Ranger Service Events Programme
Ranger events and activities run throughout the year, aiming to provide interest to people of all ages and abilities.
Organised groups and individuals can make alternative arrangements for Ranger-led walks, talks and activities by contacting any of the Ranger bases. The majority of events last approximately 1-1.5hours and incur a small fee of £3 per adult and £2 per child, unless stated otherwise. Payment may be required on booking. Always wear suitable clothing for outdoor events and activities. To ensure your place please do book in advance.
The Ranger Service also leads other environmental groups and their programmes are available on request from the Ranger Service - for children the "Ecomaniacs" at Beecraigs Country Park, the "Young Explorers" at Polkemmet Country Park and for adults the "Mid-Week Naturalists".
March
• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
Saturday 27th March "MOLE HUNT" 14:00-15:30
This molehill survey is part of the National Mole Watch (http://www.molewatch.org.uk/). It’ll help us build up a picture of where these curious mammals live.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Livingston Rugby Club car park (NT 070 678)
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
April
• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
Sunday 4th April "SPRING CLEAN" 13:30-15:00
We need your help to keep Beecraigs tidy! There will be kids’ competitions, Gregg’s snacks for volunteers. An afternoon for the whole family!
Suitable for: All
Meet: Balvormie Play Area, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
National Spring Clean Month event
Wednesday 7th April "POND DIPPING" 13:30-14:30
Free taster session - come explore the underwater world of our pond.
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Wednesday 14th April "MINIBEAST HUNT" 13:30-14:30
Free taster session - come discover the vast variety of smaller residents living in Beecraigs as we undertake a minibeast hunt!
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park.
Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Saturday 17th April "SPRING CLEAN" 10:30-12pm
Join forces to ‘Keep Scotland Beautiful’ during National Spring Clean Month and help us to clear up Calderwood.
Please bring gardening gloves.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Mid Calder Primary School (NT 072 668)
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
National Spring Clean Month event
Thursday 22nd April "WEST LOTHIAN SHORES" 11:00-14:00
Following the path along West Lothian’s only bit of coastline from Blackness to Abercorn and back.
Bring a packed lunch. Approx. 7kms (4¼ mls)
Suitable for: All (Note: seashore and woodland paths)
Meet : Blackness Village Square
Cost: Adult £3.50 Child £2.50 Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Saturday 24th April "NATIONAL SPRING CLEAN " 14:00-15:30
Our Annual Spring clean is always popular. Help us make a difference to the community by zapping the litter. Bibs, pickers, bags and gloves provided. (http://www.keepscotlandtidy.org/)
Suitable for: All
Meet: Howden Park Centre car park (NT 050 675)
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
National Spring Clean Month event
May
• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
Saturday 1st May "DAWN CHORUS WALK " 07:00 start
Join the Ranger Service and a local ornithologist on a relaxed walk in the woods. Learn to identify birdcalls as they sing their impressive dawn chorus. Booking essential.
Suitable for: All.
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Walk in the Woods Month event
Friday 7th May "BEECRAIGS BADGER WATCH" Time to be confirmed
Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a small presentation followed by an evening in the badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. No perfume or aftershaves. Booking essential as numbers are limited.
Suitable for: Adults and children over 12 years old.
Meet: Sutherland Building, adjacent to Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £4.50 Child £2.50. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Saturday 15th May "FLY BY NIGHT" 20:00-21:30
The Ranger Service and a local expert are teaming up to record moths within Beecraigs. Come help out and learn about these fascinating and beautiful creatures.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
National Moth Night event
Sunday 16th May "BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE" 14:00-15:30
How many different varieties of plants and animals can we record in 1 hour? We think that you’ll be amazed!
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Scottish Biodiversity Week event
Saturday 22nd May "EASTER INCH MOSS WALK" 14:00-15:30
This event marks Scottish Biodiversity Week. Come and get a tour of West Lothian’s only Local Nature Reserve, managed for people and wildlife.
Suitable for: All
Meet: At the gate next to Ritchie’s yard. (NT004 663)
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Scottish Biodiversity Week event
Sunday 23rd May "POLKEMMET EXPLORER" (West Side) 14:00-15:30
An ideal way to learn more about the Park. Join a Ranger on a guided tour of the west side of the Park, looking at history, wildlife, recreation and conservation. Points of interest include the River Almond, beech copse, old army barracks and watermill lade. Paths and tracks.
Suitable for: All (Note: not suitable for those requiring wheelchair access)
Meet: Park reception, Polkemmet Country Park, nr Whitburn.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Sunday 23rd May "DRAGONS AND DAMSELS" 13:30-15:00
Do you know your dragonflies from your damselflies? As part of Scottish Biodiversity Week come along and learn about these fascinating insects that have been around for millions of years and have a go at using a net to try to catch them.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Scottish Biodiversity Week event
Sunday 23rd May "SPRING IN CALDERWOOD " 13:30-15:30
A spring family wildlife-walk through the bluebells of this ancient woodland.
Rough tracks with some uphill.
Approx. 3.2kms (2 mls)
Suitable for: All
Meet: Gasworks Brae, Mid Calder. (NT076 676)
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Thursday 27th May "LIN’S MILL - Midweek Walk" 13:30-16:00
Following the canal feeder from Almondell to Lin’s Mill Aqueduct on the Union Canal and returning by country road.
Approx. 6.5kms (4 mls)
Suitable for: All (Note: rough tracks with stiles and steep steps, tow-path and minor road)
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Cost: Adult £3.50 Child £2.50. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Saturday 29th May "FOOD FOR FREE" 13:30-15:00
Ever wondered which wild plants are good to eat? Come take a walk through Beecraigs and find out where some of these tasty wild foods can be found. Taste nettle tea and get some recipes to take home.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Be Nice to Nettles Week eventJune
• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
Saturday 5th June "LET'S GET GRUBBY" 11:00-15:30
Calling all willing bodies! As part of National Volunteers Week, spend a day getting dirty to improve the Park. Bring your lunch. Phone for more details. Booking essential.
Suitable for: Adults and children over 12 with adult supervision.
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
National Volunteers Week event
Saturday 5th June "YOUNG EXPLORERS - TREASURE HUNT" 14:00
Aharr me hearties! Find the clues, solve the riddle and dig up the yummy pirate treasure.
Meet: Park reception, Polkemmet Country Park, nr Whitburn.
Cost: £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Sunday 6th June "UNDERWATER WILDLIFE" 14:00-15:30
Exploring the underwater world of our pond
Suitable for: Families.
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Friday 11th June "FAMILY FRIENDLY BADGER WATCH" Time to be confirmed
Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in the badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. No perfume or aftershaves. Booking essential as numbers limited.
Suitable for: Families.
Meet: Sutherland Building, adjacent to Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £4.50 Child £2.50. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Scottish Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Week event
Saturday 12th June "ECOMANIACS - MINIBEAST SAFARI" 14:00-15:30
Aged between 8 and 12 years, interested in nature and wildlife, and enjoy having fun out-of-doors? Join the Ecomaniacs club based at Beecraigs Country Park and work in conjunction with the John Muir Trust to achieve the Discovery Award for keen participants. Spaces are limited so booking is essential.
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Scottish Wildlife Trust Wildlife Week
Sunday 13th June "ON YOUR BIKE" 13:00-15:00
Bring your bike along and join an expert to explore the excellent mountain biking routes in the Park. Bring safety equipment with you, a helmet is essential.
Suitable for: Adults and children over 12 years old with mountain biking experience.
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
National Bike Week event
Wednesday 16th June "MIDWEEK NATURALISTS GROUP - ALMOND PARK" 10am
A pleasant riverside and parkland walk along the side of the river Almond. Circular route, 2 kilometres.
Meet: Park at Livingston rugby club car park (NT 070 678).
Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Saturday 19th June "DECHMONT LAW WALK" 14:00-15:30
This Park has a lovely mix of forestry and open land. Livingston's highest point, Dechmont Law, gives stunning views to Edinburgh and the Pentlands.
Suitable for: All.
Meet: At car park adjacent to Deans High School (NT032 693), Livingston.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details
Sunday 20th June "ORCHID COUNT" 14:00-15:30
Join us on our annual orchid count in the wildflower meadow. We're looking for Northern Marsh orchids and Butterfly orchids, and we will be working in tall grasses. The results help us monitor biodiversity.
Suitable for: All.
Meet: Park reception, Polkemmet Country Park, nr Whitburn.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Thursday 24th. June "WINCHBURGH RAMBLE - Midweek Walk" 13:30-16:00
Following the canal towpath and minor roads to explore the wildlife and history of Winchburgh and Glendevon.
Approx. 5.5kms (3.5mls)
Suitable for: All (Note: canal towpath, minor roads and tracks)
Meet: War Memorial, Winchburgh Cross (NT087 749)
Cost: Adult £3.50 Child £2.50 Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Saturday 26th June "MINIBEAST HUNT" 11:00-12noon
Come discover the vast variety of smaller residents living in Beecraigs as we undertake a minibeast hunt! Learn about what they like to eat, where they live and how they hide. Wear old clothes and suitable footwear. Booking essential as numbers limited.
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
National Insect Week event
Saturday 26th June "DRAGONFLY HUNT" 14:00-15:30
To mark National Insect Week, we will be taking a stroll down to our main pond to look for dragonflies and damselflies. Can we find a new species? (http://www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk)
Suitable for: All.
Meet: Park reception, Polkemmet Country Park, nr Whitburn.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
National Insect Week event
Sunday 27th June "POND DIP" 11:00-12noon
Come hunt for the underwater creatures of our pond and learn about their watery way of life. Wear old clothes and suitable footwear. Booking essential as numbers limited.
Suitable for: Families.
Meet: Balvormie Car Park, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
National Insect Week event.
Sunday 27th June "MINIBEASTIES" 14:00-15:30
Searching for wiggly worms and beautiful bugs in all sorts of hidden places.
Suitable for: Families.
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
National Insect Week event
July
• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
Friday 2nd July "BEECRAIGS BADGER WATCH" Time to be confirmed
Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a small presentation followed by an evening in the badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. No perfume or aftershaves. Booking essential as numbers are limited.
Suitable for: Adults and children over 12 years old.
Meet: Sutherland Building, adjacent to Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £4.50 Child £2.50. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Saturday 3rd July "YOUNG EXPLORERS - POND DIPPING" 14:00
Watery minibeasts here we come. Have a search in our pond for living creatures, big and small. Nets and trays provided. Wear wellies if you have them.
Meet: Park reception, Polkemmet Country Park, nr Whitburn.
Cost: £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Wednesday 7th July "DEER WALK" 13:30-14:30
Guided walk around the Deer Attraction. A chance to get up close to Britain’s largest mammal and learn about their life cycle. Booking essential.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Saturday 10th July "ECOMANIACS - FLYING HIGH" 14:-00-15:30
Aged between 8 and 12 years, interested in nature and wildlife, and enjoy having fun out-of-doors? Join the Ecomaniacs club based at Beecraigs Country Park and work in conjunction with the John Muir Trust to achieve the Discovery Award for keen participants. Spaces are limited so booking is essential.
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Scottish Wildlife Trust Wildlife Week
Sunday 11th July "WOODLAND WORKOUT" 14:00-15:30
Exercise and fun for all the family on this tree inspired workout through the forest. Improve your fitness through tree squats, push ups and much more.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Wednesday 14th July "MIDWEEK NATURALISTS GROUP - WOODMUIR PLANTATION" 10am
Wide tracks and quiet back roads through forestry and farm land. Good view of the Almond Valley as it slopes east. Part Forestry Commission. Panhandle route. 3 kilometres.
Meet: Park at Memorial car park at (NS 970 600).
Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Wednesday 14th July "DEER WALK" 13:30-14:30
Guided walk around the Deer Attraction. A chance to get up close to Britain’s largest mammal and learn about their life cycle. Booking essential.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Wednesday 14th July "POND DIPPING" 14:00-15:00
Exploring underwater worlds.
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park.
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Friday 16th July "FLYING HIGH" 13:30-15:00
Come along and find out how birds fly, and make your own simple kite to take home.
Suitable for: Families.
Meet: Sutherland Building, adjacent to Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Saturday 17th July "MURIESTON GREENWAY WALK" 14:00-15:30
This wooded greenway follows both sides of the Murieston water and takes in Campbridge pond. See if you can spot the Totem poles!
Suitable for: All
Meet: Livingston south train station car park (NT 060 653), Murieston Station, Livingston.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Sunday 18th July "POLKEMMET EXPLORER" (East Side) 14:00-15:30
An ideal way to learn more about the Park. Join a Ranger on a guided tour of the east side of the Park, looking at history, wildlife, recreation and conservation. Points of interest include the river Almond, site of an old house, pond, horn sculpture and mausoleum. Suitable for pushchairs. Mostly paths.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Park reception, Polkemmet Country Park, nr Whitburn.
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Sunday 18th July "WHO LIVES HERE" 14:00-15:30
Find out about all the furry, feathered and creepy crawly creatures living in Almondell.
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Wednesday 21st July "DEER WALK" 13:30-14:30
Guided walk around the Deer Attraction. A chance to get up close to Britain’s largest mammal and learn about their life cycle. Booking essential.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Thursday 22nd July "UPHALL STATION TO BINNIE - Midweek Walk" 11:00-14:30
A challenging walk rewarded with fantastic views over the Forth and Lothian’s.
Bring a packed lunch. Approx. 9kms (5½ mls)
Suitable for: All (Note: rough paths and tracks with steep climb to summit)
Meet: Uphall Station, train station (NT 065 705)
Cost: Adult £3.50 Child £2.50. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Saturday 24th July "MINIBEAST HUNT" 11:00-12noon
Come discover the vast variety of smaller residents living in Beecraigs as we undertake a minibeast hunt! Learn about what they like to eat, where they live and how they hide. Wear old clothes and suitable footwear. Booking essential as numbers limited.
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Love Parks Week event
Sunday 25th July "FLUTTERBY BUTTERFLY" 11:00-12:30
Can you tell your Painted Lady from your Red Admiral? Come join the Rangers on a butterfly hunt and learn about these beautiful insects. Have a go at using a net to try to catch them on our wildflower meadow.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park.
Cost: Adult £3 Child £2. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Love Parks Week event
Wednesday 28th July "SURVIVAL SKILLS" 13:30-15:30
Ever thought you could survive in the wilderness? Have a go at shelter building, games of stealth and safe fire lighting. Wear old clothes and sturdy footwear. Booking essential.
Suitable for: Children aged 12 – 14.
Meet: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park
Cost: £3. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.
Love Parks Week event
Wednesday 28th July "BUGS & BEASTIES" 14:00-15:00
Searching for bugs and slugs in Kirknewton Community Woodland.
Suitable for: Families
Meet: Kirknewton Play Park (NT 111 669)
Cost: £2 per person. Telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 for further details.
Love Parks Week event
Saturday 31st July "ELIBURN PARK WALK" 14:00-15:30
Love Parks Week event (http://www.loveparksweek.org.uk/) to show you around our new District Park. Nice walks, woods, reservoir, play area and kick pitches.
Suitable for: All
Meet: Eliburn pavilion car park. (NT 030 680) Eliburn, Livingston
Cost: Free. Telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 for further details.
Love Parks Week event
• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December