Tuesday
We returned to North Bughtlin today to continue with the burn tidy up and to plant bulbs to brighten up the area come spring. An easy feet we may have thought…until we saw the gazillions of bulbs that needed planted and the expanse of ivy that needed removed. Whilst commencing the first bulb planting extravaganza we discovered that the ground was rather rooty and stony so our task became a tad more challenging but in true BTCV volunteer spirit the team battled on and fought tooth and nail against the dreaded roots to plant a fair few bulbs. The ivy hackers charged into the ivy destroying it as they went, also finding quite a lot of litter that had been there for quite a few years (one crisp packet was dated 2000!). So we included a litter pick here to try and make way for the bulbs come spring. Whilst removing the ivy a timber wall was rediscovered, which apparently had not been seen for 30 years. 
Today was also fuelled by the locals providing us with much needed tea and coffee, which we were all very thankful for. The day continued with all the volunteers clearing and planting bulbs but sadly the mass of bulbs were not all planted, however, the locals were keen to continue planting around the area so they will eventually reach the earth. All in all a very successful day and the area looked dramatically better.
Wednesday
On Wednesday the team headed down to the Water of Leith for a spot of path scraping. The occasional dipper and heron watched on from the river as everybody got industriously to work removing the build up of leaves and grass from the edges. 
A procession of wheelbarrows removed all the debris before carting back hardcore to fill in the holes that were uncovered. Lunch was eaten on a convenient set of steps listening to the not so far off tones of the bypass overhead. After lunch it was back to scraping and filling the paths, followed by a brief lichen survey that turned up absolutely nothing. Which, is still a result in a way.
Thursday
We returned to Callendar Wood in Falkirk to continue our work of clearing out the wood. The group, pro’s now, went full force into action safely removing trees and debris. I got quite determined to bring down a rather large rhododendron, which was encroaching onto a Ewe but the battle is still on. Roz from the Forestry Commission came to see us and was very impressed with the work that we have done and the difference it has made, so well done everyone! 
We continued all day spread out around the area until Rachel took us on a nature trail to investigate the different trees that were around us, which was very interesting. Sadly we didn’t find a strawberry tree but hopefully if we come back we can go further a try and spy more species.
To see photos click this link