Wild Projects

The Calder wood and Green Spaces Volunteers

This group evolved from a heritage interest group who worked with the South Lanarkshire Countryside Ranger Service.

With the support of The Conservation Volunteers – Scotland, the group is now widening its interests and forming an independent group. We have been fortunate to be awarded a start-up grant from the Chestnut Fund that will enable us to get Insurance and buy tools.

What is the Plan?

Removing Invasive Species

We plan to continue removing the invasive species around the Calderwood area of the town, particularly at the north end of Calderglen Country Park. This was formerly the Calderwood Estate belonging to a branch of the Maxwell Family who resided at Pollok Park.

The image above shows the white berry that birds love to eat but unfortunately, when they spread the seed, the plants germinate and can grow very thick and smother out woodland plants like the bluebells. By using loppers, we can cut back the plant to allow our woodland plants and animals to thrive. This includes hawthorn which also produces berries that are a better alternative for birds to eat

Grassland Management

We have borrowed scythes from Friends of Langland’s Moss and the East Kilbride Development Trust to experiment with grassland Management.

The above image shows a demonstration of Scything including how to sharpen your blade, members of the group having a go, and our modest haystack. The aim is to benefit insects particularly butterflies and moths such as the chimney sweep moth that is featured.

Exploring

The group also spends time exploring the trails and undertakes litter picks whenever necessary.

The image shows what the fungi found on a recent walk and the recovery of bags of litter that we think was collected a year ago and for whatever reason was not removed from the site. It is all gone now.

Helping others

The Friends of Langlands Moss also team up with the Butterfly Conservation Scotland Bog Squad to improve the area in and around a Raised Bog Site on the South of East Kilbride. You can also follow the latest news on their Facebook Page. Members of the group hope to give them a helping hand.

Bog Squad Removing Trees on Langland’s Moss

The group meets mostly on the second Sunday of the month but other days are organised to assist other groups promote their activities.

If you would like to know more or get involved with the Calder Wood Volunteers then please get in contact. Incredibly Wild East Kilbride will be in touch within two working days.

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