Book review: The Lost Rainforests of Britain by Guy Shrubsole

Review by Simon Stuart (originally published in  the Native Woodland Discussion Group Newsletter, and re-used with kind permission) In this eagerly anticipated book, the author gives an often very personal but informative overview of the current state of Britain’s temperate rainforests, discusses their historical (and current) decline and the main factors affecting their survival andContinue reading "Book review: The Lost Rainforests of Britain by Guy Shrubsole"

Glow-worm weekend on Isle of Cumbrae

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 routeContinue reading "Glow-worm weekend on Isle of Cumbrae"

Beginners’ Botany with Michael Philip at Thornly Park

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, weContinue reading "Beginners’ Botany with Michael Philip at Thornly Park"

Neilston Pad outing

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 areaContinue reading "Neilston Pad outing"

Holly Blue butterflies spotted in Renfrewshire

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 theContinue reading "Holly Blue butterflies spotted in Renfrewshire"

Outing at Ardeer Peninsula

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 LesserContinue 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!Continue reading "Volunteers needed for Clyde Area Amphibian Surveys, Spring 2024"

Report on winter tree id walk at Jenny’s Well

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 previouslyContinue reading "Report on winter tree id walk at Jenny’s Well"

Some outings for your diary

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 DaveContinue reading "Some outings for your diary"