Pentland Post
July 2010
Welcome to the July 2010 edition of Pentland Post. If you would rather you can download a copy of Pentland Post by clicking here so you can print off a copy and read at your leisure.
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It has taken some time but it has been well worth waiting for. There is a new bridge at Gala Ford where the infant Water of Leith leaves Harperrig Reservoir. We are grateful in particular for the support and co-operation of the landowner and to West Lothian Council for funding. The approach to the Cauldstane Slap is now much safer.
Unfortunately,
some of the path repair work on the Boghall to Hillend path has been damaged by
cattle and we are trying to ensure that does not happen again before carrying
out repairs. Nevertheless, since 1 April we have carried out eight work days,
three litter picking sessions and four gardening days at Harlaw – altogether
over 250 hours of volunteer’s time. We have helped the Rangers with juniper
planting; the clearance of storm damaged trees and planted out wildflowers at
Hillend.
The wildflower meadow at Bavelaw has had its spring cut and a further survey of the species that can be found there has been undertaken. The main workforce effort has now moved to making path improvements in the Phantom’s Cleugh.
We have taken on the routine maintenance of the Harlaw wildlife garden under the guidance of the Rangers. At its most mundane this means cutting the grass and trying to curb the growth of some invasive species where they are crowding out the growth of other plants. We have also been planting a variety of wildflowers to create a nectar bed, replaced the half barrel planters and purchased trough planters for the front of the Visitor Centre. If anyone would like to join our gardening team they will be most welcome – please contact the Secretary.
In mid June we were pleased to help the Rangers with the visit of a group of Chernobyl children to Harlaw. The Rangers organised pond dipping, a short walk and other activities with the assistance of two of our members. As a treat we also provided some home baking and soft drinks to supplement their picnic lunch. The sound of Russian being spoken in the garden seemed strange but that apart they were just like any other kids of their age!
Members enjoyed a moderate 6 mile, circular walk from Boghall in March. The early summer walk was blessed with great weather. The 7 mile route around Carlops focussed on natural history and some local history. The BBQ in June was much enjoyed and some of those attending whetted their appetites with a brisk 3 mile walk.
In June we held a joint walk with ScotWays to mark the culmination of a small but significant project. For some time we have been in possession of three old Victorian ScotWays signs which we have had refurbished with the intention of placing them back in their original locations.
The sign shown above is now back in its original position at the Cauldstane Slap, thanks to the co-operation of the landowner, advice from ScotWays and some hard work by a few intrepid members. To mark the occasion the walkers followed the old drove route, now a Heritage Path, from Kirknewton to West Linton, pausing at the top of the pass to ‘christen’ the renovated sign.
Following a public inquiry the Reporter decided to refuse the developers appeal in respect of the Auchencorth Moss wind farm application. That decision is final.
In February Scottish and Southern Energy lodged a revised application for a 17 wind turbine wind farm at Harrows Law, near Carnwath, with South Lanarkshire Council. We are keeping the matter under review.
We are pleased to be a co-sponsor of the 2010 Pentland Inspirations Art and Photographic Competition which has been launched by the Ranger Service. Entry forms are available from the Chairman or Secretary, or from the Regional Park, Boghall Farm, Biggar Road, Edinburgh EH10 7DX. Tel: 0131 445 3383. The closing date for entries is 22 October.
Midlothian Council has withdrawn its notice to pull out of the Joint Minute of Agreement for the management of the Regional Park, although they have reduced their financial contribution.
The bird boxes, with camera and monitor, at Flotterstone and Harlaw have both
been used by tits and a video clip of nesting activity at Harlaw can be viewed
on the website.
The Harlaw wind gauge has been giving us problems – would you believe it wind damage! John Stirling and fellow member John MacDonald have modified the bracket and so far all is well. Well done guys!
The Silverburn gardens will be open to the public as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on 1 August from 12.30 pm to 5.00 pm. Teas will be available in the Village Hall.
The April ‘Teas & Cakes’ day at Harlaw raised a new record of £369.50 – well done ladies!
The Society had a presence again at this year’s Royal Highland Show, at the Muir Wood Park, Currie, open day on 28 May and at West Linton’s ‘Whipman Week’ celebrations.
There are problems with litter and irresponsible camping, especially at Bonaly and Harlaw, and the police and environmental wardens are working in partnership with the Rangers to try to resolve such issues. Anti social behavior should be reported to the police on 0131 311 3131 or The South West Community Safety Team on 0131 527 3812.
The Park has launched a donations scheme for new ‘added value’ projects. Its first objective is to raise funds to install a recycled plastic seat in a prime location at Flotterstone. More details can be found on the Park’s website: www.pentlandhills.org.uk
We are delighted to be able to report that the Rangers have introduced new bird identification interpretation at the Bavelaw Marsh bird hide.
The Rangers have also been working on access improvements south of Bavelaw Castle in partnership with Balerno Community Council.
Pentland Beacon is now being produced online and if you would like to be included in the distribution please contact gwen.stewart@edinburgh.gov.uk It’s a great read!
We have decided to purchase a Society card featuring the excellent picture, below, by fellow member Ranger Victor Partridge. The card will be blank inside and available shortly in A6 format, in packs of five for sale at £3.00 per pack. For further information, or to place an order, please contact Jayne Gordon on 0131 622 0339 or at: jaynebennett34@hotmail.com or Averil Sutherland on 0131 443 1925 or at: averilsutherland@hotmail.com
For this edition the problem is the season, not the walk. It might be mid July but it’s cool, wet and windy! Assuming the weather will shortly revert to ‘normal’ the following makes a nice summer circuit. Park at Dreghorn and head up the Howden Burn to the col to the west of Allermuir. Turn right and cross Capelaw Hill before turning right again to descend to Bonaly via Bonaly reservoir. A bit before Bonaly Tower take the track to the right and, following the line of the pylons, head back to Dreghorn. About six miles.
The next ‘Teas & Cakes’ day will be at Harlaw on 8 August from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Join us for some delicious home baking. You will get a real Pentland treat!