October 2011

 

Dedridge Pond swans shot

Swans, Edna and Eck, are shot in an airgun attack. It is estimated that Edna was shot about 14 times, while Eck was shot 4 times. The decision was taken by vets to leave some of the pellets from the airgun inside the birds, particularly the ones inside Edna's neck, as it was deemed to be too much of a risk to remove them.

 

The Wave Pond wetland restoration work begins

The aim of this project was to create a wetland feature on the site of a former pond and to help improve the wildlife corridor further down the burn and link it to the River Almond. The Wave Pond suffered from accelerated sedimentation and the former pond was now nothing more than a ditch.

The project included woodland management to thin the trees and open up the landscape, improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and also helping to reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour. Paths have been raised and a board walk installed so that families and individuals can better enjoy the wetland area.

The creation of a diverse wetland improving the biodiversity of the area attracting reed buntings, butterflies and damselflies amongst others, was the aim of the project and this has now been achieved. It also offers opportunities for the community and local eco-schools to become involved in varied activities, which has already been illustrated during the completion of the project and at its opening on 23 April 2012.

A range of successful grant applications has enabled the project to take place and to create ongoing developments closer to the River Almond. The project has also received funding from a variety of companies. GE Energy formally presented us with a cheque for $4000 at their offices on 21 September 2011. Members of their staff have been involved as volunteers on a great number of occasions and this continues on an ongoing basis. Dobbies Garden World donated £450 towards plants and equipment and we purchased three planters, compost and lavender plants. Ross and Liddell Bursary Scheme awarded us £250 from which bluebell and snowdrop bulbs were purchased. They have also arranged a photo shoot and press release. Almond Enterprises Ltd. donated £500 towards a specially designed picnic table and bench. CSV awarded £250 for bird and bat boxes. In addition, the £2000 won for being Scotland’s Finest Community Wood was put towards the project. Central Scotland Forest Trust awarded us £7000 and Edinburgh Airport £3000.

 

September 2011

 

Helen Divine Bench Tribute

DEEP paid a tribute to local woman, Helen Divine, for her dedication to feeding the birds at the pond on a daily basis. Her name is now on a plaque on the bench next to the large pond.

Photo: Margaret Lothian

 

Bankton Primary School's Animated Film "The

Pond"

This short animated film focussing on Dedridge Pond was produced by pupils at Bankton Primary School. It looks at attitudes and the consequences of our actions towards the environment. Roley Walton, Vice Chairman of DEEP, and Rev. Robin Hine took the children from Bankton on a walk around Dedridge Pond and woods in February 2011, prior to the production of the film. They took this opportunity to discuss all things environmental with regard to the pond and surrounding woods, in order to give the children ideas for the film.

 

May 2011

 

Dedridge Pond and Nature Trail Official Opening

The Official Opening of the Dedridge Pond and accompanying Nature trail following a lengthy restoration process. Miss West Lothian, Metja Bowes, cut the ribbon on the day.

The Nature Trail has provided a great educational focus for local schools eco-group projects, nurseries, playgroups and families in the area.

An Interpretation Panel has been located at the beginning of the Trail, outlining the 10 stations that are around the Dedridge Burn Plantation. Each station is marked with a number for easy identification. Five leaflets are available from the nearby Lanthorn Community Complex within the library, giving information on what can be seen at the stations. Parents can take their children around the Nature Trail and use the leaflets as a guide.

 

February 2011

 

Grassroots Public Art Project

DEEP in Partnership with the Council's Community Inclusion team have been awarded funding through the public art strategy, Grassroots Public Art Grant scheme. This scheme recognises that art can make a substantial contribution to the character of an area and can help encourage individual well-being and local confidence. The community works with community artists to deliver public art projects that involve the community in the process and provide artwork within accessible public spaces This project will be focused on Dedridge Burn Plantation and the award is for £24,600.

The contract to produce the artwork was given to Ratho Byres Forge who came along to an Open Day at the Lanthorn in August with their Forge and produced artwork for the community whilst getting feedback on the types of artwork the community would want.

Two pieces of artwork were decided on this basis and the third was taken from artwork provided by the schools. One of the pieces is a damselfly which is located on an island in the large pond. The other pieces of artwork are located in the surrounding woods and feature a set of toadstool and oak leaf seats.

 

Video: West Lothian Council. Installation of the damselfly at Dedridge Pond.