Hogganfield LNR was a fantastic site for BTCV Scotland to hold two of our ‘Working With Difference’ events this summer. BTCV Scotland, in partnership with Glasgow City Council and the Forestry Commission Scotland, invited groups from ethnic minority communities to the park in north-east Glasgow in order to share the wealth of natural history available at a stone’s throw from the inner city.
The first session was all about wildflowers and pollinators and took place in late July. BTCV’s very own green-fingered Nancy McIntyre MBE was on site to show the great variety of native plants in Hogganfield during a walk around the loch. Unfortunately, due to this summer’s wet and cold weather, the pollinators were not easily found; I think I saw a sum-total of 3 wasps, 2 buff-tailed bumblebees and a single large white butterfly. However, everyone still had a great time. We planted native wildflowers in the meadow, children had fun with arts and crafts, and we were treated to an amazing homemade buffet, provided by the participants.
The second session concentrated on the life in the ponds surrounding the loch. Armed with pond-dipping nets, plastic trays and specimen pots, we took children to the ponds and sampled the life that lurks beneath their surface. The kids learned about the ecology of the ponds and found creatures such as: stickleback fish, dragonfly nymphs, caddis-fly larvae, water boatmen and even a tiny common frog. The children could not be stopped from pond-dipping until well in the afternoon and all were keen to learn more about their findings; another success.
Both days were very rewarding for both the participants and us. There is such a great variety of wildlife in Hogganfield LNR that we were able to share with such an interesting and interested audience.