Winter – Paisley Natural History Society

Report on Tree Walk, Spier’s School Grounds, Beith

Group of 13 people dressed in warm coats and hats standing beside a tree with red, sinewy trunk

Saturday 15th February 2025 A change from our usual winter tree walk in woodland plantations, this year we went to the grounds of the Old Spier’s School in Beith, which has more mature formal planting and some challenging, unusual species. Fortunately, there is a tree trail map and we had the invaluable help of SimonContinueContinue reading “Report on Tree Walk, Spier’s School Grounds, Beith”

Hair today, gone tomorrow!

piece of decaying wood with strands of white ice exuding from the surface like a wave of hair

A rarity to look out for in the current frosty weather. Last night at the PNHS meeting, Nigel Scriven, showed a photo of the Hair ice he and Catriona spotted at Bank Brae woods, Glentyan, Kilbarchan, on 8th January. Here’s his photo of it, quite a remarkable sight. Hair ice requires very specific conditions toContinueContinue reading “Hair today, gone tomorrow!”

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”

What’s new

What better way to start February than to come along to the next Paisley Natural History Society talk on Thursday, 2nd February. We’ll be hearing from Rebecca Dickson a young ornithologist and ecological consultant who’ll be sharing her love of birding and wildlife photography. As usual the meeting will be held at the Wynd Centre,ContinueContinue reading “What’s new”

Mistle Thrush Mystery

Last December, a Mistle Thrush took up residence in our back garden. Or rather, it took over our garden! It was clearly distinguishable from its cousin the Song Thrush by its larger size and more horizontal spots, but mainly by its bold aggressive behaviour. It sat alert at the top of our rowan tree, likeContinueContinue reading “Mistle Thrush Mystery”