheets. circular route that suits you. Clyde Panorama. A survey of sail and power boaters found that the overwhelming majority considered scenery and quality of sailing waters to be the North of Largs, the Knock is a well-known hill feature in the dominant reasons for sailing in Scotland. Photo M Balmforth. Ways to travel landscape reaching 217m which gives you outstanding views of The Clyde coast has been popular for relaxation and recreation for many years, mainly because it is so accessible thanks to coastal towns and proximity to Glasgow. People have travelled to the coast for short breaks and longer holidays ever since the railway was expanded in the second half of the 19th century. Regular services go as far south as Stranraer and main roads hug the coastline. Walkers and cyclists can follow the coast starting from West Ferry on the south bank of the River Clyde, opposite Rock. In Inverclyde the route keeps very close to the shoreline until you reach Inverkip. A short detour inland allows you to continue south using National Cycle Gourock Firth of Clyde © SNH Continued overleaf... A Journey along the Ayrshire Coast Other initiatives 10 continued 11

Cotton buds the Firth and its islands. A walk to the summit is described on base of the earth’s crust beneath the Midland Valley. The site Each week for the past 15 years, The the Ayrshire Paths website together with many other routes has been important in the development of geological science. East Esplanade Protection Group (EEPG) close to towns and villages. From Bracken Bay to Longhill Point a foreshore platform of have cleaned an area of the east bay sedimentary rocks and a backing cliff is clearly seen. Around beach in . For many years South of Largs is the Kelburn Country Centre which includes the mouth of the River Doon are rich intertidal areas that they have also participated in the Marine the Kelburn Glen with its waterfalls and deep wooded gorges. are popular for birdwatching. For bigger views of the Firth of Conservation Society’s (MCS) Annual The Long Glen Walk leads to spectacular views over the Clyde climb Brown Carrick (287m). Beachwater Survey. Notwithstanding islands of the Firth of Clyde. Closer to the town on the road to the other detritus gathered, the group Kilburnie there is the Haylie Brae viewpoint with good views You don’t have to be a geologist to enjoy the coastline is constantly horrified at the number of the Cumbraes. Great Cumbrae has a raised beach platform between Heads of Ayr and Culzean although much of the of plastic stemmed cotton bud sticks running round the island which is emphasised by the road – the shoreline is protected for its geological features. Dunure and collected, given the constraints of time best way to explore is on a bike. Culzean Castle and Country Park provide historical interest on the day of the survey, measured and places to relax close to the sea. Here you will soon be The Portencross Coast around Hunterston provides a great length of beach (the same length each able to connect with the Carrick Way, a walkers figure of eight variety of seashore habitats with interesting plants and extensive year to provide a benchmark to compare route (about 160km) in development. Cotton buds © Ian Boyter Beach cleaning © Claire Pescod mud flats for wildfowl and waders. The geology comprises fine the previous years findings) and the small exposures of upper Old Red Sandstone ranging from large Turnberry golf course is also located on a raised beach. The number of volunteers on hand to collect and count the buds. Plastic cotton buds are not as innocuous as they appear. They present a twofold problem when disposed of via the WC: • Firstly, is the impact in the sewage collection system. They can pass through or block the screens, act as a binding agent e.g. with fats blocking pipework, valves and pumps. The Dunure coast © SNH Stone soup © SNH Heads of Ayr © SNH cost to the water authorities is substantial and is ultimately reflected in our utilities bills. pebble conglomerate to sandstones, with striking outcrops of nearby unbroken sandy beach backed by a large foredune • Secondly, and perhaps more igneous intrusions and sediments. There is also a fine worn- ridge is important for insect conservation. Here is the most importantly, and more difficult out shore platform, caves and cliffs. Further south at Seamill northerly known point in Britain for a number of insect to “mend”, is the impact to the the main rock platform extends inland beneath raised beach species. environment and bio-diversity. deposits to a prominent cliff line. Kirktonhall Glen is a popular Byne Hill (214m) provides a fine viewpoint to the Firth and woodland walk that leads from West Kilbride to Seamill. The River Clyde and Estuary has many Ailsa Craig if you want to make a detour from the Ayrshire consented waste water treatment work From Ardrossan and Saltcoats to Ayr the coast is generally low Coastal Path. If you stay on the hill and move south you will (WWTW) outfalls and consented storm but no less interesting for the variety of rock types and Arran enter the Grey Hill Grasslands nature reserve managed by overflows giving rise to the thousands on dominates the views out to sea. The Site of Special Scientific the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The serpentine rock beneath your the river/coast line. The MCS’s survey Interest (SSSI) here includes a fault line that highlights the feet is rare in Scotland but can also be found at the Lizard in records are evidence of the number change from sandstones in the north to coal bearing rocks on Cornwall. Where there are grasslands the chances are you of cotton buds previously collected at the south side. Volcanic magma rose up and solidified in the will find butterflies and Bennane Head is another location to Bowling, Helensburgh and Clynder. cracks to form dyke intrusions. At Saltcoats the sedimentary explore during the summer months. rocks contain the fossil remains of tree stumps. In the marine environment it is known To the south of the small town of Ballantrae lies an important that plastics can harden, absorb other The sand dune system at Stevenston Beach is a local nature shingle beach. The shingle features, associated saltmarsh and toxins, abrade or fragment and enter reserve set up to deal with the effects of human erosion. There fresh brackish water lagoons lie at the mouth of the River the food chain of many lifeforms to their are paths to help you enjoy this valuable habitat. Stinchar. The more stable parts of the shingle are vegetated detriment. and this is a rare habitat in The golf courses at Troon are founded on a raised beach. Beach cleaning © Claire Pescod Britain. Higher up, the Glen Should we pursue the food chain The sand dunes on the foreshore, the grassland and scrub For further information App and Galloway Moors upwards, by ultimately eating seafood, are botanically rich and diverse, and are the best example of www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk awareness and education was required. retailers and manufacturers to change Special Protection Area we could also be harmed. this habitat type in the country. The sandy beach and rocky www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org Subsequently, the EEPG wrote to other the stems to cardboard or similar easily provides a habitat for Hen outcrops, some of which form islands at high , support the www.inverclyde.gov.uk The group considered these issues and campaigning organisations, e.g. The MCS, degradable material and/or put clear Harrier. www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk passage of over-wintering wildfowl and waders, particularly initially contacted a West of Scotland Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), The Grab disposal instructions on the packaging, www.nts.org.uk curlew. This rapid 80 mile journey stops MSP for advice on the possibility of the Trust, Firth of Clyde Forum, for advice again with positive feedback from most www.snh.org.uk including Glasgow and support with each responding very here but take time to explore and Ayrshire - a landscape fashioned Scottish Government banning the sale of contacted. The ultimate goal is to have all The Heads of Ayr is famous! The headland is a major volcanic this fascinating coast. For keen by geology the plastic stemmed varieties in Scotland. positively. cotton bud stick stems manufactured from vent that was active over 300 million years ago and is easily www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk strollers a coastal route carries The advice received was that this is not The group was heartened to learn that bio-degradable material from sustainable examined if you enjoy rock formations. The vent has been www.sustrans.org.uk on into Dumfries and Galloway a devolved issue, a Westminster MP the MCS and the SAS have already resources with the sale of plastic stemmed found to contain rare nodules that may have come from the www.swt.org.uk and finishes at Stranraer. should be contacted and that public pursued many supermarkets, other varieties banned from sale. A day in the life... 12

St Mungo, the Water Witch Tell Us What You Think... Clyde Breakers is your newsletter; tell us what you think of this issue and what you would like to see in the future. Many thanks to those of you who contributed to this edition. If you would like to become involved in the Forum and its work, contact us at the address below.

Project Manager Firth of Clyde Forum Caspian House St Mungo on the Clyde © Kirstie Dyson 2 Mariner Court Clydebank Business Park Here we bring you the fourth in is reluctance for any one authority or Clydebank, G81 2NR our series of articles allowing you organisation to take responsibility for a glimpse into a day in the life of the cost of cleaning up, and once it Tel: 0141 951 0820 someone working in the Firth of reaches the ocean it is impossible task. Fax: 0141 951 8948 Clyde area in a marine related The St Mungo has a powerful arm Email: [email protected] field. I joined the crew of the Water Website: www.clydeforum.com Witch, St Mungo, to gain an idea for lifting debris out of the water. of the wide variety of issues and The arm can be fitted with two types of extensions, a pronged grab for challenges they face to keep the The Firth of Clyde Forum has a broad Inner Clyde estuary clean. lifting singular heavy items (e.g. trees, refrigerators) and a sieved grab for membership base with representatives There is never a dull day for the crew of scooping out many floating items (e.g. from industry, local authorities, St Mungo, the Water Witch that cleans plastic drinks bottles). A detachable community groups and charities. The up the flotsam and jettison of the Inner barge carrying two skips is pushed in opinions expressed by members within Clyde Estuary. The boat patrols the front of the main boat, this is detached this issue are not necessarily the opinions waters from Clydebank to the tidal limits and moored while the lifting arm is in of the Forum or its Core Group. of the weir, making sure operation. there is safe passage for all river craft. The Firth of Clyde Forum would like The crew can never tell what the day The St Mungo also deals with all types to thank the following organisations for might bring, however they have noticed of safety issues beyond the safe passage their continued funding and support: that there are ‘hotspots’ within the of seafarers these include collecting estuary where debris collects and after and replacing the lifebelts that are particularly heavy rainfall irresponsibly throw into the Clyde, the removal of toys to prevent children Many people assume that the huge entering the water and this winter amount of marine debris (which consists the St Mungo was used to break up mostly of plastics) in our oceans comes dangerously thin ice to stop people from from the sea (dumping from ships, walking on it. The crew of the St Mungo fishing, etc) but 80% is land based. All are also in the Coast Guards and the those discarded Styrofoam cups, water boat can be used as an in-situ command bottles and cigarette lighters find their station when dealing with incidents. She way into storm drains, rivers and other has been used many times for the Coast water courses, and eventually the ocean. Guard and has helped safe many lives. The main problem is that often there

Key facts · Skipper: Ian Marshall · Crew: Allan Swift and Malcolm McKay · Debris collect: Average 4 skips per week · Lifebelts collect: 2,500 per year · Animals rescued: Seals, dogs, cats and a turtle St Mungo at Clydebank Pontoon © Kirstie Dyson