workday

Since 2003 we’ve been gradually clearing non-native species of plants (rhododendrons and laurel) from some areas of the glen.

We’re trying to get a balance between the needs of native plants and animals, and the fact that some rhodies look nice!

Today we’ll be clearing out some areas of rhodies completely; we’ll be concentrating on the top of the Braes, to try to stop rhodies spreading into the upper glen.

This is a good time of year to maintain the paths, prior to the heavy rain and snow (if it hasn’t already happened!).

We’ll be working in the upper glen, identifying the most damaged sections of path to repair and doing some routine maintenance (clearing ditches etc.).

You’ll need stout shoes, and probably waterproofs! 

Just turn up any time between 1100 and 1300, either for the whole session, or just for half an hour.  There will be work to suit all abilities.

Since 2003 we’ve been gradually clearing non-native species of plants (rhododendrons and laurel) from some areas of the glen.

We’re trying to get a balance between the needs of native plants and animals, and the fact that some rhodies look nice!

Today we’ll be clearing out some areas of rhodies completely; we’ll be concentrating on the top of the Braes, to try to stop rhodies spreading into the upper glen.

The Illuminations are in September, and this is the day to get ready for them!

Most of the work will be quite easy – picking up rubbish, clearing off the paths and cutting back any overhanging trees.

If we’ve got time, we’ll continue our work on restoring the Mill Lade.

Just turn up any time between 1100 and 1300, either for the whole session, or just for half an hour. This workday is particularly suitable for small children to take part in.

The Mill Lade on the south-east of the glen used to house a water wheel, powering one of the many mills in Alva. 

The lade and structure is heavily overgrown and full of rubble and rubbish.

We’ll be clearing out as much of the rubble as we can and removing the trees that obscure the lade from sight. 

Later in the month work should be starting to restore and conserve the Lade; we are bringing in specialist contractors to do the work.

As part of our ambitious programme of work in the glen, we have commissioned the building of a “sensory garden”.  Our sensory garden will be a large planter (easily accessed from wheelchairs) which has plants to stimulate all the senses. 

On this workday we need to fill it with soil and plant a variety of different species. 

If there’s time, we’ll also be starting to clear the rubbish out of the Mill Lade.

On the first Sunday in June we will be working on the paths in the Upper Glen.  We'll be fitting a few water bars to divert rainfall off the path and clearing out the drains.

Everyone is welcome; we meet in the car park in the glen at 1100.  We'll provide all the tools and training, just come along in stout footwear and bring a snack!