Published on:
20
August 2002
From August 31 to September 8 all things natural will be the theme of a series of events in Clackmannanshire as it celebrates National Biodiversity Week.
And to kick the whole week off, a one-day local event will take place at Tillicoultry's Devonvale Hall on Friday August 30.
The Biodiversity Seminar will look at the draft Biodiversity Action in the morning, with the afternoon session open to the public for a number of guided walks round the village.
Lynn Campbell, Biodiversity Co-ordinator said: "Although National Biodiversity Week starts next Saturday, we wanted to start the ball rolling with the seminar the day before. And instead of making it a dull seminar where everyone is stuck in the hall, we're taking advantage of everything Tillicoultry has to offer by organising themed walks round the village."
The draft Biodiversity Action Plan has five habitat themes - Farmland, Wetland, Urban, Water & Wetlands and Upland. Each of the walks will take a different theme, with guides leading the way and explaining local facts about Tillicoultry and Clackmannanshire's natural landscape.
You are invited to send a photographer to see off the walkers off at 1pm at the Devonvale Hall. Members of the pubic have been invited from 1pm to 3pm.
Lynn explained: "We want local people to come along and enjoy the free walks. Very often people who live in an area don't take the time to stop and enjoy all that is around them. Although the seminar sounds like it deals with a very heavy subject, it's actually all about enjoying and protecting what nature has given us."
And among the events included in National Biodiversity week is a bat talk and walk at Dollar Glen on Tuesday September 3rd. Neil Middelton from the Central Scotland Bat Group will guide the evening tour and explain to people fascinating facts about the nocturnal creature.
For example, the saying "as blind as a bat" is entirely wrong - bats can see perfectly well although not in colour. And bats do not get tangled in long hair when flying, as they emit a high frequency sound which usually can't be heard by people. The bat listens for the returning echo of the sound from nearby objects and can build up a clear picture of its surroundings. And thankfully, while Dracula has created the classic image of a bat drinking blood, it's highly unlikely. Out of almost 1,000 species of bat around the world only three lap up blood from large animals - and the comforting news is that they all live in South or Central America.
The Bat Talk and Walk leaves from the Strathallan Hotel, Chapel Place, Dollar.
Local Ranger Elaine Baxter will also be taking charge of a self-led walk at Garrtmorn Dam on Sunday September 1, where people can take part in a treasure trail where they complete questions as they walk, with the chance to win prizes. Two walks will take place - one at 11am and the other at 4pm.
And for those with an interest in angling, catch of the day is in Dollar on Wednesday, September 4 at 6.30pm. The Castle Campbell Hotel will host an evening of angling related demonstrations. Craig Macadam (Scottish Water) will show the wide variety of invertebrates present in the rivers of Clackmannanshire. Colin Bull (Forth Fisheries Foundation) will demonstrate the use of electro-fishing equipment to show the numbers of fish present in our rivers.
There are a number of other events as part of National Biodiversity Week - please check with your local library, council office or check the web at www.clacksweb.org.uk. Alternatively, call Lynn Campbell on 452639.
Please note: All events must be booked through the Speirs Centre on 213131. For all events, bring stout footwear and waterproof clothing. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ends