Walking boots, historical survey chains and fairy potions: Top ten of 2015

This year has sped by in a blur of walking boots, historical survey chains and fairy potions. Here are top ten moments of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership supported projects of 2015.

1.Clearburn’s Enchanted 1st Birthday Party and #WildTimeLAN

Everyone’s favourite local Natural Play and Picnic Area, Clearburn, turned one on the same day that it scooped its second award in September. The creation of Clearburn is just one of many projects which encourage natural play and learning, including Fire Club, Forest Skills, #WildTimeLAN

2.Spring Walks Festival

In May, 58 people collectively walked 152 miles through the valleys as part of the Festival, exploring the unique and beautiful features of the area, from designed landscapes to orchards and nature reserves. A special mention must be given to Lady Lockhart Ross’ Historic Trail at Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde, which was launched during the festival. Follow the trail here.

3.Lifting the Lid of Hidden Histories with CAVLP Heritage

A re-enactment of an 18th century survey by Carluke born General William Roy kicked off the projects exploring the heritage of the valleys in July. If you want to join in the quest for uncovering the past, starting with Hoolet Row in January, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 01555 661 555.

4.Clyde Valley Apple Juice For Sale

For the first time ever, Clyde Valley apple juice can be found for sale. Produced by the Clyde Valley Orchard Co-operative Ltd, the production of the sweet nectar is part of a wider initiative to revive local orchards which has included the replanting of over 600 new fruit trees so far. All profits will be ploughed back into community projects.

5.Fantastic Fruit Day

The aforementioned apple juice was officially launched at the sixth and busiest Fruit Day at Overton Farm in October. Over 2000 visitors, (2050 if you count the scarecrows entered into the competition), enjoyed fresh local produce, crafts and live jazz in a celebration of the local growing and agricultural heritage.

6.Glorious Gardens are GO!

A high number of old Houses and Estates are peppered throughout the valleys and tell an important part of the local history. Glorious Gardens launched in May to train local volunteers in the recording of these sites. To get involved, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 0845 901 1142.

7.Views of the Past Improved at Dalzell Estate and RSPB Baron’s Haugh

Visitors to the designed landscapes of Dalzell Estate and Baron’s Haugh have been enjoying historic parkland restoration via improved pathways this year. If you haven’t been yet, pay a visit to see excavated curling pond as well as the replanted parkland and orchards.

8.Continued Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) FREE Training

Following the outstanding success of last year’s programme, we were delighted that CCI’s environmental volunteering projects received funding to continue to 2016. 168 environmental and conservation focussed sessions will have been delivered by the end of March 2016, helping to build capacity needed to maintain the local natural environment.

9.Creepy Crawlies in Carluke

270 school children in Carluke created spectacular larger than life sculptures of Creepy Crawlies with Impact Arts, after exploring local wildlife with South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers. Visit the Citizen Science Young Gallery again in the Virtual Museum.

10.Full House!

The Clyde and Avon Valleys team are finally operating at full steam after Development Officer Ewan joined the team earlier this month. Ewan joins Development Officers Karen and Kirsten, Programme Manager Donna, Finance and Administration Assistant Lorna and Communications Officer Sarah.

Phew! We’re looking forward to getting stuck into more projects that connect people with the local landscape, history and cultural heritage in 2016.