BTCV Edinburgh Diary

The group was at the Hermitage of Braid at the start of the week. We fixed some steps, removed saplings and planted ox-eye daisy.

We were then at Craigmillar on Wednesday, where there have been some problems with motobikes in the park. So we were repairing some of the paths with whindust and doing our usual litter pick.

On Thursday we braved the winds and headed to Easter Craiglockhart. We removed some japanese knotweed and cut back a lot of vegetation from the paths. We also scraped and cleared some of the cobbles, revealing a feature that had been buried under a few years' worth of grass and nettles. We then headed up the hill to clear away vegetation growing up around a set of steps.

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 10:11 0 comments  

Labels: Craigmillar, Easter Craiglockhart, Hermitage of Braid

We started the week back at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, working in the orchard preparing the ground for more carpet-tile paths and also finishing spreading the bark in the garden at the Orchard Clinic.

At Ravelston Woods on Wednesday we repaired some post and wire fencing. We also planted a lot of prickly plants; the plan being to discourage people from climbing to the top of the quarry where they keep ruining our fences!

We (hopefully) sorted out some drainage problems at Craigmillar Castle Park on Thursday by building 2 french drains. We also raked over some earth and sowed wildflower seeds. And as Pat was in shorts for the first time, we can announce that it is officially springtime.

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 11:52 0 comments  

Labels: Craigmillar, Ravelston Woods, Royal Edinburgh

Our achievements removing litter at Craigmillar Castle Park on 7th January have been recognised on the s1 Craigmillar website.

Thank you and congratulations to everyone who helped out.

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 12:21 0 comments  

Labels: Announcements, Craigmillar

Last Tuesday we braved the snow and ice to visit Cammo. Our task there was raking a meadow that had been mown in November. Our task was made considerably more challenging by the cut grass being frozen to the ground. We made the most of the situation though, by raking what we could into a big pile, putting a hat, scarf and coat on it and making a "hayman". Unfortunately by the time the snow started to fall the hayman had been rugby tackled and so couldn't be turned into a snowman.

On Wednesday we went to Craigmillar Castle Park to remove a lot of litter. We found 3 motorbikes, lots of fencing wire, a fridge door, some carpet and several beds to add to the rest of the rubbish. The whole area looks very neat and tidy, and we were thanked several times by local residents. At lunch time we went to the newly installed adventure playground and tried out the climbing frames and slides. Nicky used waterproof trousers to prevent her getting wet on the slide, but this did make her fly off the end several times.

On Thursday we went back to Ravelston Woods to repair a fence. We put in about 20 new fence posts and connected them with wire. Untangling the wire was quite a challenge.

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 12:48 0 comments  

Labels: Cammo, Craigmillar, Ravelston Woods

On Tuesday, we went to The Pentlands Regional Park, where we were raking The Wild Life Meadow. As the day went on, I was trying to escape from Alan's sense of humour (because four months haven't been enough to understand him in a normal conversation!!!), so the rest of the group and me used the hay, we had been raking, to bury Alan, but finally, he broke free and could feel the freedom again. What a pity!!!

On Wednesday, Chris didn't realise that the group were tired, so instead of allowing us to rest, he split the group to do four tasks!!! (because one task is not enough for Chris!!!), which consisted of:
1: Planting flower
2: Path reconstruction
3: Fishing pond weed
4: Resurfacing steps
5: Rest (if we have time)

The surprise came by the hand of Sarah and Gavin, because they brought two apple pies (they were absolutely great!!! Thanks!!!).

On Thursday, we were at Craigmillar Castle Park, where we were cutting down vegetation, specificallly, laurel, snowberry and elder, which we burnt on a big big big bonfire. At the end of the day, while we stood around the fire, I was given a postcard that made me break into tears that I couldn't read your messages at that time. But I want to tell you all:

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE FOUR MONTHS!!!

It has been an unforgetable experience and I will never forget this:
1: mud
2: bonfire
3: biscuits
and the last but the best: all of you.

I wish you the best for your lifes. See you. Fatima.

I hope the next time, we meet, I'll be able to understand you and your sense of humour.

Fatima

Posted by BTCV Edinburgh at 13:38 1 comments  

Labels: Cammo, Craigmillar, Pentlands

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