Borders Projects

Completed Projects

North Esk Woodland Restoration
Where? Carlops
When? 25 July 2009
What's it about? Establishment and maintenance of young woodland on two riparian areas close to the North Esk reservoir, which is an important bird breeding area. Volunteers will be protecting trees with tree shelters, reducing weed competition by laying biodegradable carpet squares, building stiles to improve access and adding a line of wire to the fence to discourage roe deer.
Where's it happening? North Esk reservoir, Carlops
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Donald McPhillimy (01896 820 244)
Organised by: New Caledonian Woodlands
Email: donald.mcp@virgin.net
REF S226

A Flock of Lawnmowers for Crailing Community Orchard
Where? Crailing
When? 10 June 2009
What's it about? Orchard Development Group (ODG) is a not-for-profit organisation working with communities, landowners and other organisations in the Borders to help restore, promote and celebrate local orchards, ecologies and culture. Crailing Community Orchard (CCO) is run by ODG as a model project to restore a once well-known local orchard that formed part of "Berry Bob's" successful market garden business during the first half of the last century. We have restored old apple and damson trees left in the orchard before it was grubbed up in the 1960s and planted 40 new apple and pear trees known to do well in this part of Scotland. We are also keeping bees in the orchard to encourage more people to learn this important skill - and hopefully encourage our bees to help pollinate this beautiful orchard for us. We promote our activities regularly and have a regular group of member/volunteers who help out at our monthly work days. Borders Forest Trust (BFT) are also keen supporters and provide tools and volunteers whenever they can. There is much to be done in the orchard and, this year, we are keen to erect substantial tree guards round the new trees to protect them from hares, rabbits, deer and sheep (which we are hoping to let into the orchard to keep the grass down). Meantime, we are strimming for Scotland to keep the heavy grass at bay. We are looking to the future to be able to deal with the grasses more effectively, encouraging more varieties of green manures and wild flowers but need to get on top of the current situation first. On June 10th & 11th, we are planning two focused days of orchard tasks to begin building the 40 tree guards (for which we need some materials) and to strim away grass round the trees and make paths through the orchard. Alongside our CCO volunteers, BFT are kindly organising a group of their Community Woodland volunteers (who have now been trained in safe strimming) to help out.
Where's it happening? Crailing Community Orchard, Crailing
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch, The work is physical and so sturdy clothing is essential. We will provide specialist clothing where necessary.
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials, We will provide some protective clothing, gloves etc.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult, No parking on site. There is a layby at the turning to the orchard off the A698 and buses from Jedburgh and Kelso stop at Crailing on the A698, No parking on site. There is a layby at the turning to the orchard off the A698 and buses from Jedburgh and Kelso stop at Crailing on the A698
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: email info@orcharddevelopmentgroup.org (Lise Bratton on 0777 604 3786)
Organised by: Orchard Development Group
REF S172

Wee Green Fingers Gardening Club
Where? Galashiels
When? 28 April 2009
What's it about? AS WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SCHOOL WE AT THE NURSERY WOULDLIKE TO START GROWING OUR OWN VEGETABLES POTATOES ETC AND NEED FUNDS TO DO THIS. ALSO WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO CREATE AN AREA WHERE CHILDREN CAN GROW THINGS FREELY, BUT WOULD NEED TO FENCE THIS AREA OFFFROM DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
Where's it happening? Langlee Nursery, Langlee Drive, Galashiels
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Tools and Materials
What will be provided: Health & Safety
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, No under 16s, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: EILEEN NICHOL (0175022331)
Organised by: Langlee Nursery
Email: EENICHOL@BTINTERNET.COM
REF S40

Replenishing Planters/ Containers & the Creation of an Area To Dig
Where? Galashiels
When? Friday 1st May 2009
What's it about? We want to create a planted area in existing planters/containers with fresh compost and new plants, which will grow every year. Herbs would be a good plant for their sensory qualities, and heather would be easily kept. This project would involve a maximum of 4 parents and/or helpers as well as the children to plant and dig.
Where's it happening? Tweedbank Primary School, Tweedbank, Galashiels
What to wear/bring: Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, No under 16s
How many NEW volunteers required? 4
Press/Volunteer Contact: Sheena Ferguson (01896 751 662)
Organised by: Tweedbank Nursery Class
REF S77

Heriot Under Fives Go Wild!
Where? Heriot
When? 26 July 2009
What's it about? We have an outdoor space that we are currently making into an educational and play area for the playgroup. We have dug out an over grown area already and would like to plant some wild flower seed that would encourage nature into this area. We would also like to put up bird feeders and boxes and introduce other natural materials such as logs to make habitats for other wildlife. Volunteers plus playgroup children will help with planting, and adults will also help putting bird boxes and feeders and bringing in other natural materials.
Where's it happening? Heriot Primary School, Heriot
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Volunteer Contact: Seonaid Boyd (01875835615)
Organised by: Heriot Under Fives
Email: Seonaid9@aol.com
REF S242

Eye spy.. wildlife in our school grounds!
Where? Newcastleton
When? 29 July 2009
What's it about? The project I propose involves erecting a nestbox and camera (and bird feeder and camera) in the grounds of Newcastleton Primary School. The students of the school are keen to get to know the wildlife that lives in their school grounds. I believe that this next box camera project will be a fantastic opportunity for the children of this rural school. The community spirit in Newcastleton is strong and volunteers from the local community will help to erect and set up the nest box and feeder. The chilren of the school will monitor the box and feeder and learn abotu the brids in their school grounds.
Where's it happening? Newcastleton Primary School, Montagu Street, Newcastleton
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Tools and Materials, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Cat Barlow Moorland Education Officer (01387380914)
Organised by: Langholm Initiative
Email: cat@langholminitiative.co.uk
REF S275

Peebles Bins the Litter!!
Where? Peebles
When? 5 April 2009
What's it about? We will coordinate local volunteers to tidy up and enhance our local environment in advance of the visitor season, picking up litter in the town and landward area.
Where's it happening? Peebles
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials, High vis reflective tabards; litter-pickers; gloves
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partially
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 20
Press/Volunteer Contact: Douglas Wright (01721 720791)
Organised by: Peebles and District Community Council
Email: peeblescommunitycouncil@yahoo.co.uk
REF S28

Benchmark Venlaw
Where? Peebles
When? 17 May 2009
What's it about? Members will refurbish around six or more public benches by painting or re-treating wood and metalwork as required, together with the replacement of any rotten timbers. We we also take the time to tidy up and litter pick the area.
Where's it happening? Venlaw High Road, Peebles
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, No
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials, High-vis tabards for any roadside work
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partially
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult, No, No
How many NEW volunteers required? Yes 3
Press/Volunteer Contact: Mr. Drew Fraser (01721 722024)
Organised by: Peebles Gutterbluids Society
Email: reiver472003@yahoo.co.uk
REF S99

Gypsy Glen Drovers' Bench
Where? Peebles
When? 12 July 2009
What's it about? Members/volunteers will repair, refurbish and re-site public bench by replacing rotten timbers, replacing bolts, painting timber and metal ends. We will also be incorporating a general clean up of the area and a litter pick.
Where's it happening? Old Drove Road, Gypsy Glen, Haystoun, Peebles
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, No
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials, First Aid kit
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult, No, No
How many NEW volunteers required? Yes 2
Press/Volunteer Contact: Mr. Drew Fraser (01721 722024)
Organised by: Peebles Gutterbluids Society
Email: reiver472003@yahoo.co.uk
REF S100

Hoolet Hall Venlaw
Where? Peebles
When? 19 July 2009
What's it about? Purchase a Tawny Owl box, instal in suitable position in Venlaw Community Woodland, and combine with an environmental day with litter clear and any scrub clearance required for paths.
Where's it happening? Venlaw Community Woodland, Venlaw High Road, Peebles
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Press/Volunteer Contact: Drew Fraser (01721 722024)
Organised by: Venlaw Community Woodland
Email: venlawwoodland@yahoo.co.uk
REF S211

Rest-A-While Tweed Bench
Where? Peebles
When? 23 July 2009
What's it about? To provide a wooden bench beside a rural riverside path, for walkers to rest and view the landscape. We will do a litter clean and clear overgrown vegetation along the pathway as well.
Where's it happening? River Tweed, Kerfield Farm, Peebles
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets, No under 16s
How many NEW volunteers required? 2 - 3
Press/Volunteer Contact: Mr. D. Wright (01721 720791)
Organised by: Central Tweeddale Paths
Email: reiver472003@yahoo.co.uk
REF S268

Kirkhope Litter Detectives
Where? Selkirk
When? 4 June 2009
What's it about? We are in the process of becoming wardens of a local woodland. To be a woodland warden we have to do a regular litter clean up. We would like financial support tp help us buy litter grabbers to help us clean up the woodland.
Where's it happening? Woodend Road, Ettrickbridge, Selkirk
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Maureen Brown (01750 52231)
Organised by: Kirkhope Primary School
Email: mabrown@scotborders.gov.uk
REF S165