ranger events 2016

West Lothian Countryside Ranger Service 2017

Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & Calderwood westlothian.gov.uk

Countryside Ranger Service To help you get out and explore the outstanding nature on your doorstep, West Lothian Council’s Ranger Service is offering a great range of events for all the family. From our ever popular summer activity weeks to night time walks looking and listening out for “creatures of the night”. Come and have fun at “Wonderful Wild Wednesdays” or bring your toddler to our Caterpillar Club. There are various family activities for everyone to get involved in. Look out for us in your local parks and green spaces too!

So why not come along and join us and find out what nature has to offer in West Lothian!

Almondell & Calderwood Ranger base, by Broxburn EH52 5PE Tel: 01506 882254, email: almondell&[email protected]

Beecraigs Ranger base, by Linlithgow EH49 6PL Tel: 01506 284516, email: [email protected]

Polkemmet Ranger base, by Whitburn EH47 0AD Tel: 01501 743905, email: [email protected]

You can find out more about what Parks & Woodland has to offer by visiting our website

www.beecraigs.com

Contacting the Ranger Service...West Lothian Council’s Ranger Service has bases at Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, Beecraigs Country Park and Polkemmet Country Park.

Contact details for the Ranger Service are:

To Book Events...• Booking is ESSENTIAL for all events, except for those

marked as ‘Drop in’ events• All events must have a minimum of 6 persons to run

(unless special reason e.g. drop in event)

The base to contact will be designated with:

For Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

For Beecraigs Country Park

For Polkemmet Country Park For Other Areas

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Ranger Service

Environmental Activity Weeks

MONDAY 3 - FRIDAY 7 JULY 9am - 4.30pm POLKEMMET COUNTRY PARK Suitable for: 5-11 year oldsCost: £89 MONDAY 24 - FRIDAY 28 JULY 9am - 4.30pmALMONDELL & CALDERWOOD COUNTRY PARKSuitable for: 5-11 year oldsCost: £89 MONDAY 14 - FRIDAY 18 AUGUST 9am – 4.30pm BEECRAIGS COUNTRY PARKSuitable for: 5-11 year oldsCost: £89

Then join the Ranger for action-packed fun-filled activities! Explore the forest, learn some bushcraft and get crafty with nature.

Booking is essential for all events

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OSAT 1 APRIL

INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING (POLKEMMET)INTERLOPERS ORIENTEERING CLUB Use a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www.interlopers.org.ukSuitable for: Everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerersMeet: South Car Park, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: Register between 1.30pm - 2.30pmCost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors

OWED 29 MARCH

BUSHCRAFT BASICS RJ BUSHCRAFTYour chance to learn some basic bushcraft skills, traditional firelighting skills, water purification, shelter building, knife & axe safety and much more. This bushcraft fundamentals course is a fun day, aimed at people with little or no bushcraft & survival experience. To book your place, visit www.rjbushcraft.comSuitable for: Family friendly, children over 8 years welcomeMeet: Tor Whitie WoodsWest CalderTime: 10am - 4pmCost: £65, includes all equipment and refreshments

PSAT 8 APRIL

POLKEMMET’S HIDDEN PASTStep back in time with this short walk and talk around Polkemmet. Suitable for: AllMeet: Outside Polkemmet Visitor CentreTime: 2pm - 4pmCost: FREE

april

marchSAT 25 MARCH

SPRING/EASTER OPEN DAY POLBETH AND WEST CALDER COMMUNITY GARDENOur annual programme of events has a range of activities suitable for all ages, with different themes for each season or event. We have indoor and covered outdoor spaces in case of bad weather. We will have guided walks, children’s activities, demonstrations in the Garden and Woodland, Dr Bike sessions, pizza oven, teas, coffees, juice and home baking. See facebook or our website for more info - polbethandwestcaldergarden.weebly.comSuitable for: AllMeet: ‘Garden for Life’, Limefield Road (between Polbeth and West Calder) Time: 2pm - 4pmCost: FREE

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BSUN 2 APRIL

BEECRAIGS PAST & PRESENTEver wondered how Beecraigs Country Park came to be the park it is today? Delve into Beecraigs’ hidden past and find out about the new waymarked trails and what’s planned for the future in this guided walk around the park. Suitable for: AllMeet: Outside Beecraigs Visitor CentreTime: 2pm - 4pmCost: FREE

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CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different nature theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun!Suitable for: Parents and toddlers (age 2 - 4) local to PolkemmetMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 10am - 11.30amCost: FREE

SAT 15 APRIL

ALMONDELL PAST & PRESENTJoin the Ranger Service and Friends of Almondell for an afternoon amble through time. Find out who used to live there and discover the wonderful heritage features that they left behind. Suitable for: AllMeet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: 2pm - 3pmCost: FREE

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SAT 6 MAY

INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING (ALMOND PARK)INTERLOPERS ORIENTEERING CLUBUse a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www.interlopers.org.uk Suitable for: Everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerersMeet: Next to the Rugby Club, Almond South Road, LivingstonTime: Register between 1.30pm - 2.30pmCost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors

SUN 7 MAY

FOOD FOR FREEDiscover nature’s larder around Polkemmet Country Park and gather ideas for unusual wild treats and recipes. Suitable for: All AgesMeet: Outside the Classroom,Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: FREE

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THURS 18 MAY

CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different nature theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun!Suitable for: Parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to PolkemmetMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 10am - 11.30amCost: FREE

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april

may

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Booking is essential for all eventsmayTHURS 18 MAY

SPRING WALK IN CALDERWOOD An opportunity to learn about this special site, its management and a chance to see the spring wildflowers. The ground can be rough in places so please wear sturdy footwear.Suitable for: All (adults and older children)Meet: Gasworks Brae entrance, off Bank Street, Mid CalderTime: 6.30pm - 8.30pmCost: Free

FRI 26 MAY

FAMILY FRIENDLY BADGER WATCHJoin the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 8pm - 9.30pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

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juneOSAT 3 JUNEINT

INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING (CALDERWOOD)INTERLOPERS ORIENTEERING CLUBUse a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www.interlopers.org.uk Suitable for: Everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerersMeet: Oakbank Park Road (Industrial Estate)Time: Register between 1.30pm – 2.30pmCost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors

THURS 29 JUNECATERPILLAR CLUB CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different nature theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun!Suitable for: Parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to PolkemmetMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 10am - 11.30amCost: FREE

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SAT 1 JULY

BADGER WATCHJoin the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch.Suitable for: Adults and children over 12 yearsMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 8pm - 9.30pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

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july

OSAT 1 JULY

INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING (DECHMONT LAW)INTERLOPERS ORIENTEERING CLUBUse a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www.interlopers.org.uk Suitable for: Everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerersMeet: Deans Community High School, LivingstonTime: Register between 1.30pm – 2.30pmCost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors

MON 3 JULY – FRI 7 JULY

RANGER ACTIVITY WEEKJoin the Ranger Service for a whole week of fun packed outdoor activities, build your own shelter, scramble up burns, and learn how to light a campfire and much, much more.

Suitable for: 5-11 year olds who enjoy being outdoors.Meet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country Park.Time: 9am - 4.30pmCost: £89

WED 12 JULY

WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY (POLKEMMET)Wild Wednesdays are back for 2017! Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities, games, crafts and more.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: South Car Park, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: Drop in between 11am - 3pmCost: FREE

BFRI 14 JULY

FAMILY FRIENDLY BADGER WATCH Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 8pm - 9.30pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

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WED 19 JULY

WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY EAST CALDERWild Wednesdays are back for 2017! Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities in parks around West Lothian. Look out for it in your area!Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: East Calder ParkTime: Drop in between 11am - 3pmCost: FREE

july

PTHURS 20 JULY

CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different nature theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun!Suitable for: Parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to PolkemmetMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 10am-11.30amCost: FREE

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RANGER ACTIVITY WEEK Join the Ranger Service for a whole week of fun packed outdoor activities, build your own shelter, scramble up burns, and learn how to light a campfire and much, much more.Suitable for: 5 - 11 year olds who enjoy being outdoors.Meet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: 9am - 4.30pmCost: £89

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augustOWED 2 AUGUST

WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY(WINCHBURGH)NATIONAL PLAY DAYWild Wednesdays are back for 2017! Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities in parks around West Lothian. Look out for it in your area!Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Craigton Park, off Craigton Place, WinchburghTime: Drop in between 11am-3pmCost: FREE

SAT 5 AUGUST

BADGER WATCH Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch.

Suitable for: Adults and children over 12 years oldMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 8pm - 9.30pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

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WED 9 AUGUST

WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAYARMADALEWild Wednesdays are back for 2017! Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities in parks around West Lothian. Look out for it in your area!Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Watson Park, ArmadaleTime: Drop in between 11am - 3pmCost: FREE

MON 14 AUGUST - FRI 18 AUGUST

RANGER ACTIVITY WEEKJoin the Ranger Service for a whole week of fun packed outdoor activities, build your own shelter, scramble up burns, and learn how to light a campfire and much, much more.Suitable for: 5 - 11 year olds who enjoy being outdoors.Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 9am - 4.30pmCost: £89

SUN 27 AUGUST

HARVEST OPEN DAYPOLBETH AND WEST CALDER COMMUNITY GARDENOur annual programme of events has a range of activities suitable for all ages, with different themes for each season or event. We have indoor and covered outdoor spaces in case of bad weather. We will have guided walks, children’s activities, demonstrations in the Garden and Woodland, Dr Bike sessions, pizza oven, teas, coffees, juice and home baking. See facebook or our website for more info: polbethandwestcaldergarden.weebly.comSuitable for: AllMeet: ‘Garden for Life’, Limefield Road (between Polbeth and West Calder) Time: 2pm - 4pmCost: FREE

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augustAFRI 25 AUGUST

BAT WALK NATIONAL BAT WEEKAn after dark walk looking and listening for bats and other creatures of the night!Suitable for: AllMeet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: Details on bookingCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

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PTHURS 31 AUGUST


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FRI 1 SEPTEMBER

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 8pm - 9.30pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

september

PFRI 8 SEPTEMBER

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 7.30pm – 9pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

SAT 16 SEPTEMBER

FOOD FOR FREEAutumn has arrived; let’s make the most of nature’s larder! Come take a walk through Beecraigs and find out where tasty wild foods can be found.Suitable for: AllMeet: Outside Beecraigs Visitor CentreTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: FREE

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FRI 15 SEPTEMBER

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: 7.30pm - 9pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

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SUN 24 SEPTEMBER

FOOD FOR FREEAutumn has arrived; Come take a walk through Almondell and gather some ideas for wild treats and recipes.Suitable for: AllMeet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: FREE

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PTHURS 28 SEPTEMBER

CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different nature theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun!Suitable for: Parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to PolkemmetMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 10am - 11.30amCost: FREE

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SUN 15 OCTOBER

LANTERN MAKINGCreate luminous lanterns from willow and paper just in time for dark nights and Halloween.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: 2pm-3.30pmCost: £4.65 per Lantern

SAT 21 OCTOBER

BROOM MAKINGCalling all witches and wizards. Collect material and make your own Harry Potter style broom to be proud of. Perfect for Halloween.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: £3.80 per broom

SUN 29 OCTOBER

LANTERN MAKINGCreate luminous lanterns from willow and paper just in time for dark nights and Halloween. Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country ParkTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: £4.65 per Lantern

octoberTHURS 26 OCTOBER


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Halloween Party

SUN 29 OCTOBER

POLBETH AND WEST CALDER COMMUNITY GARDEN

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Our annual programme of events has a range of activities suitable for all ages, with different themes for each season or event. We have indoor and covered outdoor spaces in case of bad weather. There will be guided walks, children’s activities, demonstrations in the Garden and Woodland, Dr Bike sessions, pizza oven, teas, coffees, juice and home baking. See facebook or our website for more info - polbethandwestcaldergarden.weebly.comSuitable for: AllMeet: ‘Garden for Life’, Limefield Road (between Polbeth and West Calder) Time: 2pm-4pm (for younger children) and 5pm – 7pmCost: FREE

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Booking is essential for all eventsdecember

SAT 9 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS CRAFTSCome and try your hand at making a Christmas wreath. Materials will be provided.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Outside the Classroom, Polkemmet County ParkTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: £3.80 per wreath

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SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER

Accompany the Ranger as we feed the deer their magic food and make sure everything is OK for the work ahead. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear / Wellington boots.

Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 11am & 2pmCost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child

Christmas Deer Walks

SUN 3 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS CRAFTSCome and try your hand at making a Christmas wreath. Materials will be provided.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country ParkTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: £3.80 per wreath

ASUN 10 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS CRAFTSCome and try your hand at making a Christmas wreath. Materials will be provided.Suitable for: FamiliesMeet: Almondell Visitor CentreTime: 2pm - 3.30pmCost: £3.80 per item

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If you don’t fancy any of our organised events there is still

plenty to do in all three Country Parks. Drop in to the new

Visitor Centre at Beecraigs for a look around the shop and

interpretation area and have a well-earned hot drink and snack

in the café.

Beecraigs offers kilometres of forest walks, mountain bike trails and skills area,

animal attraction, it’s a great place to picnic and soak up the

spectacular views.

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is perfect for a relaxing

amble along the River Almond, taking in the Park’s historical features before dropping into

the Visitor Centre to view the frequently changing art

exhibition.

At Polkemmet you could have a round of golf, practice your swing

at the driving range or go for a woodland walk.

Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & Calderwood

If you would like more information or maps of the Parks go to www.beecraigs.com

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Clubgolf and Children’s Golfing Activities 2017

CLUBGOLF EVENING COACHING STAGE 1/STAGE 2 AND JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT Great ways to introduce kids to the game of golf, come along, have fun and enjoy our successful Junior Golf Programme. Golf clubs can be supplied. Sessions run on Mon, Tue, Wed or Thurs. Phone for more details.Suitable for: 6 - 12 year olds Meet: Polkemmet Driving RangeTime: 6pm - 7pm and 7pm - 8pmCost: £36.50 per 12 week block

Session Dates:20th Feb – 11th May15th May – 3rd Aug14th Aug – 2nd Nov6th Nov - 25th Jan 2018

CLUBGOLF EVENING COACHINGPARENT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENTThis is a great way to receive coaching with your child. Sessions run over a 12 week period, Wed 6pm-7pm and Thurs 6.30pm-7.30pm. The child must be accompanied by their parent and vice versa to be involved in these sessions.Suitable for: child 6-12yrs and their parentMeet: Polkemmet Driving RangeTime: Wed 6pm-7pm and Thurs 6.30pm-7.30pmCost: £36.50 per child/12 week block £40 per Parent/12 week block

Session Dates:20th Feb – 11th May15th May – 3rd Aug14th Aug – 2nd Nov6th Nov - 25th Jan 2018

JUNIOR ADVANCED ON-COURSE COACHINGHave you completed ClubGolf Stage 1/ Stage 2? If so, why not try our Advanced Coaching Sessions around Polkemmet’s fantastic 9-hole Golf Course. Take your skills to the next level, and learn the finer details required to complete a round of golf. Golf clubs can be supplied. Sessions take place on alternate Sundays.Suitable for: 6 -12 year oldsMeet: Polkemmet Visitor CentreTime: Sessions available 12pm-1pm, 1pm-2pm, 2pm-3pmCost: £36.50 per 12 week block for MembersCost: £46.50 per 12 week block for Non-Members

On-Course Session Dates:23rd Apr – 24th Sep8th Oct – 11th Mar 2018

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SUMMER CLUBGOLF CAMP The week consists of skills-based activities and games to engage and entertain. Wet weather options. The camp runs each day (Mon-Thurs) finishing with a “fun day” to ensure each junior golfer takes away a positive golfing experience and a great feeling about our club.Suitable for: 6 – 12 year oldsMeet: Polkemmet Visitor CentreTime: 10am - 2pm Cost: £54.00 per child

Golf Camp Session Dates:17th July – 20th July24th July – 27th July

CLUBGOLF TASTERS A great way to introduce kids to the game of golf. Come along, have fun and get a feel for our successful junior golf programme.Suitable for: 6 – 12 year oldsMeet: Polkemmet Driving RangeTime: 2.30pm-3.30pmCost: £2.50

Taster Dates:Sunday 7th May Sunday 13th AugustSunday 5th November

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Volunteer Sessions

4 February4 March1 April6 May

3 June8 July5 August2 September

7 October11 November9 December

Please contact the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&[email protected]

for more information

ALMONDELL & CALDERWOODThe ‘Friends of Almondell’ meet once a month (usually on the 1st or 2nd Saturday) between 10am – 12 noon to take on a variety of

practical conservation projects that are of real benefit to the Country Park. We also meet occasionally in the evenings to plan projects and

fund raising opportunities.

Meeting dates

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For information on either the Friends of Beecraigs or Friends of Polkemmet please contact the Beecraigs Ranger Service on 01506 284516, [email protected]

or the Polkemmet Ranger Service on 01501 743905, [email protected]

West Lothian’s Ranger Service are looking for ‘Friends’

Ever wanted to be more involved in West Lothian’s beautiful Country Parks?

The Ranger Service has “Friends” groups for each of our Parks. We are looking for people who are passionate about the environment and

green spaces and want to get involved in conservation volunteering, fund raising, improving our Parks for visitors or who want to support

the work being done by Parks & Woodland.

If you or your community group would like to be involved please contact:

Almondell & Calderwood Ranger base Tel: 01506 882254 • email: almondell&[email protected]

Beecraigs Ranger baseTel: 01506 284516 • email: [email protected]

Polkemmet Ranger baseTel: 01501 743905 • email: [email protected]

Information is available in Braille, tape, large print and community languages.Please contact the Interpretation and Translation Service on 01506 775000

ranger events 2016

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