|
Protect Red Squirrels in Central Scotland |
|
Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) is encouraging locals in the Central Scotland Forest area to safeguard the existence of red squirrels in Central Scotland.
The species, scientifically known as Sciurus vulgaris, is native to Great Britain, but its future is in danger as the invasive American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) spreads its reach across the country.
Once widespread across the UK, red squirrels are now largely restricted to the north of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland with Scotland currently hosting about 75% of the UK population. In fact, there are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels remaining in Britain today, in contrast to over 2.5million of their grey counterparts.
The primary threats to the survival of the indigenous reds are competition from the increasing number of grey squirrels, habitat fragmentation and road traffic.
Disease is also one of the gravest concerns and red squirrels north of the border are currently under attack from outbreaks of the squirrelpox virus which is carried into the country by the greys. Grey squirrels are found to be immune to the disease but the virus is invariably fatal to the reds.
Whilst locals in Central Scotland may think they are protecting red squirrels by leaving food out in their gardens, this can actually have a detrimental effect as feeding areas encourage contact between the reds and the greys, providing an environment in which the disease can readily spread.
Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of CSFT said: “Garden feeders are often the key points of contact between red and grey squirrels and therefore present the opportunity for squirrel to squirrel disease transmission, increasing the chance of the disease spreading.
“We’re urging locals in the Central Scotland Forest area to refrain from feeding squirrels in their gardens in the fight towards preventing further spread of the disease.” |
|
|
Build Walking into New Year's Resolutions |
|
Everyone starts the year off with good intentions to make positive changes, yet most resolutions fail to ever see the month of February.
For 2012, CSFT are encouraging locals in the Central Scotland Forest area to set an achievable and affordable resolution, to get out and about more in the fresh air and explore the beautiful Scottish countryside.
January presents the perfect backdrop for a crisp walk to kick start a healthier 2012. Not only will it help to shed those excess pounds from the Christmas festivities, but it will also help to make the most of the short spell of daylight each day.
Simon Rennie, Chief Executive at CSFT, said: “If there’s one thing that locals in the Central Scotland Forest area resolve to change for good this year, it should be enjoying the fresh air in their surroundings and exploring the local countryside.
“It’s also important for people to consider their role in protecting the environment. Locals should aim to become more environmentally responsible by taking ownership of looking after their surroundings. Simple activities like recycling waste and volunteering in the local community can have a big impact.”
Roughcastle woodland in Falkirk is a must see for explorers. Not only does the World Heritage site contain a short stretch of the Antoine Wall and the remains of a small Roman Fort, but it also boasts an extensive network of firm and stable paths along with some natural, narrower grass tracks through the more established woodland.
There is also easy access to many walking paths in nearby forest areas in Falkirk, including Kinneil Woodlands, short walks around Abbotshaugh and longer rambles around the River Avon Heritage Trail.
There are plenty of opportunities for Wishaw residents to experience nature first hand in the many walking paths and trails in nearby forest areas, including North Branchal Woods, Shotts Nature Park and Torbothie Community Woodland.
Why not browse our places to visit for more information on places to go near you? |
|
In the past couple of years, the winter weather has been particularly cold, even by Scottish standards, which is why locals in the Central Scotland Forest area are being advised to dress appropriately when venturing outside.
At Central Scotland Forest Trust, we are urging people not to let the bad weather put them off exploring the outdoors during the winter months, but to simply wear suitable layers before being exposed to the chilly conditions. Layers offer the flexibility to add or remove items of clothing depending on the severity of the weather and the level of physical exertion.
Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of CSFT said: “We are urging locals in the Central Scotland Forest area to dress appropriately for the winter weather in order to stay warm, safe and healthy when exploring the beautiful Scottish countryside.
“This can be done by wearing the three principle layers of wicking, insulation and protection which should ensure that you are properly prepared for being exposed to the cold weather.”
Wicking is the layer worn closest to the skin, usually consisting of long underwear. The function of wicking is to move moisture away from the skin and pass it through the fabric in order that it can evaporate.
The middle layer of clothing should provide insulation and should ideally include one thick item such as a sweatshirt, jumper or fleece with its key purpose being to keep the heat in and the cold out. It should be looser fitting than the inner layer in order to allow for the insulation process to take place. The protection layer is the third, or top, layer which should be worn and normally consists of a nylon material with the capacity to defy even the harshest weather conditions such as snow, sleet, wind and rain, whilst simultaneously remaining breathable to allow perspiration to evaporate.
Although layers provide the backbone for winter clothing, it is also extremely important to support these with additional garments such as hats, gloves and thick socks, as when temperatures drop it is the head, hands and feet which suffer first.
Simon Rennie added: “Regardless of the occasion, whether you are hillwalking with your friends, discovering the surrounding woodland area with your family or sledging with the kids, you should make the most of the outdoors this winter and remember, there is no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong clothes.” |
|
Explore Scotland's Colourful Countryside |
|
Now we are in the midst of autumn, we are encouraging locals in the Central Scotland Forest area to discover and explore the vibrant forests and countryside in their local area as the trees change colour.
With so much forest area in the region, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to experience nature first hand and there is easy access to many walking paths in nearby forest areas.
Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of CSFT, said: “Autumn is a beautiful time to explore the outdoors to search for different woodland creatures and to experience the trees changing colour.
“The onset of autumn can vary by a few weeks to a month or two depending on the weather we’ve experienced during the year. Because we had a warm and dry spring and have had a lot of rainy spells recently, autumn arrived slightly earlier this year.”
The whole family can enjoy days out exploring local forest areas and the children can be kept entertained by kicking up the leaves, jumping in puddles and looking out for some of Scotland’s most unusual and striking trees including Ash, Aspen, Birches and Elm.
In the early autumn months, Ash trees can be identified by their bright yellow leaves. Birches are the most common native tree in Scotland whilst Elm trees can be easily recognised, having the largest leaves of any native Scottish tree which do not fall until late autumn.
Simon added: “2011 is the United Nation’s International Year of Forests and at CSFT we have been supporting the cause by raising awareness on conservation and sustainable development of forest areas.
“Also for every five new followers we gain on Facebook and Twitter, we have been planting a tree so it’s a great way for the wider community to contribute to improvements in their local environment.” |
|
Community Volunteer Fund 2011 |
|
06 October 2011
CSFT has launched this year’s Community Volunteer Fund to offer essential support to volunteering projects in the Central Scotland Forest area. Organisations can apply for up to £7,500 to deliver projects directed to new or increased volunteering activity in the CSF area. No match funding is required as the grant can be spent on the entire cost of a project.
In response to the commitment of individuals and communities in the creation and development of the CSF area, CSFT started the Community Volunteer Fund to encourage, support and enable organisations to increase opportunities for volunteering in the Forest area.
Supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Community Volunteer Fund is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations with experience of delivering volunteering projects. It provides one-off grants for projects which encourage and develop volunteering within the Forest boundary.
Simon Rennie, chief executive of CSFT, said: " The founding ethos of CSFT is to improve the lives of the people within the Forest area and we welcome volunteering projects which benefit communities by creating a better environment, enhancing quality of life, conserving and contributing to cultural heritage and contemporary culture, and tackling disadvantage and exclusion in the Forest. Last year we were able to support 3 organisations to deliver volunteering projects which have created a better environment, improved health, provided education and training opportunities and enhanced biodiversity. The success of these projects has been down to the hard work and commitment of volunteers”.
"Whilst many people are often willing to give their time and talent for free, it can sometimes be hard to secure funds for very worthwhile projects. We hope that the Community Volunteer Fund will continue to help people make a real difference to their local community."
John O’Keefe, from SNH said “Volunteering is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. It’s fun and good for you. We’re glad to be able to help with funding so that more people can get involved in looking after their local green spaces”.
Click here for further information about the Community Volunteer Fund.
*** NB Application deadline for 2011 now passed *** |
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 4 |
