In over five decades of inspiring people and improving places, BTCV has consistently supported people working locally to improve their environment and their life chances, and created resilience in the most vulnerable communities.
Welcome to the BTCV blogs. Where we share what we do.
So in case anyone wasn’t aware I’ve had my contract extended with BTCV and East Lothian Council, which means that I’ll be staying on for an extra year, yaaaaaaaaay! This is great for me as I’ll be able to finish some of the projects that I’ve been working on for the past year, and it also means I’ll still be able to work with the amazing Landscape and Countryside Team in East Lothian.
The past year has involved so much stuff! I’ve been on a total of 25 training courses, ranging from ID courses to Community Engagement. I’ve also been … Continue reading
Dingwall Green Gym This morning we were back near the River Orrin, on the Fairburn Estate clearing more Rhododendrons. Today’s challenge was one big mass of tangled Rhodie(s) and the group got stuck straight in.
We think the Rhodies were trying to swallow up some of the volunteers!
The morning was flying by and everyone was getting stuck in…
… no root would defeat this lot!
Soon there was more ground seeing light again than there was Rhododendron.
Midweek Group Tuesday 24th January 2012 The Midweek group were back out again on the River Orrin for some more Rhododendron clearance. Further upstream this time, on the Fairburn Estate, we were working pretty much on the river’s edge. When we parked up we were greeted by some friendly faces, although they were probably more interested in our tea kit than us!
Down the bank we could just about see the River Orrin through the Rhodies!
The team got stuck in and soon our piles of cleared rhododendron were stacking up.
Thursday 19th Jan Falkland Rhodie Bash
The BTCV Fife team met the day with blinding sunshine, tea and a steely determination to wreak absolute havoc on the rhododendron nightmare that had unfolded over the last few months. The hostile species has caused untold amounts problems for the more submissive native plants. This is primarily caused by their thirst for growth and the dangerously acidic nature of their deadly leaves. With saws and loppers the crew tore through the mischievous plants at an incredible pace. Despite the lovely sunshine, Fife gave the team yet another eye wateringly cold day. … Continue reading
We had a slow start to the first week of our new Green Gym with one brave volunteer who came along to help us carry out some woodland management in the Meadows, thanks Tam!
Due to the high winds that we have had in previous months there are thousands of trees blown over in the Meadows, all of which now pose a danger to visitors and a huge problem for the Ranger service.
We spent the day cutting up fallen trees so that they could be easily transported out of the woodland and not pose any more danger, and … Continue reading
