Published on:
11
September 2013
Over 500 visitors to Gartmorn Dam this weekend hunted for minibeasts, enjoyed a ride on a miniature steam train, took part in a teddy bears picnic and enjoyed some guerrilla knitting creations.
Enthusiastic adults and children took part in the free fun weekend events which are part of the celebrations to mark the tercentenary of the Dam, which is the oldest man-made reservoir in Scotland.
Teddy bears enjoyed a feast of twigs and acorns and a smelly cocktail made especially by their owners, followed by a teddy hide and seek and a well earned rest in some bear shelters.
The rangers helped families with some tips on how to find minibeasts, and many creatures were discovered including caterpillars, millipedes and harvestmen galore. The miniature ride-on railway was provided by the Scottish Model Engineering Trust and was very popular with children and adults, with passengers being carried on a track outside the visitor centre.
Visitors were also able to enjoy viewing the colourful and unusual knitting and crochet creations on the Yarn Bombing trail, where pieces were hung as outdoor art objects.
Enterprise and Environment Councillor Donald Balsillie said: "I'm pleased that so many families visited the Dam this weekend and took part in these wonderful events. It's important that children and young people get the chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the fascinating ecology of this lovely area. I'm sure the teddy bears enjoyed their day out too!".
A full programme of events, activities and exhibitions has been underway to mark Gartmorn Dam's tercentenary, with many interesting events still to take place.
Create some outdoor art at the art workshops on 11th, 14th and 15th September. Investigate the birds, bugs and biodiversity at an event on 15th September.
A walk from Forestmill to Gartmorn Dam on 18th and 21st September is a chance to find out more about how the Dam was built and the local place names.
Combining history with arts and crafts, a decoupage workshop on 18th September is a chance to discover the delights of decorating objects with paper cut-outs.
A woodland celebration will be held on 22nd September, when the new orienteering and heritage sculpture trail will be launched.
A family survival event will be held on 28th and 29th September, where you can learn fire lighting, shelter building and camp cooking. Why not take part in an exciting mountain bike event on 29th September?
Meet the people of 300 years ago and hear their stories with the walking community theatre on 5th October.
Most of the events will take place at Gartmorn Dam and are free. Full details are available in the events brochure which is available in Council offices and on ClacksWeb.