BTCV Edinburgh Diary

Last week we did several different tasks. On Tuesday we went to the Four Winds Nursery in Inverleith Park to help them build some new steps. The steps look incredible, and we have seen lots of people admiring them.

On Wednesday we spent our first day this year on the Pentlands. One group disappeared in the morning to collect juniper cuttings, and we didn't see them again until lunch time. It sounded like they'd walked a long way, and they still had time to collect 700 cuttings which were taken down the the Inch nursery at lunchtime to be planted. The rest of us cut back gorse from one of the paths at Hillend and made a big bonfire.

On Thursday we went to Corstorphine Hill. In the morning we were removing litter from a few areas of the hill. In the end we collected about 20 bags. After lunch we went along to the walled garden and helped dig over a bed for planting, remove some old fencing and put in a new picnic bench.

Last week we also welcomed Alaitz, who has come over from Spain for a few months to help us out. This week is also my last week before I start my new job at Hopetoun House. I hope to see some of you there. Thank you for the wonderful experience at BTCV over the last couple of years. I've made new friends, learnt new skills and helped other people, and after all, isn't that what BTCV's all about?

Gemma

Posted by Gemma at 13:54 1 comments  

Labels: Corstorphine Hill, Four Winds, Pentlands

This Week, Tuesday 3rd

Today we were up on the high plains of Corstorphine Hill.The group was split into two elite teams,the first one led by Chris were sent on a daring mission to dismantle mountain bike tracks built by local youths and to reestablish the original path system, the second team led by Ronnie was sent to do some general path maintenance, The Hardy BTCV Adventurers braved the elements as it was cold and wet day but were successful in their task.

Wed 4th

The Hardy BTCV Adventurers were given a new objective today and were sent to The Mighty River Almond the group led by Chris set about the task of removing the now collapsing chestnut pale fence and replace a section with a new timber handrail. We were also coppicing the over whelming Ash Trees the group armed themselves with loppers and bow saws and and the battle begun it was an almighty war but The Hardy BTCV Adventurers were Victorious. Lunch on the beach was also rather pleasant.

Thurs 5th

The final mission for The Hardy BTCV Adventurers this week was to Burdiehouse Burn LNR, it was a cold start to the morning fighting the sub zero temperatures the group led by Chris started to dismantle a fence that needed replacing, this took the best part of the morning , just before dinner as we started to put in new posts, Anna our new VO slipped and injured herself it was only a small graze but she required hospital treatment so Jess, the ranger took her. The group stopped for lunch and feasted on cakes Jess brought and after lunch we finished the new fence.

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 11:03 1 comments  

Labels: Burdiehouse Burn, Corstorphine Hill, River Almond

On Wednesday 13th we made this year's final valiant offensive manoeuvre in the ongoing battle with the invasive species on Corstorphine Hill. This time it was Himalayan Balsam's turn to feel our wrath as we tried to pull as much of it up as possible before it seeds.

On Thursday 14th we put the finishing touches to our third and final garden at Murraypark Nursing Home. I have had the privilege of being involved in this project from the outset two years ago when all there was was a lovely manicured lawn and then we came along and dug it all up. What we have left in its place though is a brilliant trio of gardens each with its own unique design and features, though the main theme is most definitely decking! The new gardens provide the staff and residents with space to relax and enjoy the outdoors which wasn't possible previously and I have lost count of the number of times I have been thanked by the staff of the home for the work we have done. So, thank you all for all of your hard work in helping make Murraypark such a success!

Posted by Chris Peach at 14:16 0 comments  

Labels: Corstorphine Hill, Murraypark

Last Tuesday we were at Craigmillar castle i led a group of four volunteers which consisted in Dave cat and Chris and myself Ronnie doing some path reconstruction in preparation for Scotland in bloom coming to view it.Kenny Gemma and Fatima led the other volunteers and done some vegetation cutback general ground maintenance and a litter pick we all had a good day the weather brightened up as the day progressed.
Wednesday at hermitage it rained so we all got soaked but we stuck to the task like the true btcv environmentalists and completed the bat and bird boxes.after dinner those who were willing to brave the elements ventured out into the wilderness to do some vegetation cutback.
Thursday it was still raining and the hardy btcv adventurers ventured out onto the unknown area known only as the dark side of Corstorphine where we took up arms against the mighty Himalayan triffids the battle raged on for several hours and there were many casualties but btcv were victorious our flanking force were on the other side of the hill installing a few seats.after the battle we returned to headquarters and prepared for our next mission more to come

Posted by ronnie at 13:54 0 comments  

Labels: Corstorphine Hill, Craigmillar, Hermitage of Braid

Last week we went to Burdiehouse Burn where we took the rubbish out of the river and we made the path with the help of the ranger Jessica. Also we went to Corstorphine Hill. There we dug out the invasive species like Himalayan balsam and picked up the rubbish. To finish the week we went to the Pentlands in the Regional Park. We flattened a path and we made a ramp to the bridge and filled in some holes with stones.

And that's all folks!

Fatima

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 16:21 0 comments  

Labels: Burdiehouse Burn, Corstorphine Hill, Pentlands

Last week we had a great time. It was hot and sunny so we enjoyed ice creams while sitting round the bonfire.

On Tuesday we went to Corstorphine Hill and helped flatten a path as well as take out more salmonberry. At lunch time we had a great game of cricket/rounders in the sunshine.

We went to Burdiehouse Burn on Wednesday. We had a bonfire and took rubbish out of the river. We found a shopping trolley, prams and lots of unidentified things, and Willie was so enthusiastic he fell in. Luckily it was so warm his clothes dried and he enjoyed ice creams with the rest of us.

On Thursday we cut down more laurel around Blackford Pond and burnt it. No-one fell in this time, but we still had time for more ice cream.

Posted by Gemma at 11:10 0 comments  

Labels: Blackford Pond, Burdiehouse Burn, Corstorphine Hill