local news What a load of rubbish! Canoeists collect 2 tons of litter from RSPB nature reserve
RSPB Lochwinnoch is a beautiful nature reserve where you can see songbirds, ducks, raptors, orchids, otters and... Litter? Not any more, thanks to the “Song of the Paddle” canoe club who spent a whole weekend picking up rubbish from the reserve’s lochs.
The local club spent March 31st and April 1st canoeing around the reserve’s lochs, picking up all the litter they could find. In their third annual clean-up, the canoeists estimated that they’d picked up around two tons of rubbish. Like any popular spot, litter can be a problem at Lochwinnoch reserve. It is thought that some is washed up from an old landfill site near the south side of the reserve, but that much is left behind by visitors.
Canoeist Robin Weir said: “Although the situation in some popular spots is notably worse this year, we are seeing a year on year improvement overall, with less rubbish to cart away.”
Litter is not only an eyesore; it can also be a real danger for wildlife. Fishing lines, plastic bags, cans, bottles and other rubbish can ensnare or be swallowed by fish, birds and mammals. RSPB Scotland encourages people to take their rubbish with them when enjoying the outdoors, and to bin or recycle it at home. As well as spectacular wildlife, Lochwinnoch nature reserve also offers visitors a choice of relaxing walks, activities for children, a hide for photographers, and a shop selling a range of wild bird products, which will help you to support the birds and other wildlife in your garden.
A Very BigThank You From Kilbarchan Habbies’ Art Class
Many thanks to all of you who visited our recent art exhibition and made it such a resounding success. In spite of the current economic problems you raided the piggy banks and let a few moths out of the wallets to make all our efforts at trying to create the odd masterpiece or two worthwhile.
There were many lucky prizewinners who carried off the numerous raffle prizes and , as always, the ladies were kept busy making tea and coffee and filling up the plates with mouthwatering goodies. Weightwatchers may find they have a few new members !!
We owe a great deal to our sponsers who help to give a more professional look to our exhibition. So a big “thank you” to Greenscene - Interior planting (Hooston ) .....Flower and plant displays, Stark
Images....Advertising photograhy and
MailBoxesEtc....Printing of posters and cards
Our raffle wouldn’t have been the same without the very generous donations of local businesses. Many thanks go to The Cooperative, Kilbarchan, Bobbins, Kilbarchan, The Nomad Music School, Kilbarchan.
Because of the success of the exhibition we are delighted to say that we shall, once again , be able to donate a sizeable amount to local charities.
Now it’s heads down and paintbrushes out ready for the next show !!
The reserve is located near Lochwinnoch village, and is a two- minute walk from Lochwinnoch train station. The visitor centre is open daily between 10am and 5pm.
I left Ban Kingkaew closed to volunteers and visitors as the babies (Group 1 and Group 2) had chicken pox. I was sad not to be able to comfort the children.
The weather had become very hot and sticky, with most days reaching 39 degrees, but Songkran (The Thai New Year) was 13th April. I managed to fill my last couple of weeks by going to the Burmese refugee drop-in centre and teaching the children English, They were eager to learn and we had such fun with drawings and fruit tasting. I also visited Agape (HIV children’s home) and Bandekdee where the extension of the house is nearly complete. We have offered to help a guy called Greig (From Australia) who has set up a charity called “Heartfelt Thailand”. He brings six children down from the hills, cares for them and sends them to school. He has a heart of gold and has taken on a big challenge to help educate these children. The children thread small beads for hours to make strings which Greig then makes into necklaces so they can be sold.
By the time this article comes out I will be heading back to Chiang Mai. Caroline, from “Twisted Willow”
Bespoke Florist, located at 1 Prieston Road, Bridge of Weir, has agreed to collect toothbrushes for us, so if you have any that you would like to hand in you can pop into the shop and place them in the box at any time. Thank you to Caroline for supporting Phantasanja and to all of you who are going to bring in toothbrushes. More information at
www.phantasanja.webs.com
or on facebook on Phantasanja Scotland. 6 |MAY 2012 | your LOCAL news every month - in print and online | Julie
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