Past Projects
Here are just some of the projects that we have been involved in:
Cramond Interpretive Panels
This project was completed on Wednesday 4th March 2009 with the installation of three interpretive panels. One on the Cramond promenade and two on Cramond Island itself. The panels will give visitors information about the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area. The island was extremely important in the defence of the Forth during both World Wars. There was also a Roman Fort in the town of Cramond near the site of the existing church, which has been the focus of a recent archaeological excavation. Cramond Island is one of the most visited islands in the Forth, and we hope that visitors will enjoy the opportunity to learn about the history and biodiversity of the area whilst enjoying some fantastic views.
Partners: Cramond Heritage Trust, Cramond Boat Club, Edinburgh Rangers Service, Rosebery Estates
Fallin Woodland
On Thursday 22nd January, 2009, Friends of the Forth and Stirling Rangers Service joined forces with over 200 pupils from Fallin Primary School to plant a native woodland in a corner of their playing field. Pupils of all ages joined in to help plant the trees, which consisted of a wide range of species including Scots pine, holly and oak. Many teachers and some parents joined in, too. More than 100 trees were planted, including a hedge of hawthorn and blackthorn that will provide a rich habitat for invertebrates and birds. The project was funded through Stirling Council’s Biodiversity Grant Scheme. The trees will be closely monitored over the next few years and some wildflowers may be planted later in the spring. Fallin School is situated near Stirling, on the banks of the Forth.
Friends of the Forth Exhibition
This mobile exhibition was on display around the Forth in local libraries and popular visitor locations such as Deep Sea World and the Scottish Fisheries Museum.
The display featured information about the Forth and how to get involved in Friends of the Forth. There were also leaflets, newsletters and copies of the Beach Litter CD to take away alongside the display.
Belhaven Bay Users Group
This group was started by East Lothian Council to bring together the many users of this important area of coastline near Dunbar. Traditional users including dog walkers and horse riders were finding new users such as surfers, kite surfers and traction kiting also wishing to use the beach – sometimes with inevitable clashes as groups competed for the same space. By bring together representatives of all the groups each slowly gained an understanding of the needs of each other. An enjoyable part of the process was ‘taster’ sessions where each sport had an opportunity to try another sport. The Friends Project Officer helped with the facilitation of the meetings and was a neutral particpant in the process. Since then the experience gained at Belhaven has been transferred to other coastal locations where similar issues occur.
Seafield
Seafield beach is a short sandy beach on the west side of Kirkcaldy in Fife. In the past it was largely ignored as local mining and poor water quality made it an unattractive place to visit. Over the years water quality has improved (bathing water at Seafield is now classed as Excellent (2007)) and local environmental improvements have made this beach a popular local attraction. A small group of local people came together, initially to hold regular beach cleans at Seafield. The group wanted to extend its activities and Friends of the Forth was able to help advise on how to become a constituted group. It also advised on health and safety matters and contacts within the local Council.