East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service
spring 2014
Are you WILD about East Lothian? Coast-to-coast: The new John Muir Way Spotlight on the future of nature conservation Latest events, volunteering and more...
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out & about
biodiversity
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out & about
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biodiversity
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in the spotlight
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volunteering
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Welcome to the 26th Edition of ‘Mud In Your Eye’ We’d love to hear from you! Email: rangers@eastlothian.gov.uk or follow us... @ELCrangers
East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service
Published by East Lothian Council’s Countryside Ranger Service www.eastlothian.gov.uk/rangerservice
seasonal best
SUNDAY 20TH & MONDAY 21ST APRIL 2014 As our contribution to the John Muir Festival, we are running a series of free events to celebrate the wildlife and countryside of our county that so inspired John Muir all those years ago. Working from a base in Lauderdale Park, Dunbar, we are running events over the whole weekend. Here are just a few examples to whet the appetite‌ see overleaf for full programme. Events are open to all and whilst free, you do need to book to secure a place as numbers are restricted. To book call 01620 827434.
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tracksand trails
Bring you r camera along and learn how to take be tter imag of the natu es ral world around yo u.
Which animal placed that print or plopped that poo?! Hone your nature detective skills and become more like Sherlock than Clouseau.
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AR E YOU W I LD ABO
Join East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service on a series o There will also be ongoing drop in activities in Lauderdale Park, along wi All activities are free, booking requ
SUNDAY 20 th April JOURNEYS (BOOKING REQUIRED) JOHN MUIR WAY JOURNEY 10.00AM – 3.00PM
SEABIRDS 2.00PM – 4.00PM
From Preston Mill back to Dunbar along 8km of field margins, metalled paths, beaches and quiet country roads. Please bring a packed lunch, sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing, and a camera if you have one to record the journey. Transport provided.
The Firth of Forth is a summer home to over half a million seabirds. Join us as we head off in search of diving gannets, crying kittiwakes and maybe even pretty puffins on this leisurely 90-minute walk along the coast.
ROCKPOOLING 11.30AM – 1.30PM & 12.30PM – 2.30PM
Drop in and tune up to Bat FM to reveal the high frequency world of these elusive masters of the night. Hopefully we'll get to the moths before the bats do as we seek to reveal and record this well-hidden, colourful and diverse world.
Rocks are tough, but rockpool animals are tougher still! Come along to discover and record the fascinating marine life that frequents our rocky shores, and learn about the amazing ways they manage to survive and thrive.
DROP IN ACTIVITIES
DUNBAR – A TROPICAL PARADISE? 11.30AM – 1.30PM
(NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
Maybe not now, but in the past East Lothian was definitely tropical, although the lava flows and volcanic ash may have spoiled the paradise a bit. The evidence for these ancient environments can be seen in the rocks and fossils along our coastline. Join us for a geological stroll to find out about when Dunny really was sunny.
Use our interactive displays and activities to discover the minute and beautiful details of plants and insects – they’ve got to be seen to be believed!
SKETCHING 2.00PM – 4.00PM Ever fancied trying your hand at sketching some of the wildlife around you? Come and learn some practical top tips from a local artist.
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TWILIGHT ZONE 8.00PM – 9.30PM
MICRO WORLD 10.00AM – 1.00PM
FUNGI FUN 1.00PM – 4.00PM Drop in to find out how the mushroom got its spots, make some pictures with fungi paint and try a mushroom supermarket challenge.
UT E AS T LOTHI AN ?
of journeys to discover the amazing wildlife all around us. th lots of information on how to get involved in your local environment. uired, except for drop-in activities.
MONDAY 21 ST April JOURNEYS (BOOKING REQUIRED) BACK HOME FROM BARNS NESS 9.00AM – 12.00PM Reach new heights and admire the view from the top of the lighthouse. Walk back along this fossil rich coastline to reach Dunbar in time for the grand opening of the John Muir Way. Transport provided.
TRACKS AND TRAILS 10.00AM – 11.30PM Meet at Hallhill Sports Centre Car Park Join us on a quest to uncover which animal placed that print or plopped that poo. Learn about feather and fur identification and hone your skills as a nature detective!
ENVIRONMENTAL ART ATTACK 10.00AM – 12.00PM Get creative with some natural materials
ROCKPOOLING 1.30PM – 3.30PM Rocks are tough, but rockpool animals are tougher still! Come along to discover and record the fascinating marine life that frequent our rocky shores, and learn about the amazing ways they manage to survive and thrive.
PHOTOGRAPHY 2.00PM - 3.00PM + 3.00PM - 4.00PM Do too many of your photos come out blurry or too dark? Well, this is the thing for you! Come along to discover how to take a good image of that wee beastie you want to identify or a nice seascape to hang on your wall. Bring your own camera along and in this one-hour session we’ll show you how to get the best out of it and what that little button at the back does.
A FUTURE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION? 5.00PM – 7.00PM Is nature conservation a luxury in the 21st century? Is it a necessity? Ian Jardine, chief executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, considers how wildlife fits in to the modern world. Enjoy a relaxed evening’s discussion on what wildlife does for us and what we can do for it. Some wine, juice and nibbles provided. BYOB.
DROP IN ACTIVITIES (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
WILLOW WEAVING 10.00AM – 1.00PM Discover the art of natural weaving – no experience necessary! Come and have a go at making a willow and rush fish to take home.
STORYTELLING 1.30PM – 4.00PM Come and get cosy in the yurt and listen to tales of wildlife and adventure. Starting 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30.
BOOKING – 01620 827 434 Unless otherwise stated, all activities start in Lauderdale Park, Dunbar.
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out & about
John Muir (1838–1914)
As a tribute to the pioneering conservationist, Scotland’s newest long-distance path - The John Muir Way - now stretches from Dunbar all the way to Helensburgh. In so doing, the route mimics Muir’s own travels, when, as an 11 year old boy, he and his family travelled across to the Clyde, from whence they would emigrate to North America.
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The John Muir Way: East Lothian’s new section of the
coast-to-coast path across Scotland
The route passes through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a fitting tribute to Muir as the founder of the National Parks movement. Within East Lothian, the John Muir Way enters near Musselburgh’s waterfront. From here it follows near to the coast, via Prestonpans, Port Seton, and eastwards to North Berwick, before turning inland and southwards to East Linton. The final section passes through John Muir Country Park. Similarly named in honour of Muir, this is a special place of wild coastline, estuary, beaches, salt marsh and wildlife. The route ends, appropriately, at the John Muir Birthplace Museum on Dunbar’s High Street. The path is promoted for walking and cycling, and some sections are suitable for horse riding and people of all abilities.
Take time to explore, experience and enjoy East Lothian’s John Muir Way.
Highlights along the Way include: Levenhall Links bird reserve, Musselburgh, a haven for wading birds The industrial heritage museum at Prestongrange Historic harbours at Fisherrow, Cockenzie and Dunbar Yellowcraig beach with its stunning views to the island of Fidra On the East Linton section, the views to the spectacular Traprain Law, ancient stronghold of the Votadini tribe, and the backdrop of the Lammermuir Hills Dunbar’s Cliff Top Trail, with views along the rugged coastline and open sea.
Visit Scottish Natural Heritage for more information: www.snh.gov.uk/johnmuir
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biodiversity
Top Trees No.4
Giant Redwood Sequoiadendron giganteum This mature Giant Redwood grows in the centre of Memorial Park, Knox Place, Haddington. It was planted on 22 June 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Native to California, it grows incredibly tall on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and can live for more than 3,000 years. An evergreen, it has a densely branched, conical habit while young, but the branches become more widely spaced and distinctly down swept as it ages.The species holds the distinction of being the largest living tree on Earth. The USA champion is in Sequoia National Park standing a staggering 92 metres tall by 36 metres wide.
The first seeds of Giant Redwood were brought to Scotland in 1853 by John D. Matthew. It thrives on most soils and romps away when young, given enough water. The characteristic deeply furrowed, red-brown bark serves to protect the trees from fire. The tree was reputed to be the favourite of East Lothian born naturalist John Muir. He had the following to say about this magnificent species:
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"Do behold the King in his glory, King Sequoia! Behold! Behold! seems all I can say. Some time ago I left all for Sequoia and have been and am at his feet, fasting and praying for light, for is he not the greatest light in the woods, in the world? Where are such columns of sunshine, tangible, accessible, John Muir terrestrialized?"
in the spotlight
The future of nature conservation in East Lothian : discuss
From concerns about habitat loss and species extinction, flood protection and food production, to tourism and the local economy there are many different views of the relevence of nature conservation. Join the discussion...
Venue: Marquee - Lauderdale Park, Dunbar
When: Monday 21st April: Marquee opens at 4.30. Discussion starts at 5pm. Format: Bring a drink, relax and discuss. Booking: Free event but ticket required,
obtainable from libraries and community centres.
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Friends of Aberlady head off to clean the beach
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volunteering
what a fantastic day; we learned so much from our friendly ranger!
Pirri-Pirri Burr surveying - Yellowcraig Volunteer path warden hard at work
Vegetation control
Clearing out the wild ponies trough - North Berwick
Weaving willows to protect the river bank
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visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/rangerservice for news, events and opportunities in volunteering
Our volunteer group continue to work wonders across the county - would you like to join in? Please do - no experience necessary!
diary dates
date
activity
where to meet
ranger to contact
Thur 17 April 9.30-15.00
Beach clean
Yellowcraig car park
David: dwild@eastlothian.gov.uk
Thur 17 April 10.00-15.00
Path creation Barney Mains
email for details
Duncan: dpriddle@eastlothian.gov.uk
Alternate 3rd Sat & Weds
email for details
email for details
Tara: tsykes@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 29 April 10.00-12.30
email for details
North Berwick Law car park
Sam: sranscombe@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 29 April 10.00-12.30
Spring clean of site
Levenhall Boating Pond
Nick: naitken1@eastlothian.gov.uk
Wed 7 May 9.30-15.00
Giant Hogweed removal
Aberlady Bay car park
John: jharrison@eastlothian.gov.uk
Thur 8 May 9.30-15.00
Pirri-Pirri Burr survey
Yellowcraig car park
David: dwild@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 13 May 10.00-15.00
email Duncan for details
email for details
Duncan: dpriddle@eastlothian.gov.uk
Alternate 3rd Sat & Weds
email for details
email for details
Tara: tsykes@eastlothian.gov.uk
Sun 18 May 9.30-15.00
Giant Hogweed removal
Aberlady Bay car park
John: jharrison@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 20 May 10.00-12.30
email for details
North Berwick Law car park
Sam: sranscombe@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 27 May 10.00-14.30
Fencing removal
Levenhall Boating Pond
Nick: naitken1@eastlothian.gov.uk
Wed 4 June 9.30-15.00
email for details
Aberlady Bay car park
John: jharrison@eastlothian.gov.uk
Thur 5 June 9.30-3.00
Boundary wall repair
Yellowcraig car park
David: dwild@eastlothian.gov.uk
Thur 12 June 10.00-15.00
email for details
email for details
Duncan: dpriddle@eastlothian.gov.uk
Alternate 3rd Sat & Weds
email for details
email for details
Tara: tsykes@eastlothian.gov.uk
Fri 13 June 17.00-19.00
Wildlife walk
Aberlady Bay car park
John: jharrison@eastlothian.gov.uk
Sun 15 June 9.30-15.00
Plant survey
Aberlady Bay car park
John: jharrison@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 24 June 10.00-12.30
email for details
North Berwick Law car park
Sam: sranscombe@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tues 24 June 10.00-14.30
Vegetation control
Levenhall Boating Pond
Nick: naitken1@eastlothian.gov.uk
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John Muir’s Birthplace Saturday, 17 May 1–4pm
Prestongrange Museum Sunday, 18 May 1–4pm
Celebrate John Muir’s love of everything wild at our fun, interactive weekend of events designed for younger children. Children aged 6 and under, and their families, can handle exotic animals, go on a magical storytelling adventure, create natural art or learn some gardening tips from Dobbies. There will also be hands-on activities by the Ranger Service, a music session for little ones, and a buggy-friendly nature trail. Don’t miss these unique events!
Suggested donation £2 per family/group Everyone welcome (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult)
Drop-in event, no booking required This event has been part funded by Museums Galleries Scotland and is part of the Festival of Museums events programme (16 – 18 May 2014). Visit www.festivalofmuseums.com for details.