Wildwood Google Group

Boundary Walkers for 2010

2009-11-30T22:31:06Z

Dear All,
Time to plan the boundary walks for next year. Could you let me know
if you would be prepared to volunteer and which month if you have a
preference.

Newcomers are welcome. It's an excellent hillwalk round the rim of
the valley, about 12km, 6 hrs or so. The less experienced would be

Brave oaks

2009-11-16T20:45:39Z

A good days planting in drookit weather with 300 oaks and 50
honeysuckle planted + what Philip planted. Thanks to George for help
and advice ( even after 10 years planting I still learnt new things)
and even a lift down in that tin box ! Good to see folks from Carlops,
the two doctors from Peebles ( especially the hat and sunny

boundary report

2009-11-23T17:37:52Z

October boundary walk
As I promised John about a month ago, here is the October boundary
report.

I have been procrastinating with this, partly because of an innate
ability but also because I was hoping that time would help to dim the
memory of the day.
Sunday the 25th was supposed to be the better day of the weekend but

Carrifran Boundary Walk Report 8th November 2009 by Raymond Handyside

2009-11-09T16:45:48Z

Carrifran Boundary Walk Report 8th November 2009 by Raymond Handyside

10.15 start anti clockwise on dry mailnly sunny day with light winds.

Almost no fence problems throughout – but the eastern side of the
rotten Bottom fence requires a little wok where some of the wires have
been pulled up/down to leave larger than normal gaps. A similar

Fern Reintroduction at Grey Mare's Tail

2009-11-08T22:13:55Z

Hi, Some of you may have seen this item on the BBC website recently. It reports on a successful collaboration between the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh and the National Trust to reintroduce a fern at the Grey Mare's Tail.
** Rare fern flourishes on uplands **
A project to reintroduce an endangered species of upland fern in Dumfries and Galloway enjoys early success.

Boundary Walks Draft Guidance

2009-11-08T21:55:56Z

Hi, There used to be guidance for new boundary walkers which I have redrafted and attach for comment.
Feedback from experienced boundary walkers, those who have recently volunteered and from others would be very welcome.
I will put it on the Google Group and make it available by e mail once it's finalised.

This sunday is Volunteer day

2009-10-15T09:20:23Z

Urgent -Volunteers needed
for
CARRIFRAN VOLUNTEER SUNDAY
18th October
meet at 10am in the car park

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER DAY. We have 15,000 young trees to
plant during the autumn and spring season, and hope to plant around
half of them with volunteers - visiting groups, regular Tuesday

Introduction and Site Storage

2009-10-12T22:54:13Z

Hi, You've probably gathered by now that I'm picking up from Peter
the administration of the Google Group and the co-ordination of the
boundary walkers. Philip asked if I'd do the boundary walkers and
Peter thought it would be good idea to do the Google Group as well.
However if anyone would like to help please contact me, I'm not a

I'm running the Loch Ness Marathon on 4th October - and fundraising for Carrifran

2009-09-21T09:23:05Z

Hello Wildwooders,

In case you want to pass this around to any contacts, I'm training for
the Loch Ness Marathon on 4th October - my first ever marathon - and
raising funds by sponsorship for the next high planting at Firth Hope.

If anyone would like to sponsor me, there's a fundraising page here:

Next SUNday volunteer day !

2009-09-15T09:04:50Z

Yes it looks like a perfect weekend to go to Carrifran ( go to
metcheck.com and type in Moffat for an update nearer the time). and
volunteer.
It's too early to plant trees but removal of vole guards and canes is
the order of the day. Come at 10 am, bring plenty of food and drink
and weather gear and...................sun blocker may be needed.

Buy this book !

2009-09-09T09:40:29Z

Myrtle and Philip Ashmole have written a book on Carrifran to mark ten
years of the project and to raise some funds. I have a copy and it is
a very good read, stories, science, excellent pictures, history and
comprehensive
I will upload the order form on to google
Peter Dreghorn

August Boundary Walk by John Savory

2009-09-05T22:29:03Z

I was going to do my boundary walk last week, but the weather was very
wet so I left it till today (25/8). It was mostly sunny and nice all
round and there is little to report. I took hammer and staples, and
found 13 staples missing which I replaced. Otherwise everything looks
OK, and no sheep seen on our side of the fence. Saw a family of 5

Ken Wardrop's July Boundary Walk Report

2009-09-04T22:05:25Z

Carrifran Boundary Fence Walk in July 2009 by Ken Wardrop

Summary - fence generally in very good shape, apart from Section 6 -
7. Also posts on lower part of section 10 - 11 (steep slope south
from Carrifran Gangs) are feeling a bit loose, probably because of
bounders using them for support. (I try not to.)

Congrats and visit

2009-08-26T23:26:58Z

Congratulations to us all on acquiring Corehead.
Philip and Myrtle, save me a autographed copy of your book.
I plan on being in the area in mid to late September. Will be also visiting Hugh
I hope my energy is enough to overcome my sorry out of shape body so I can see those
first trees we planted.

Book about the Wildwood project shortlisted for the Robin Jenkins Literary Award

2009-08-25T14:01:00Z

The Carrifran Wildwood Story, by Myrtle and Philip Ashmole with members of the Wildwood Group, follows the journey of Carrifran Wildwood from the birth of the idea through the first ten years in the life of the developing wildwood. The book has been shortlisted for a new literary award. The Robin Jenkins Literary Award 2008/9 is sponsored by Forestry Commission Scotland and is for writing that promotes Scotland’s cultural heritage and environment, drawing on inspiration from forestry, trees and woodlands.

Corehead

2009-08-25T12:11:28Z

Great news about the Corehead purchase. Sadly, my feet have given up, and I
can no longer walk the hills - my joy for so many years. But we will
certainly visit Corehead. I know it of yore.
I'm still on the group's membership lis, so hear what's been going on.
All the best with this great step forwards - and congratulations to have

Corehead purchased by Borders Forest Trust

2009-08-25T10:38:04Z

On July 9th the Borders Forest Trust became owneers of Corehead Farm,
which is just over the hill from Carrifran in the Annan Water. It is
of similar size to Carrifran but will be a very different project.
Thankyou to all Carrifran friends and volunteers who contributed so
much, not only money but also the 10 years experience and skills

Credit for old photo again

2009-07-16T14:48:22Z

Re my message of 14 July, I now find that the photo was taken on a Fuji FinePix A340. Anyone know who has this camera?
Philip
****************************** **************
Philip and Myrtle Ashmole,
Kidston Mill, Peebles, EH45 8PH, UK
email: philip.myr...@ashmole.org.uk
website: kidstonmill.org.uk

Credit for old photo

2009-07-14T09:34:16Z

Dear Googlers,
Help needed! We would like to use this super photo, taken on the first high camp in 2007, in the Carrifran book, but we don't know who took it.
If anyone recognises it, please contact me so that we can give due credit (and perhaps get a higher resolution version). Ideally, email me direct at phi...@ashmole.org.uk

Positive project

2009-06-13T09:49:28Z

I visited Carrifan in
May. Incredible 2 c
one of those bare
British Isles valleys
of which there r so
many, filled with
small trees.
Wildflowers coming
also. Wow! The
faeries r blissed!
Excellent rewilding
project. Ideas: more
local awareness/
visits/work.

December Boundary Walk

2009-06-09T07:07:19Z

Thanks to Colin Semple and John Thomas for offering to do the December
Boundary Walk You can either do it two halves ( pre-arranged of
course) or together. Either is a good idea for this time of year
because of weather and short daylight hours
Cheers
Peter

Jan John Thomas ( John would like a partner to do the walk)

Boundary Walk update and thanks to Willie

2009-06-06T17:23:44Z

Here's the update for 2009 Boundary Walks. Thanks to Willie for
offering July at the last minute.
Willie, please refer to Crinan's report for June when it appears.

Anyone for Dark December - Boxing day ?

Jan John Thomas ( John would like a partner to do the walk)
Feb Les Forster
Mar Nig Humphrey

July Boundary Walker needed

2009-06-05T19:51:33Z

Anyone fancy doing the Carrifran Boundary Walk late July ? Check the
Carrifran Website for information on what is required

Many thanks

Peter

Corehead nearly here !

2009-05-23T15:10:26Z

[link]

Please would you have a look at this fund raising Youtube clip and
help us achieve our aims, so far we have raised £600,000 but need more
this week to reach our goal. Then can you please pass the clip on to
several people, by copying and pasting this message,

Accessing April Boundary Walk Pictures

2009-05-19T18:10:34Z

To view Jim's pictures go to Files, click on 'view all' and click on
those files loaded by - 'jkni'
Cheers and thankyou Jim, I like the format of the report and the
pictures
Peter

Boundary Walk Report for 18 April 2009

2009-05-19T10:29:35Z

Please see my report below:
WILDWOOD PROJECT NOTES OF INSPECTION
ON SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2009 BY JIM KNIGHT AND DUNCAN WILSON

Time Location Observations / Remarks

11.00 Leave car park Walked around boundary anticlockwise i.e. up Dun
Knowe. Weather cloudy with E wind.

Fence condition Good all the way up the eastern boundary.

The May high camp

2009-05-16T07:12:56Z

Sadly, we can't do the camping this weekend, as the main group who were coming pulled out late on Friday, leaving us with no quorum.
However, several people will be walking up for the day on Saturday, and probably also a few on Sunday. There are lots of trees to plant up there.
Please email phi...@ashmole.org.uk if you plan to come.

volunteer day

2009-05-11T19:08:47Z

Volunteer day at Carrifran Sunday May 17th. Don't forget.
This is also the weekend for the last of the high camps. If you come on Sunday you have the opportunityof going up high and joining the high campers when they are planting, or staying at a more reasonable level and helping to remove vole guards. Both tasks we need volunteers for.

FAO Jim Bomford

2009-04-13T18:34:12Z

[link]

Hi Jim,
I will join you up to Google Group for Carrifran, if you can give me
an email that works !. The valley is adjacent to the Grey Mare's tail
and this page has a detailed description. It's off the A708 near
Moffat DG109LH
In the meantime we have another potential project which needs money !

Support for the purchase of Corehead urgently needed

2009-04-20T19:51:22Z

As you may know the Borders Forest Trust is attempting to raise funds
to buy Corehead (including the Devil's Beeftub) by May this year. So
far we have raised £460,000 but still need more to meet the target of
£700,000. Many of you have already helped but if you have not, why not
consider a donation or become stakeholder ?

Carrifran volunteer Sunday and high planting weekend

2009-04-13T11:00:02Z

Carrifran Volunteer day comes round again
Sunday 19th April
Meet at the car park 10.00 am
We need to plant aspen, burnet rose and willows.
We shall also be taking some cuttings of eared-willow.
There are still some tree tubes and large numbers of vole guards to be removed.
Lots to do.
Wear suitable clothes and bring your lunch.

Boundary Fence needs urgent attention

2009-03-29T20:59:39Z

Boundary Walk 28th March 2009

It was a bright, clear, very windy day, with most of the walk
completed in sunshine. It was 3 degrees when we left at 10am and when
we returned at 4pm. Snow was lying above about 600m.
We found the box of staples, hammer and pliers amongst the junk on

Volunteer day at Carrifran Sunday 15th March

2009-03-11T19:24:39Z

Spring is nearly here (?), and it is the ideal time to plant trees! As I write the sun is shining, so perhaps it will be the same on Sunday. Bring a picnic, bring the children or just bring yourselves. Come and join the volunteers.
There is still lots to do.
Sunday Volunteer Day
March 15th
Meet at the car park at 10.00

High Planting April and May - not March

2009-03-04T16:11:09Z

[link]

The high planting in March is now cancelled since the ground is too
wet to get a tractor up to Firth Hope to deliver the trees.
However this makes April and May planting all the more important so
please let us know if you can attend either of those weekends. Follow

Pine seed collection

2009-03-04T09:26:27Z

Hello Wildwood Groupers
We are planning to collect seed froma small group of probably native pines in the Kielder forestby means of tarpaulins stretched under the trees to catch the falling cones. Possible dates are 10th to 20th,except 14th and 15th. Philip, George and I will be going. If you'd like to join us,please let me know what dates you could manage. Because of distance, it will take most of the day

February Boundary Walk, second report

2009-02-27T11:46:41Z

Dear Peter

Three of us (me, Robin and a friend of mine Archie) accompanied Les on
his fence check today, and he will send you his report. Contrary to
the weather forecast, conditions were horrible, continuous rain, low
cloud, high wind and windchill, so we beat a retreat at the halfway
point at Games Castle. We did the E side of the valley and found the

February Boundary Walk Report

2009-02-27T11:44:40Z

Together with Robin and John from the Tuesday Volunteers, and John's
colleague Archie, we attempted the February Boundary Walk today, anti-
clockwise from the car-park. I say "attempted" because the wind and
rain were so strong that it would have foolish to continue past Rotten
Bottom, towards Saddle Yolk. So in fact we only completed half the

Hi every one

2009-02-16T11:33:18Z

Hi everyone,

I am George Moffat, Woodland Officer for BFt and now i have also taken
over Hughs role at Wildwood for the Tuesday volunteers and Sunday
volunteer days. Just to let you know over the past couple of monthe
the Tuesday group has planted over 2,000 trees below Raven Craig and
further supplimentary planting in several areas. The weather has

Woodland Bounty - Wild Harvests in the Scottish Borders - 15 Feb

2009-01-30T11:49:49Z

Hi all,
This isn't directly to do with Carrifran, but it's a Borders Forest
Trust event - and I think many of you will be interested in it, so I
hope you don't mind my emailing the group to let you know:
There will be a wild harvests gathering at the Buccleuch Arms, St
Boswells, Scottish Borders, next month. It's a one-day event with

Boundary Walk, 18th Jan

2009-01-28T22:44:14Z

Having been greeted by Philip and George busily sorting trees for
planting on a rather cold, wet Sunday morning I set off up the side of
Todcastles. At the fence above the Spoon Burn a hawk flitted out of
the trees opposite and flew off to keep an eye on me from a safe
distance. Was it a peregrine ? I was too late with the binoculars to

Veolunteer day next Sunday

2009-01-12T13:15:52Z

Volunteer Sunday 18th January.
Volunteers needed - lots of trees to plant.
Meet at the car park at 10am. Wear warm clothes and don't forget your lunch.
______________________________ _
text for default signature

Opportunity to clean a woodland !

2009-01-12T10:11:30Z

By way of thanks to Dougie Downie for Boundary Walking and
volunteering I am posting this message on his behalf. Although it is
not about Carrifran it is a related topic.
Peter

Hi All those people who get annoyed by what the attached photo
shows .
Yes it,s the dumb dumpers of Penicuik.
I am organising a clean up day in the town where I stay .

Colin Semple's Christmas Boundary Walk

2009-01-08T11:12:13Z

Hello Peter,

I managed to do the boundary walk on Saturday – good day for it,
lovely cold & clear day. Quick summary report below.

Date:

* 27 Dec 08

Direction:

* Anti-clockwise

Fence:

* No major issues – fence wire was taut in all places.
* Some loose posts on the climb up to Carrifran Gangs (between 12

Trapped Stakes

2009-01-06T11:32:44Z

On a recent walk near Peebles, I entered a plantation of birch and ash.The trees looked about 6-10m high and about 15cm diameter at the base The wood looked fine from a distance but, close to, you see that nearly every tree has a stake embedded in its base and leaning out at an angle of about 30 deg from the trunk, which looks unnatural and unsightly.It's impossible to pull them out, and as they're treated wood it'll be a long time before they rot away.

€exhibition for Wildwood funds

2009-01-05T17:10:08Z

I forgot to give the time of the open evening for Wildwood at my
exhibition (see my first email). The invitations say 6.30, but we will
surely be around for two hours. Philip will talk about the Wildwood at
about 6.45, and probably again later if there is demand. Hope to see
some of you there.
Myrtle

exhibition in aid of Carrifran

2009-01-03T14:12:39Z

In the studio of the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles, I will be having an exhibition of screen prints for sale in aid of funds for Carrifran. This will run from January 6th to Jan 25th. On Friday Jan 9th there will be an open evening (wine and nibbles)and an opportunity for people to hear more about the Wildwood project. It would be great if any of you can come, especially if you can talk to people about volunteering and/or boundary walking.

Farming Today

2008-12-24T13:23:24Z

[link]

Listen to BFT and Carrifran Group talking about the reforesting of
scotland. A good reassurance for farmers that trees are not
predatory !!
Peter

2009 Boundary walks to date 2/12/08

2008-12-02T13:56:21Z

Here's two more names, many thanks Dom and Crinan
Peter

Jan John Thomas ( John would like a partner to do the walk)
Feb Les Forster
Mar Nig Humphrey
Apr Jim Knight
May Paul Henry
June Crinan Alexander
July TBA
Aug John Savory
Sept Dominic Ashmole
Oct Mike and Alison Baker
Nov Raymond Handyside

Boundary Walks 2009 -List so far

2008-12-02T11:52:36Z

Many thanks for your kind offers of BWing. Here's the names so far.
Please check the Carrifran Web site for a good example of a report.
The walk can be done mid month on a week day or weekend.
Peter

Jan John Thomas ( John would like a partner to do the walk)
Feb Les Forster
Mar Nig Humphrey

Its been a pleasure and a priviledge.

2008-11-24T16:14:42Z

Dear Wildwood Folks,

As many of you will know this will be my last day in the BFT office as
a BFT employee and as Wildwood Project Officer, having started in
January 2000. The last 9 years at work has been interesting, and what
more can a body ask for?! Above all I have enjoyed working with all