Help discover the history of Motherwell estate

Piecing together the past at Dalzell Graveyard

If you’re interested in local history, graveyards provide a window to learn how our ancestors lived and died that can be as revealing as any library.

North Lanarkshire Council is looking for volunteers to help with a survey at St Patrick’s graveyard in the Dalzell Estate, Motherwell.

The survey of buried gravestones will be carried out on 19 and 20 January, between 10.00am and 3.00pm each day.

Historic graveyard experts will lead the survey, which is part of an ongoing project at the estate. Volunteers will have a chance to learn about current research methods and the history of the location.

This is the first in a series of training workshops organised with Archaeology Scotland through the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership. Further events will be confirmed in the coming months.

To book a place, contact the council’s Greenspace Development team on 01236 780636.

Volunteers should wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

The RSPB Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve at the Dalzell Estate is the venue for a bird watching event on Sunday 22 January. Between 10.00am and 12 noon visitors can enjoy a guided walk around the reserve to spot the many local birds and other wildlife living there.

Booking is essential. Contact the RSPB warden on 07872 814911 or 0141 331 0993, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The event costs £4 for adults and £2 for children,

On Saturday 21 January, visitors to Strathclyde Country Park can make their own bird feeder at an event run by the Countryside Rangers.

The event takes place at 1.30pm to 2.30pm, using natural and recycled materials. Anyone attending should meet at the Club Cain at the Watersports Centre. Find out more by clicking the link below.