Although our visitor centre is currently closed it seems busier than ever around here with workmen and volunteers hard at it. I am famed for my supervisory skills (at least I like to think so) and with a team of ten volunteers every Tuesday to help me on the reserve and with refurbishments in the centre; progress is fast if not chaotic! My volunteers aren’t the kind to sit around, have a cup of tea and maybe do a bit of work. They are very much completion orientated, I’m forever accosted by the words, ‘Done that, what’s next?’ This is great news for us and the small unmanned visitor centre we are creating.

We’re also excited to be able to offer a room for education, workshops, and social occasions. We’ve booked in all sorts of exciting artists to teach you everything from jewellery making and basket weaving to landscape photography and stained glass making. I for one am very much looking forward to doing a sculpture workshop with the very talented Robin Fox (his work can be found in the Corn Exchange in Biggar).

Anyway I digress! I know many folk have been worried about us down here and we really appreciate that you care. I just want to reassure everyone that we’re doing great and we’re really excited to share our new revamped building at the end of March!

Now to the important bit – An otter was spotted on Wednesday outside our visitor centre windows at 5.45pm. It was squeaking away with its unmistakable ‘squeaky bike wheel’ sound. A recent otter survey has also shown up lots of activity in and around the reserve!

Laura Whitfield – Falls of Clyde Ranger