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".

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.

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  "A DAY FOR DOGS" 11:00-15:00

Bring along your pooch and enter the mini competitions!  The Ranger Service is teaming up with local professionals to promote responsible dog ownership, highlight the benefits of dogs to society and have fun! 

Suitable for: All

Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park

Cost: Free, £1 to enter individual competitions.  Telephone the Ranger on 01506 844516 for further details.

National Pet Month event

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 event

June

• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December

WEB SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

July

• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December

 

 

• March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December