Out & About in Glasgow & Cumbernauld

Froglife is involved in all sorts of events in Scotland this autumn and Winter. Iain Maclean and James Stead are working on the Living Waters programme, creating and restoring ponds in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire. Thanks to The Conservation Volunteers (formally BTCV), we also have Faith Hillier on the team through their brilliant Natural Apprentice scheme . Faith has been with Froglife Scotland since January, helping with events and educational sessions to supplement our practical conservation work.

“I’m really looking forward to doing some autumn events, starting with a mini-bioblitz in Cumbernauld,” says Faith. “We’ll be helping survey for amphibians and reptiles as part of a count of as many species on the site as possible in one day. Then we’re encouraging people to help with practical conservation work to keep fit, teaching people about ponds, learning what you can make from natural materials and celebrating TCV’s Big Green Weekend in Glasgow.”

Iain and James are also putting together a busy programme of volunteer days, providing opportunities to get muddy and help restore habitats! These practical sessions are perfect for anyone looking to develop their skills in pond creation or management, or those with experience wanting to lend a hand. Transport can be arranged, and please let Iain know if you’d like to help: iain.maclean@froglife.org or 07772318950.The practical days are suitable for families with children aged 8 and upwards.  All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Muddy and Smiling: Volunteers on a pond creation day in Scotland

Details of all the events and how to take part are below.  Please note you will need to book into some of the events, particularly the training and volunteer days.  

Upcoming Froglife events and activity days:

• Saturday 1st September, 11am-3pm: Mini-bioblitz at Ravenswood Bog Local Nature Reserve, Cumbernauld. Help spot lots of wildlife on the site and take part in pond dipping, bug hunting and a tree walk. Suitable for families, individuals, beginners, and experts. Just come along to Ravenswood Bog any time from 11am-3pm. Meet at the ponds next to the main path.
• Saturday 1st September, 10-3pm: Hiberanculum Building with Iain and James in Riccard Johnstone greenspace in New Stevenson, Motherwell, Glasgow. Help create hibernation sites for amphibians and reptiles. Suitable for individuals, beginners and experts. You will need wellies, waterproofs, sunscreen and lunch. Meet at the New Stevenson building Glasgow University at 9 (please contact to arrange) or Cobbleton Road, just off Jerviston Street around 10am.  Please email iain.maclean@froglife.org or call 07772318950  to book.   
• Thursday 20th September, 10am-1pm: Green Gym Taster Day at Ravenswood Bog Local Nature Reserve, Cumbernauld with TCV. Suitable for all ages to get fit whilst improving this local green space. Come along with wellies, waterproofs and lunch. Meet at the main entrance to Ravenswood Bog.
• Saturday 22nd September, 10am-2pm: Pond Training Workshop at Palacerigg Country Park, near Cumbernauld. Suitable for landowners interested in creating ponds to attract amphibians. Booking is required, please contact Faith to reserve your place faith.hillier@froglife.org or 07927 379343 
• Saturday 29th September, 11am-2pm: Woodland Crafts at Ravenswood Bog Local Nature Reserve, Cumbernauld (with North Lanarkshire Council rangers). Suitable for families, individuals, and beginners. Just come along to the event via the entrance to Ravenswood Bog between 11am and 2pm.
• Saturday 6th October, 10.30am – 3pm: TCV Big Green Weekend at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, Glasgow. Froglife will be having a stand at this Nature Discovery Day, open to everyone with special activities to introduce young people to wildlife on the site.  Pop along and join in. 
• Saturday 6th October, 10am-3pm: Pond Maintenance Day at Windlaw Marsh near Carmunnock. Suitable for individuals, beginners and experts. You will need wellies, waterproofs, sunscreen and lunch, meet at Glasgow University at 9 (please contact to arrange) or meet at Cathkin Braes Country park. Please get in touch to book as location may change! Email iain.maclean@froglife.org or call 07772318950 to book. 
• Saturday 3rd November, 10am-3pm: Pond Session Part 1. Digging out a pond shape in boggy area and transplanting plants to a nearby pond at Palacerigg Country Park Wildlife Garden. Please come with wellies, waterproofs and lunch. Meet at Palacerigg Country Park Visitor Centre (lifts can be arranged from Glasgow University). Please contact Iain.maclean@froglife.org or call 07772318950 to book.
• Saturday 1st December, 10am – 3pm: Pond Session Part 2.  Lining the pond in the wildlife garden and helping with other garden maintenance jobs.  Palacerigg Country Park Wildlife Garden. Please come with wellies, waterproofs and lunch. Meet at Palacerigg Country Park Visitor Centre (lifts can be arranged from Glasgow University). Please contact Iain.maclean@froglife.org  or call 07772318950 to book.
• Saturday 12th January, 10am to 3pm: Pond and Hibernaculum Day at Glencryan Woods.  Digging a small pond and extending a hibernaculum . Please come with wellies, waterproofs and lunch. Meet at Palacerigg Country Park Visitor Centre (lifts can be arranged from Glasgow University). Please contact Iain.maclean@froglife.org  or call 07772318950 to book.

We hope you can join us to improve habitats, learn more about wildilfe and just enjoy the great outdoors.

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