Caithness Rangers get crafty for Christmas
The Highland Council Planning and Development’s Countryside Rangers in Caithness have had a busy weekend gearing up to the festive period.
On Saturday the local ranger assisted the Friends of Newtonhill Woodland Christmas tree family day at the new Newtonhill Woodland site near Wick by making mini Christmas trees and reindeer from cones. During the Christmas tree sale, the Friends provided a wonderful family day with children’s activities and refreshments. The trees were donated by Forestry Commission Scotland to help with fund raising for the Friends Group.
On Sunday morning, members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers came together for their annual bird box build and Christmas lunch at Seadrift Centre, Dunnet. During the session a record 14 boxes were constructed. These will now be distributed around suitable habitat in Caithness and used for ringing and monitoring purposes.
In the afternoon, the Seadrift Centre turned into a crafty workshop for family groups making natural Christmas decorations. A range of decorations were made from twigs, cones, willow and evergreens.
Marina Swanson, The Highland Council Countryside Ranger and organiser of the events said: “The events over the weekend have been very well supported and it was wonderful to see such a great turn out of people. Everyone was getting into the festive spirit and made some fantastic crafts. Thanks particularly to the Friends of Newtonhill and the Caithness Countryside Volunteers who give up their time throughout the year to help with events and environmental projects. On behalf of the Countryside Rangers I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing everyone at our events next year.”
The Caithness Countryside Volunteers group is organised through the Highland Council’s Planning & Development Countryside Rangers and is always looking for new members. If you wish to find out more about the group, please contact Marina Swanson on 01955604588 or e-mail marina.swanson@highland.gov.uk