Spring Flowers
Have you seen all the wildflowers that are coming out throughout Clydesdale?

Close to home, a wonderful selection of Scotland’s beautiful wildflowers can be seen blooming along the boardwalk on the Falls of Clyde reserve. SWT rangers have put out name signs and interesting information relevant to several of the plants, which has been very positively received by walkers. It is often the case that you ‘know’ a flower and have seen it all your life, appreciating how pretty it is but have never known its name or whether it has medicinal properties or folklore attributed to it. Now, you can get to know the cuckoo flowers, lesser celandines, marsh marigolds and wood anemone, like making close friends of long time, superficial acquaintances.

Peregrine Falcons
The peregrines are enjoying the warm days as much as we are but have to contend with long hours of just sitting still, incubating their three eggs. The chicks are due to hatch (all going well) early next month. Operation Peregrine, the 24/7 protection on the falcons’ eyrie, has already had hundreds of people visiting the Hide.  The staff and volunteers are keeping a close watch on the birds and with the wonders of modern technology, security is higher than ever.

Would you, or anyone you know, be able to give a few hours to volunteer on this vital project? (contact details below). We are particularly in need of more help to cover the week-ends and in the evenings, up to 8.00pm. All training is given and as well as being a valuable use of your time, volunteers enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat with like-minded nature lovers in the glorious location among ancient woodland above the gorge. Operation Peregrine only runs until this year’s new young birds have fledged (mid June) and are less vulnerable to being targeted by those wishing them harm.

Sightings
A full list of all the results of the Great Clydesdale Bird Watch is now available in the Falls of Clyde visitor centre, or this can be emailed to you. If you would like a copy by post, please send a sae to the address below.

For further information on all wildlife issues or to volunteers with Peration Peregrine, please contact Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde visitor centre, Dyeworks, New Lanark ML11 9DB 01555 665262 or email fallsofclyde@swt.org.uk.

Cherry – Visitor Centre Assistant