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Glow-worm weekend on Isle of Cumbrae

Close-up of a beetle with two lower segments of its body glowing bright green and perched in a grassy area.

22-23 June 2024 Fintry Bay We arrived on the Isle of Cumbrae at lunch time and headed over to the Fintry Bay Café, with beautiful views over the Clyde Estuary. After a delicious lunch we made our way along the coast towards Millport and discovered the walking track uphill to Millport Golf Club. Our routeContinueContinue reading “Glow-worm weekend on Isle of Cumbrae”

Beginners’ Botany with Michael Philip at Thornly Park

A group of people standing in a grassy area surrounded by trees

A group of 7 members gathered for this evening walk on 5th June, to learn about botany in the grassland adjacent to South Avenue, Paisley. It was led by Michael Philip, Vice-county Co-recorder for Lanarkshire (vc77) and co-ordinator of the Renfrewshire Vice-county (vc76) Botany Network. Rather than repeat the same route as last year, weContinueContinue reading “Beginners’ Botany with Michael Philip at Thornly Park”

Neilston Pad outing

Group of people scattered across open grassland looking downwards

On 25 May 2024, a group of twelve, including insect and plant specialists from both Glasgow and Paisley Natural History Societies, gathered in the south-west car park at Neilston Pad. Known locally as ‘The Pad’, it is an old volcanic plug surrounded by several dams and offers a variety of habitats to explore. The areaContinueContinue reading “Neilston Pad outing”

Gay Christie

We were very saddened to hear the news that Gay Christie died on May 28th in a hospice after a very short illness. Gay and Andy were committed members of Paisley Museum Natural History Society from its foundation in the early 70s and then developed their long commitment to animal rescue which led to theContinueContinue reading “Gay Christie”

Holly Blue butterflies spotted in Renfrewshire

Silvery blue butterfly feeding on a holly flower with its underwing showing.

Have you seen any Holly Blue butterflies? The Holly Blue had been slowly moving North in the Glasgow and Southwest area over the last 5 years particularly. During 2023 the species went through a massive explosion in numbers and range in Scotland, particularly on the East coast. This has continued in 2024. Spread on theContinueContinue reading “Holly Blue butterflies spotted in Renfrewshire”

Outing at Ardeer Peninsula

Group of people standing in front of a metal-link fence with gorse scrub behind

Around 13 members from the Paisley Natural History Society, Glasgow Natural History Society and interested delegates from the recent Scottish Ornithologists Club/ British Trust for Ornithology conference arrived at Broom Farm for 11.00 am on Saturday 4th May, to walk about in the extensive brownfield site at Ardeer, looking in particular for the rare LesserContinueContinue reading “Outing at Ardeer Peninsula”

Volunteers needed for Clyde Area Amphibian Surveys, Spring 2024

Clyde Amphibian and Reptile Group (CARG) is recommencing the Greater Glasgow Pond Survey. The purpose of the survey is to assess the status of amphibian habitats and populations across Glasgow North, Glasgow South, East Kilbride, Paisley, and Barrhead. They are calling on volunteers, old and new, to make this season as fruitful as those past!ContinueContinue reading “Volunteers needed for Clyde Area Amphibian Surveys, Spring 2024”

Report on winter tree id walk at Jenny’s Well

Group of 11 people standing around a path next to a holly bush with mature leafless trees behind

Thirteen tree-lovers gathered at Jenny’s Well on a pleasant, if chilly, Sunday afternoon on 18th February, for a spot of winter tree identifying. We were accompanied by Matt and May, from the Friends of Jenny’s Well, who were doing a litter pick round the site. Kirsty, who led the walk, helped by Judy, had previouslyContinueContinue reading “Report on winter tree id walk at Jenny’s Well”

Some outings for your diary

Hand holding a twig with a large pointed reddish brown bud at the end

First outing of the new Strathclyde Lichens Group Dave Mellor is leading a lichen trip to Shieldhill Glen on Tuesday 12th March.It’s an outing of the newly formed Strathclyde Lichens Group and will be meeting at the Cornalees Bridge car park, Greenock Cut Visitor Centre at 10.00 am.Anyone interested in joining in should email DaveContinueContinue reading “Some outings for your diary”

Report on lichen outing at Muirshiel Country Park

Group of people wearing waterproof clothing, bending over looking at pale lichen growing on a log covered in moss

Craig Postlethwaite led another excellent walk for the society, sharing his knowledge about lichens. There was a very good turn out for the walk on 27th January. Not put off by the bitterly cold winds we dawdled along the track examining lichens on logs, trees and stone walls. Craig has written this report on the walk and includedContinueContinue reading “Report on lichen outing at Muirshiel Country Park”