Bat Watch 2010

A dry but blustery Wednesday night saw a 28 strong band of intrepid Bat Watchers gather in the Kilbride Car Park for the 3rd Bat watch of the season.
Things started off with a quick cuppa from the back of the little green van while local bat expert and FCS ranger Andy Kerr described the different habitats we would be visiting and the types of bats we could expect to encounter. As things got a bit darker and with bat detectors held high, we ventured into the Forest around Bishop's Glen and very soon an excited buzz passed through the group as we heard the click, click, click of Soprano Pippestrelle bats overhead. For some in the group this was their first time actually hearing and seeing bats in the wild, and they were thoroughly amazed at how close they came to us, how fast they flew and how well we could hear them echo locating through the bat detectors.
We continued on into the glen and spent some time on the bridge watching and listening as we were visited by more Soprano's and some Brown Long Eared bats, much to the delight of the group - particularly the children!
Returning to the car park via the forest road, questions were asked and answered and the overall feeling was that the night was a great success, and at least one bat watcher was off home to search a well known internet auction site for night vision goggles and bat detector!
Many thanks to all who came along, and in particular Andy Kerr, Annette Watson of Visit Scotland and Rowan Fraser - Ranger with Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, for giving up their time and sharing their knowledge so enthusiastically.

We look forward to more of the same next year. In the meantime - why not get out there yourself and see if you can spot the bats - or anything else for that matter.

See you around the forest (probably in the daylight!)

The Chase

The Chase - the signature event of the Scotts Land Programme is a unique off road duathlon within the stunning setting of the Trossachs. Inspired by Sir Walter Scott's poem "Lady of the Lake" The Chase is a sporting event with a difference!

• 15 mile off road cycle from Callander to Invertrossachs
• 6-10 mile orienteering course
• 15 mile off road cycle return to Callander

The Wee Chase

A shorter challenge - the Wee Chase is a fun event for all ages. 3 mile walk or cycle and an exciting treasure hunt.

£10 for adults and £5 for children, entry includes duathlon, goody bag and after race medieval party with local food , drink and entertainment.

Register today at http://www.thechaserace.com/

From Small Acorns

Next weekend sees the return of the ever popular "From Small Acorns "event at Hunters Quay Holiday Village run by Cowal Leisure Ltd in partnership with FCS.

As Always this promises to be a family friendly fun day out. Take part in FREE indoor and outdoor activities, meet and learn about starnge sea creatures, birds of prey, bats, hedgehogs and more. Enjoy the rare opportunity of a guided minibus tour into the quiet woods on the side of Loch Eck in the company of a Forestry Commission Ranger.

The event is on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th August from 10am -4pm both days.

So come along and who knows - maybe see you around the Holiday Village!!

School's Out!! - Now What!

As the schools break up for summer, kids(and parents) will be looking for things to do to help while away the hours. As always the Forests are open for business 7 days a week to go for a walk, cycle, horse ride or general exploration!

This year for the first time in the district we will be running a Junior Rangers programme called "Wild Wednesdays" where, in conjunction with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Rangers and Argyll Holidays, youngsters aged between 8-12 can take part in a series of nature themed activities, challenges and safaris. Taking place every Wednesday in July between 12-4pm, each week will have a different theme and be based at a different location around Cowal. As this is our first year of trying this, places are very limited so contact Steve on 01786 220222 or Glenbranter Forest Office on 01369 860703 as soon as possible to reserve a space.

Cost is £3 per child per Wednesday.

See you around the Forests, with some Junior Rangers!

Disaster!!

Dear Frogwatchers,

I'm sorry to have to report that the recent spell of hot weather has spelled the end of our breeding area, it's completely dried up and all our youngsters have gone - hopefully some will have made it into other pools or damp ground nearby.

On a happier note, I noticed yesterday that we do still have a thriving small population of palmate newts in a different pool.

Off to take a group of Dunoon Primary School pupils on an exploration of the forest, might see you there!!

Frogwatch - Update!

Hi Frogwatch Followers!

On close inspection of our breeding ground today it would appear that we have tadpoles of two different species, though they are a bit wee still to tell exactly which. Will be keeping a close eye on them. Also noticed some Damselfly nymphs, water boatmen, pond skaters and whirligig beetles. There's a lot going on in a relatively small space!

Hope your own frogwatches are going so well.

See you around the forest!

Bio Blitz Day

Lower Clyde Greenspace are organising a Bio Blitz Day for Saturday 5th June at the Bishop's Glen to tie in with BBC 's Springwatch Wild Day Out. Between 10am and 2.30pm come along and discover (or rediscover if you've not been there for a while) this fantastic informal country park on the towns back door. Learn about the New GREEN GYM project, take part in a range of hands on environmental activities, bring your own bike and join in a led mountain bike session between 10:30 and12:30 or join myself for a less strenuous guided walk around the glen from 13:00 to 14:00.

Bring your own picnic and make a day of it!

See you in the glen!!