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seasonal best out & about biodiversity
spring2014
Are you WILD about East Lothian?Coast-to-coast: The new John Muir WaySpotlight on the future of nature conservationLatest events, volunteering and more...
East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service
out & about
biodiversity
volunteering
seasonal best
Welcome to the 26th Edition of ‘Mud In Your Eye’ We’d love to hear from you! Email: [email protected] or follow us...
@ELCrangers East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service
Published by East Lothian Council’s Countryside Ranger Servicewww.eastlothian.gov.uk/rangerservice
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6-7
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9in the spotlight
10-11
Rock pooling
Don some wellies
(provided) and
discover the rich
variety of life th
at
gets by in this ha
rsh mini-world.
photography
Bring your camera along and learn how to take better images of the natural world around you.
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.
tracks trails
Which animal placed that print or plopped that poo?! Hone your nature detective skills and becomemore like Sherlock than Clouseau.
and
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SUNDAY 20TH & MONDAY 21ST APRIL 2014
seasonal best
SUNDAY 20th April
JOHN MUIR WAY JOURNEY 10.00AM – 3.00PM From Preston Mill back to Dunbar along8km of field margins, metalled paths,beaches and quiet country roads. Pleasebring a packed lunch, sturdy footwear,appropriate clothing, and a camera if youhave one to record the journey. Transportprovided.
ROCKPOOLING11.30AM – 1.30PM & 12.30PM – 2.30PMRocks are tough, but rockpool animals aretougher still! Come along to discover andrecord the fascinating marine life thatfrequents our rocky shores, and learn aboutthe amazing ways they manage to surviveand thrive.
DUNBAR – A TROPICAL PARADISE? 11.30AM – 1.30PMMaybe not now, but in the past EastLothian was definitely tropical, althoughthe lava flows and volcanic ash may havespoiled the paradise a bit. The evidence forthese ancient environments can be seen inthe rocks and fossils along our coastline.Join us for a geological stroll to find outabout when Dunny really was sunny.
SKETCHING 2.00PM – 4.00PMEver fancied trying your hand at sketchingsome of the wildlife around you? Come andlearn some practical top tips from a localartist.
SEABIRDS 2.00PM – 4.00PMThe Firth of Forth is a summer home toover half a million seabirds. Join us as wehead off in search of diving gannets, cryingkittiwakes and maybe even pretty puffinson this leisurely 90-minute walk along thecoast.
TWILIGHT ZONE 8.00PM – 9.30PMDrop in and tune up to Bat FM to revealthe high frequency world of these elusivemasters of the night. Hopefully we'll get tothe moths before the bats do as we seek toreveal and record this well-hidden,colourful and diverse world.
B
M
Is it a necessity? Ian Jardine, chief
e
Enjoy a relaxed evening’s discussiono Some wine, juice and nibbles
p
ARE YOU W I LD ABOUT EAST LOTH IAN?Join East Lothian Countryside Ranger Service on a series of journeys to discover the amazing wildlife all around us.
There will also be ongoing drop in activities in Lauderdale Park, along with lots of information on how to get involved in your local environment.All activities are free, booking required, except for drop-in activities.
B
DROP IN ACTIVITIES (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
MICRO WORLD 10.00AM – 1.00PMUse our interactive displays and activitiesto discover the minute and beautiful details of plants and insects – they’ve gotto be seen to be believed!
FUNGI FUN 1.00PM – 4.00PMDrop in to find out how the mushroomgot its spots, make some pictures withfungi paint and try a mushroomsupermarket challenge.
JOURNEYS (BOOKING REQUIRED)
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MONDAY 21ST AprilS
to reveal
t
and record this well-hidden,
c
BACK HOME FROM BARNS NESS9.00AM – 12.00PM Reach new heights and admire the viewfrom the top of the lighthouse. Walk backalong this fossil rich coastline to reachDunbar in time for the grand opening ofthe John Muir Way. Transport provided.
TRACKS AND TRAILS 10.00AM – 11.30PM Meet at Hallhill Sports Centre Car ParkJoin us on a quest to uncover which animalplaced that print or plopped that poo.Learn about feather and fur identificationand hone your skills as a nature detective!
ENVIRONMENTAL ART ATTACK10.00AM – 12.00PM Get creative with some natural materials
ROCKPOOLING1.30PM – 3.30PMRocks are tough, but rockpool animals aretougher still! Come along to discover andrecord the fascinating marine life thatfrequent our rocky shores, and learn aboutthe amazing ways they manage to surviveand thrive.
PHOTOGRAPHY 2.00PM - 3.00PM + 3.00PM - 4.00PMDo too many of your photos come outblurry or too dark? Well, this is the thing foryou! Come along to discover how to take agood image of that wee beastie you want toidentify or a nice seascape to hang on yourwall. Bring your own camera along and inthis one-hour session we’ll show you howto get the best out of it and what that littlebutton at the back does.
A FUTURE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION?5.00PM – 7.00PMIs nature conservation a luxury in the 21stcentury? Is it a necessity? Ian Jardine, chiefexecutive of Scottish Natural Heritage,considers how wildlife fits in to the modernworld. Enjoy a relaxed evening’s discussionon what wildlife does for us and what wecan do for it. Some wine, juice and nibblesprovided. BYOB.
U T EAST LOTH IAN? of journeys to discover the amazing wildlife all around us.
T th lots of information on how to get involved in your local environment.A uired, except for drop-in activities.
BOOKING – 01620 827 434Unless otherwise stated, all activities start in Lauderdale Park, Dunbar.
DROP IN ACTIVITIES (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
WILLOW WEAVING 10.00AM – 1.00PM Discover the art of natural weaving – noexperience necessary! Come and have a go atmaking a willow and rush fish to take home.
STORYTELLING 1.30PM – 4.00PMCome and get cosy in the yurt and listen totales of wildlife and adventure. Starting1.30, 2.30 and 3.30.
JOURNEYS (BOOKING REQUIRED)
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out & about
As a tribute to the pioneering conservationist, Scotland’s newest long-distance path - The JohnMuir Way - now stretches from Dunbar all the wayto Helensburgh. In so doing, the route mimics Muir’sown 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.
John Muir (1838–1914)
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coast-to-coastThe John Muir Way:
East Lothian’s new section of the
path across Scotland
The route passes through Loch Lomond andthe Trossachs National Park, a fitting tribute to Muir as the founder of the National Parksmovement. Within East Lothian, the John MuirWay enters near Musselburgh’s waterfront.From here it follows near to the coast, via Prestonpans, Port Seton, and eastwards toNorth Berwick, before turning inland andsouthwards to East Linton.
The final section passes through John MuirCountry Park. Similarly named in honour ofMuir, this is a special place of wild coastline, estuary, beaches, salt marsh and wildlife. Theroute ends, appropriately, at the John MuirBirthplace Museum on Dunbar’s High Street.
The path is promoted for walking and cycling, and some sections are suitable forhorse riding and people of all abilities.
Take time to explore, experience andenjoy 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, Cockenzieand Dunbar
Yellowcraig beach with its stunning views to the island of Fidra
On the East Linton section, the views to thespectacular Traprain Law, ancient strongholdof the Votadini tribe, and the backdrop ofthe Lammermuir Hills
Dunbar’s Cliff Top Trail, with views along the rugged coastline and open sea.
Visit Scottish Natural Heritage for moreinformation: www.snh.gov.uk/johnmuir
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Top Trees No.4
Giant RedwoodSequoiadendron giganteum
This mature Giant Redwood grows in the centre of Memorial Park, Knox Place, Haddington. It was planted on 22 June1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’sDiamond Jubilee.
Native to California, it grows incredibly tall on the western slopes of the SierraNevada and can live for more than 3,000 years. An evergreen, it has adensely branched, conical habit whileyoung, but the branches become morewidely 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 NationalPark 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:
"Do behold the King in his glory, King Sequoia! Behold! Behold! seems all Ican say. Some time ago I left all for Sequoia and have been and am at hisfeet, fasting and praying for light, for is he not the greatest light in the woods,in the world? Where are such columnsof sunshine, tangible, accessible, terrestrialized?" John Muir
biodiversity
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Venue: Marquee - Lauderdale Park, DunbarWhen: 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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The future of nature conservationin East Lothian : discussFrom 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...
in the spotlight
“ what a fantastic day; we learned so much fromour friendly ranger!
“
Friends of Aberlady head off to clean the beach
Pirri-Pirri Burr surveying - Yellowcraig
Clearing out the wild ponies trough - North Berwick
Weaving willows to protect the river bank
Volunteer path wardenhard at work
Vegetation control
visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/rangerservice for news, events and opportunities in volunteering
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volunteering
Our volunteer group continue to work wonders across the county - would you like to join in? Please do - no experience necessary!
date activity where to meet ranger to contact
Thur 17 April9.30-15.00 Beach clean Yellowcraig
car parkDavid:
Thur 17 April10.00-15.00
Path creationBarney Mains email for details Duncan:
Alternate 3rd Sat & Weds email for details email for details Tara:
Tues 29 April10.00-12.30 email for details North Berwick
Law car parkSam:
Tues 29 April10.00-12.30 Spring clean of site Levenhall
Boating PondNick:
Wed 7 May9.30-15.00
Giant Hogweedremoval
Aberlady Baycar park
John:[email protected]
Thur 8 May9.30-15.00 Pirri-Pirri Burr survey Yellowcraig
car parkDavid:
Tues 13 May10.00-15.00
email Duncanfor details email for details Duncan:
Alternate 3rd Sat & Weds email for details email for details Tara:
Sun 18 May9.30-15.00
Giant Hogweedremoval
Aberlady Bay car park
John:[email protected]
Tues 20 May10.00-12.30 email for details North Berwick
Law car parkSam:
Tues 27 May10.00-14.30 Fencing removal Levenhall
Boating PondNick:
Wed 4 June9.30-15.00 email for details Aberlady Bay
car parkJohn:
Thur 5 June9.30-3.00
Boundary wall repair
Yellowcraigcar park
David:[email protected]
Thur 12 June10.00-15.00 email for details email for details Duncan:
Alternate 3rd Sat & Weds email for details email for details Tara:
Fri 13 June17.00-19.00 Wildlife walk Aberlady Bay
car parkJohn:
Sun 15 June9.30-15.00 Plant survey Aberlady Bay
car parkJohn:
Tues 24 June10.00-12.30 email for details North Berwick
Law car parkSam:
Tues 24 June10.00-14.30 Vegetation control Levenhall
Boating PondNick:
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diary dates
Celebrate John Muir’s love of everything wild at our fun, interactive weekend of eventsdesigned for younger children. Children aged 6 and under, and their families, can handleexotic animals, go on a magical storytelling adventure, create natural art or learn somegardening 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 GalleriesScotland and is part of the Festival of Museums eventsprogramme (16 – 18 May 2014).
Visit www.festivalofmuseums.com for details.
John Muir’s BirthplaceSaturday, 17 May 1–4pm
Prestongrange MuseumSunday, 18 May 1–4pm
