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 £2 per adult and £1 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 Naturalists" at Polkemmet Country Park and for adults the "Mid-Week Naturalists".

Only the events from April to end of August 2009 have so far been added to the web site. It is hoped that full details will be available soon.

June

• June • July • August • September • October • November • December

Saturday 6th. June "WELCOME TO ECOMANIACS" 13:30-15:30

Join the club for young people aged 8-11years if you love the outdoors and want to learn more about nature and the environment. Get to meet the rest of the club and the Rangers as we play a series of nature games. BOOKING ESSENTIAL as places are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Cost £1.50 child. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com

Friday 12th. June "BEECRAIGS BADGER WATCH" - supporting SWT Wildlife Week

Join the Ranger to discover more about & to watch these intriguing animals. Bring binoculars, no perfume or aftershave scents to be worn. BOOKING ESSENTIAL as places are limited to a maximum of 16 persons. Cost £4 adult, £2 child. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com

Sunday 14th. June "WATERY WILDLIFE" - supporting SWT Wildlife Week - 14:00 start

Exploring the underwater world. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Wednesday 17th. June "LIN'S MILL WALK" 13:30 start

Following the canal feeder from Almondell to Lin's Mill Aqueduct on the Union Canal and returning by a country road. Rough tracks & stiles, approx. 6.5kms/4miles over 2.5hours. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Saturday 20th. June "DECHMONT LAW PARK" 14:00 start

An interesting walk through woods and grassland. Go up Dechmont Law (Livingston's highest point) if the weather's good. See the UFO landing site! Meet at Deans High School car park, Deans (grid ref NT 032 693). For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 or e-mail hugh.ilgunas@westlothian.gov.uk

Saturday 27th. June "POLKEMMET ORCHID COUNT" 14:00 start

The grassy meadow is a stronghold for different wild orchids. Come and help do the annual count to see how they are doing. Meet at Polkemmet Train car park, Polkemmet Country Park (grid ref NS 923 644). For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 or e-mail hugh.ilgunas@westlothian.gov.uk

Sunday 28th. June "BUGS & SLUGS" - 14:00 start

Looking for bugs & beasties!. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

July

• June • July • August • September • October • November • December

Saturday 4th. July "BUTTERFLY ORCHID SURVEY & BUTTERFLY TRANSECT WALK" 13:30 start

Take part in the annual flowering spike count on Balvormie Meadow and help with a butterfly transect. Meet at Balvormie car park, Beecraigs Country Park. Booking preferred. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com

Wednesday 8th. July "POND DIPPING" - 14:00 start

Exploring underwater worlds. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Friday 10th. July "BEECRAIGS BADGER WATCH"

Saturday 11th. July "ECOMANIACS - BOXES FOR BATS" 13:30-15:30

Join the club for young people aged 8-11years if you love the outdoors and want to learn more about nature and the environment. Come and help us to increase the number of batty bedrooms! BOOKING ESSENTIAL as places are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Cost £1.50 child. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com

Wednesday 15th. July "OAKBANK & CALDERWOOD LOOP" 13:30 start

A walk through the less well known paths of the Country Park. Rough tracks, approx. 5kms/3miles over 2hours. Meet at the Oakbank car park, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Saturday 18th. July "ECOMANIACS - USE YOUR SENSES" 13:30-15:30

Join the club for young people aged 8-11years if you love the outdoors and want to learn more about nature and the environment. Put your four senses to the test for a change, as you try to master our sensory trails! Has anyone moved into your new bat boxes? BOOKING ESSENTIAL as places are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Cost £1.50 child. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com

Saturday 18th. July "HARDHILL COMMUNITY WOOD" 14:00 start

Planted by the Scouts as a Millenium project in 1999, explore this maturing woodland on good paths. Meet at the Armadale Stadium car park (grid ref NS 949 686). For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 or e-mail hugh.ilgunas@westlothian.gov.uk

Sunday 19th. July "ELIBURN RESERVOIR & LOCHSHOT BURN" 14:00-16:00

A wander up the side of the Lochshot Burn to Livinsgton's newest District Park in Eliburn. Meet at the Livingston Inn car park (grid ref NT 037 669). For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01501 743905 or e-mail hugh.ilgunas@westlothian.gov.uk

Sunday 19th. July "THISTLE DO NICELY!" 14:00 start

Wildflowers and their uses - a walk for enthusiasts. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Saturday 25th. July "DRYSTANE WALLING COURSE" 10:00-15:00

Tuition provided by professional drystane waller. Take this opportunity to come along for FREE and learn this age-old craft. Bring a packed lunch and gardening/work gloves. Meet at the Sutherland Building adjacent to the Visitor Centre, Beecraigs Country Park. BOOKING ESSENTIAL as places limited to 10 people. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 or e-mail mail@beecraigs.com

Sunday 26th. July "DRYSTANE WALLING COURSE" 10:00-15:00

Sunday 26th. July "IT'S A KNOCKOUT" - supporting Love Parks Week - 14:00 start

family fun and games in the Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. For further information, telephone the Ranger on 01506 882254 or e-mail almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

• June • July • August • September • October • November • December