After a weeks holiday on the north west coast of Scotland (and with only clouds of midges in the air – yes amazingly it was sunny!) it’s time for an update on August’s activities. From Big Play Days to updates on SDA’s, it’s all been going on.
Playful Partnerships
I began August alongside my fellow trainees Lucy, David, Carolyn and Jenny (and not forgetting our lurgified leader Tim) at East Ayrshire’s Big Play Event, part of National Play Day 2016. Jenny had done a fantastic job setting up a plethora of environmental activities for local children from badge making to beastie hunts.
The marquee pre giant gust
A Multitude of Meetings
The month has also been a time of reflection on the progress of the Strategic Development Area Action Plans with the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership and Central Scotland Green Network Trust. This then helped formulate the Community Engagement Programme with CSGNT’s Development Officer and TCV’s Community Rewilding Officer. I was also lucky enough to talk to one of Glasgow City Council’s Senior Planners on the Community Engagement techniques they use in their Place Standards and Healthy Sustainable Neighbourhoods initiatives. Following on from GCVGNP’s team meeting I was also able to discuss in more detail ideas for my personal project.
The Fun of Funding
After some advice and guidance from TCV’s Operations Leader for Communities and Biodiversity I am now exploring funding opportunities for my own personal project as well as looking at the next research stages involved in HLF bids.
Flowering Faifley
At the end of the month I revisited the wildflower pockets we’d planted in Faifley with help from TCV;s midweek Glasgow group. Accompanied by the Urban Butterfly Project Officer from Butterfly Conservation I now have some extra hints on better buffets for butterflies.
Butterfly banquet
Training in the Tropics
I have also managed to escape the office to attend 2 courses run by TCV. The first was on Nature Play held on a gloriously sunny day in Edinburgh.
Foil frolics
The second on a bright sunny day at Jupiter Wildlife Centre to practice my green wood working skills.
Crockery carving